Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea, Greek for bad periods, is commonly known as menstrual cramps. Most women experience them at some time during their life. They can be very mild or severe enough to leave a woman unable to carry out her normal activities during the first three days of her period. They may also differ from month to month, or year to year. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. The primary form usually occurs in pubescent females. This form may disappear or become less severe after a woman reaches her mid-20s or gives birth. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual cramps that are due to other disorders of the reproductive organs and is not related to childbirth or age. Women with dysmenorrhea are generally fertile.

Menstrual cramps start a day or so before actual menses. They are felt in the lower or middle abdomen and can radiate to the hips, thighs, and back. They are described as a "colicky" type of pain, which means the pain rises to a peak and falls, and starts over again, reflecting the contractions of the uterus that underlie the cramps.

• Limit your intake of animal protein and fats.
• Take isoflavone supplements or eat soy-based foods.
• Use essential fatty acids on a daily basis.
• Avoid becoming overweight. Women who are overweight suffer more from menstrual cramps.
• A suitable mineral and vitamin supplement can help. Prior to your period
  
  

Primary dismenorrhea is caused by prostaglandin, a natural hormone produced by cells in the uterine lining. The level of prostaglandin increases in the second half of the menstrual cycle. When a woman’s period begins, the cells in the uterine lining release prostaglandin as they are shed. Women with severe primary dysmenorrhea have significantly higher prostaglandin levels in their menstrual fluid than do other women. During menstruation, the arteries and veins expand. This can cause blood pooling in the pelvis and in turn cause the drop of blood pressure and results in a woman feeling cold, clammy and heaviness. In some women, it also causes contraction and spasm of the smooth muscle of the gastro-intestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The flow itself is part of the problem. Heavy flow or clots in the menstruation have to squeeze out through the small opening of the cervix. This stretching is believed to cause pain as well. This is believed to be the reason some women's cramps subside or disappear after their first baby as the cervical opening has widened. Secondary dismenorrhea is a result of a disease or problem within the reproductive system. The pain may be similar to menstrual cramps, but often lasts longer than the menses, and may also occur at other times of the month. The most common causes are infection, adenomyosis (benign growths in the uterine walls), endometriosis (tissue from the lining of the uterus implants outside the uterus), adhesions (scarring or adherence of two surfaces), pelvic inflammatory disease, endometrial polyps (growths in the uterine lining and the use of IUDs. Medical and/or surgical treatment may be a necessity in this case. Pelvic exam and a patient history may help suggest the cause of dysmenorrhea.

Dismanorhea is diagnosed through its symptoms

• Limit your intake of animal and protein fat.
• Eat soy-based food
• Use essential fatty acids on a regular basis
  

Take a good brisk walk and breathe deeply as you walk. Do not overexert yourself. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the small of your back or on your abdomen. Taking a long leisurely hot bath can help in menstrual pain. Drink plenty of hot herbal teas, such as raspberry leaf tea.

The mood fluctuations associated with difficult period can be quite dramatic. Feelings of frustration and depression are common in women who also suffer severe menstrual cramps. It is vital to recognize hormonally-induced mood disorders and combat them with serotonin-raising herbs and other supplements. Having to deal with debilitating pain on a monthly basis can be very discouraging.