Dysmenorrhea literally means painful menstruation. In realistic way, its the painful menstruation that eont allow to do our day to day activities.

Types:

Primary dysmenorrhea

It is the painful menstruation without any underlying disease condition.

Pain usually related to irregular uterine contactions or insufficient oxygen supply to uterus.

Moistly found in adolescents

Usually appears within 2 years of first menstruation.

May have a family history of dysmenorrhea ( mother and sisters may be having)

Mostly confined to ovulatory cycles.

Pain usually cured following pregnancy and vaginal delivery.

Causes of pain:

Tension and anxiety during adolescence.

Abnormal structure and function of the muscl layer of uterus.

Hyperactivity of uterine muscles.

Imbalance in nerve system that controlling uterine actions.

Hormonal imbalance. ( high level of prostaglandins, vasopressins, endothelins)

High level of platelet activation factor.

Symptoms :

Pain begins a few hours before or with onsent of menstuation.

Severity of pain last for few hours, may extend to 24 hours, rarely upto 48 hours.

Pain is spasmodic, And confined to lower abdomen.

Pain may radiate to back and medial aspect of thighs.

There may be other discomforts like, nausea, vomiting, weekness, diarrhoea, headache, and fast heart beat( tachycardia ).

May be associated with changes like, paleness, cold sweats, and occasional fainting.

Treatment:

Improvement of general health.

Simple psychotherapy helps in giving explanations and assurance.

Cause sholud be found and suitabie medicinal treatment have to be followed.

Seconday dysmenorrhea :

secondary dysmenorrhea is normally considered to be menstruation associated with pain due to some underlying diseases.

Patients are usually in their 30's, more often having kids.

It can be associated with pre menstrual pelvic congestion or increased blood circulation to pelvic organs.

Common causes:

Cervical stenosis ( cervical opening will be shrunken and blocked)

Long time pelvic infections.

Endometriosis ( uterine tissue will be located in sites other than normal and starts bleeding from there during menstruation, can lead to severe pain)

Pelvic adhesions ( pelvic organs may stick to near by organs)

Adenomyosis ( overgrowth on uterine tissues)

Uterine fibroid

Endometrial polyp

Intra uterine contraceptive devices.

Symptoms :

 Dull pain in lower abdomen  and back, without any radiation.

Usually starts 3-5 days prior to the periods and relieve once the bleeding starts.

The onset and duration of pain depends on the underlying illness.

May or may not have nausea, vomiting, headache, etc.

Patient may have discomforts even in between periods.

Treatment :

Treatment of underlying disease help  to reduce the symptoms.

Some home remedies :

Heat  application

Filling hot water with tolerable temperature in hot water bag and keep it over the painful site.

Cumin seeds

Drinking warm water which is boiled adding cumin seeds helps in relieving pain

Fenugreek seeds

Warm water boiled with fenugreek seeds is good for all types of uterine complaints.

 Avoid caffeine and salty foods

Keep your body hydrated

Drink plenty of water. This will help in relieving the fatigue and fluid loss from the body.

Avoid fatty foods

Yoga

Excersising yoga will help to balance the mind and body functions

Mild excersise

Mild excersises like brisk walking can be done during periods. This will help in improving the blood circulation to pelvic organs and reduce the pain.

Regular excersise for 1 hour a day will help to reduce the hormonal imbalances and helps to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle.

Homoeopathic remedies:

There are wonderful homoeopathic remedies that can help in relieving symptoms of both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Treatment for the underlying diseases of secondary dysmenorrhea are also available in homoeopathy.

Medicines like, Mag phos, Colocynthis, Cactus grandifolia, Belladona, veratrum album, Chamomilla, Cimicifuga, Cocculus, Millifolium are wonderful medicines that can relieve the menstrual cramps.

Medicines should be taken only after consulting a registered qualified homoeopathic physician.

Thank you.