Dysmenorrhea is nothing more than menstrual pain. At present, it is the most frequent gynecological consultation problem in young women and, probably, the main cause of work and school absenteeism in women, given the monthly and disabling nature that it can reach.
Homeopathy can help alleviate period pain through different medications depending on the characteristics of the woman who suffers from it, as explained by Alberto Sacristán, president of the Spanish Society of Homeopathic Medicine.
What is dysmenorrhea and why does it occur?
First of all, let us know what is dysmenorrhea. When a woman consults because she feels pain during menstruation, it is necessary to take a medical history to assess whether there is any organic cause causing this discomfort.
What is primary dysmenorrhea
We speak of primary dysmenorrhea when there is no organic cause that justifies this pain and secondary dysmenorrhea (endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, fibroids, infections…) when there is some because that causes this pain.
Primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to intense and abnormal uterine contractions as a result of imbalances in prostaglandins, which are what control these uterine contractions.
When can we think of a secondary dysmenorrhea?
- In those situations, in which there is dysmenorrhea from the first cycle and then we can think of a congenital obstruction of the outflow tract.
- Dysmenorrhea that appears after 25 years of age.
- IUD carrier woman.
- Pathological findings on physical examination.
To rule out diseases that cause secondary dysmenorrhea, it is advisable to perform a general analysis with hormones and a gynecological ultrasound.
Homeopathy to relieve period pain
We can use homeopathy and different medicines based on the individualization of each woman’s process.
- Belladonna: we prescribe it when the woman presents menstrual pains that come and go, that are aggravated by sudden movements, and that present a red face.
- Cactus: very, very painful periods, worse at night. The pain is crampy and forces you to bend over.
- Chamomilla: pains both before and after menstruation, crampy type that worsens when the woman is irritated. There is an enormous sensitivity to pain.
- Black cohosh: menstrual pain increases the greater the bleeding, it is aggravated by movement.
Other ways to relieve period pain
Usually, in these situations we usually send analgesics to control the pain and little else. From the point of view of integrative medicine, we can perform different interventions. To address this problem in a comprehensive way, we will begin to explain that it is important to maintain healthy habits.
- Maintain an active life
You have to do physical exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming or dancing on a daily basis. Exercise releases endorphins which have effects that cause well-being and on the other hand an analgesic effect.
- Nutritional recommendations
- Avoid excessive consumption of salt as it promotes fluid retention.
- Exciting drinks should be avoided for the same reason.
- Foods rich in potassium prevent fluid retention: lettuce, tomato, asparagus…
- Foods rich in vitamin-B6: nuts, whole grains, fruits (banana, avocado…)
- Avoid refined and processed foods.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture has proven to be effective in painful processes of any origin. From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea can be due to Shi (excess) or Xu (deficiency) type. Depending on each type, a specific acupuncture treatment will be carried out.
- Other measures
- Evening Primrose Oil. It has a certain analgesic effect and regulates menstruation.
- The use of trace elements such as Magnesium-Cobalt or Zinc-Copper can be an interesting complement in dysmenorrhea.
- Clay poultices on the belly can help control pain.
