Period cramps (dysmenorrhea), affects countless women worldwide – you are not alone! Period pain can impact your personal and professional life. While some women consider it a normal part of menstruation, others seek relief from its debilitating effects. In the world of modern medicine, medications are often the go-to solution for dysmenorrhea, but it comes with potential risks and limitations. This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers you a unique and holistic approach to treating your period pain.

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Symptoms

Pain

• Typically starts just before or during menstruation.
• Ranges from mild discomfort, sharp, cramping or aching.
• Felt in the lower abdomen, back, or legs.

Other symptoms

• Digestive issues including bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomitting.

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Prevalence

• Research has shown a staggering 88% of females have experienced moderate to severe menstrual pain.
• Increased severity, increases the impact.
• Dysmenorrhea can interfere with your work and study.
• Menstrual pain as been linked to an increase in depression.

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Causes

Biomedical view

The root cause is unknown, however it is understood that:

• The uterine contracts to shed menstrual blood
• Some women have an excess of prostaglandins, which reduce the blood flow and causes nerve pain
• Some women have an excess production of leukotrienes which amplifies pain sensitivity

Primary of secondary dysmenorrhoea?

Primary dysmenorrhoea has no known cause where as Secondary dysmenorrhoea may be due to endometreosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), adenomyosis, leiomyomata, ectopic pregnancy or interstitial cytitis. It is important to consult a doctor to rule out any of these conditions.

Chinese medical view

Painful periods can have a number of causes, but commonly they may be caused by stress, physical exersion, chronic illness, and or excessive blood loss during labour.

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Treatments

Biomedical

• Medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and paracetomol
• Contraception, including the contraceptive pill, progestin-only pill, IUD

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine may help reduce period pain, some research can be found by a systematic review and a randomised control trial. The benefits are a holistic approach that addresses the root cause, as well as help alleviate the symptoms. Treatments may include:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Dietary advice
• Moxibustion
• Infrared heat lamp

Home remedies

• Heat packs on your back or stomach.
• Regular exercise.

Period cramps is a condition that affects the lives of many women, and its severity can be debilitating. While Western medicine provides solutions, Chinese Medicine offers an alternative approach rooted in ancient wisdom and holistic care. By understanding the unique perspectives of both systems, you can make informed choices about your treatment options, potentially finding relief and improve your overall well-being.