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How to treat dysmenorrhea naturally
First, what is it? What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is a series of symptoms women experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period. These can include severe and frequent cramps and pain. There are two classifications for dysmenorrhea:
- Primary dysmenorrhea is the naturally occurring kind that usually starts when you get your first period, and returns every month usually for the rest of your life. For some women dysmenorrhea can diminish as they get older, or disappear completely after having their first child.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is the kind that is caused by another medical condition–not just your natural cycle–and it should be diagnosed and treated by your physician.
In addition to cramping and pain in the lower abdomen, you can also experience other symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain
- Pain that radiates down the legs
- Nausea, vomiting and upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue and/or weakness
- Fainting
- Headaches
How does it happen?
As your cycle approaches the time when your period starts, the hormones in your body fluctuate. One of these hormones is progesterone, which first rises for ovulation, and then rapidly drops off afterwards. This fluctuation triggers the secretion of prostaglandins, which in turn cause contractions of the uterus. If these contractions are strong enough–which they are in the case of dysmenorrhea–they will push against nearby blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the uterine muscle, causing pain and cramping.
What can I do about it?
First of all, we should say that if you are experiencing very intense pain, or other symptoms beyond what is traditionally considered PMS, or if you just feel like something is off, you should consult your doctor. A doctor can do thorough testing that can rule out secondary dysmenorrhea, and can also prescribe medications for dysmenorrhea treatment if needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get help.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing PMS discomfort, but you feel it is within what is natural for you and your personal history, and you want some suggestions of remedies you can try at home to get some relief, keep on reading:
- Dietary changes: Simple and straightforward, reducing sugar and caffeine intake can help reduce inflammation and generally calm your nervous system, reducing pain and muscle tension.
- Supplements: Vitamins D, E, and B complex, as well as omega-3 oils, contribute to reducing inflammation and stabilizing your mood, among other things. Try to support your body consistently so that when that time of the month comes, your body is well prepared. Magnesium, potassium and calcium, important electrolytes, regulate muscle function and can help with the cramping as well.
- Regular exercise: This is always a health recommendation across the board, but consistent exercise keeps inflammation low, improves circulation and can help reduce bloating. Again, having a consistent regime prepares your body to better go through PMS and dysmenorrhea.
- A heating pad on your abdomen: This may help soothe the uterine muscle and reduce tension and cramping.
- A hot bath or shower: Hot water helps relax your muscles and nervous system, reducing tension and helping with cramping.
- Abdominal massage: When done by a qualified practitioner this can help reduce tension and cramping.
- Herbal teas: Women have used teas to help them cope with PMS for centuries. Chamomile and peppermint teas are caffeine-free and can help calm your body and nervous system. And cutting a few pieces of fresh ginger and making tea in hot water, adding a slice of lemon, creates a hot beverage that helps fight inflammation and bloating in your whole body.
Take some help from hemp
In addition to the natural remedies above, hemp-infused products are an effective alternative dysmenorrhea treatment. They can help improve your mood, reduce pain and make cramping more bearable. Holief™ has a complete line of holistic products for women that help you improve your wellbeing naturally.
Our drops for PMS symptoms with hemp extract are designed to naturally help you reduce the pain and discomfort associated with your period, and help improve your mood.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
https://www.everydayhealth.com/treatment/womens-health/ways-to-relieve-period-cramps/
