Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation that typically involves cramping in the lower abdomen, though it can also include back pain, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and headaches. It is one of the most common gynecological complaints, especially among adolescents and young women. There are two types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is not associated with any underlying reproductive health condition and usually begins within a few years of menarche (first menstrual cycle). It is believed to result from the overproduction of prostaglandins—hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract—leading to pain and sometimes systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Secondary dysmenorrhea, by contrast, stems from identifiable medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or adenomyosis. This type often begins later in life and tends to worsen over time or persist beyond menstruation.
While primary dysmenorrhea often improves with age or childbirth, secondary dysmenorrhea usually requires treatment of the underlying disorder. For both types, non-pharmaceutical approaches can offer significant relief.
When to see a doctor:
Medical evaluation is recommended if period pain significantly interferes with daily life, worsens over time, doesn’t improve with over-the-counter remedies, or is accompanied by heavy bleeding or irregular cycles—these may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Natural remedies for Dysmenorrhea
Heat Therapy: Applying a hot water bottle or heating pad to the lower abdomen can reduce muscle cramping.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and fennel teas may have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Dietary Adjustments: A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce systemic inflammation.
Exercise: Light aerobic activity, such as walking or yoga, can help improve blood flow and reduce cramping.
Stress Management: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation may reduce perceived pain levels.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
soybean
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Avens
Achyranthes bidentata
Asoka
African Ginger
Ambergris
Angelica
Asparagus racemosus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Asoka Tree
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Arisaema cum bile
Aerva lanata
Akebia (unspecified)
Anemone
Agnusides
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Aresaema (unspecified)
alkaloid
Agnuside
Anthocyanins
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
beta-carotene
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia serrata
Black Haw
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boswellia
Blackhaw
Bacopasides
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Chinese Chastetree
Cannabis
Calotropis gigantea
Castor oil derivative (unspecified)
Cyathula
Chinese mugwort
Cod Liver Oil
Cannabinoids
Cyperus rotundus
Curcuminoid (unspecified)
Chastetree
Chinese peony
Chinese Motherwort
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Corydalis ambigua
Chamomile
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Desoxydiosgenin
Dong Quai
Dodder
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Embelia ribes
European Pennyroyal
European peony
Euphorbia
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Free Form Amino Acid
Flavonoid glycosides
Five-leaf Chastetree
Feverfew
Fish Oil
German Chamomile
Gland (unspecified)
Hedyotis diffusa
Hellebore (unspecified)
L-Tryptophan
Lady's Mantle
Ligusticum (Unspecified)
Lophira lanceolata
Labisia pumila
Motherwort
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Marine fat
Mugwort
Nutmeg & Mace
Omega-3
Proprietary Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil supplement)
Pennyroyal
Pulsatilla
Peony
Pennyroyal (unspecified)
Placenta
Poppy
Phytocannabinoid (unspecified)
Progesterone
Phytoestrogen
Placenta
Paeonia moutan
Phytoestrol (unspecified)
Rue
Stinging Nettle
Salicylate (unspecified)
Stinging Nettle
Semecarpus anacardium
Shepherd's Purse
Squaw Vine
Uterus
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitex negundo
Vitamin B6
Viburnum (unspecified)
Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitex (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (various)
White Peony
Wild carrot
Wild Yam
Western Mugwort
