Introduction Primary Dysmenorrhoea Secondary Dysmenorrhoea See a doctor if Don'ts

Types Symptoms of Primary dysmenorrhoea Symptoms of Secondary Dysmenorrhoea Do's Homoeopathic treatment

Painful menstruation is termed as dysmenorrhoea (dysmenorrhea). Some amount of pain during menses is normal but excess pain is not a normal phenomenon, especially when it incapacitates the patient. Approximately 50% of menstruating women are affected by Dysmenorrhoea and about 10% are incapacitated for up to 3 days. It is one of the leading cause of absenteeism of females from scholls, colleges and work.

The factor that is most likely to be the cause of pain is the production of excess of prostaglandins- a hormone-like substance that causes contraction of uterus during menstruation and labour. During menstruation, the uterine contractions caused by Prostaglandins ensure that all the menstrual blood and endometrial tissue are expelled from the body, but excess prostaglandins can cause repeated contractions resulting in severe pain. It is common for these pains to persist throughout the reproductive years in some females but many women have found them to become milder after having a baby. Severe dysmenorrhoea is most prevalent in young single women leading a sedentary life.

There are two basic types of Dysmenorrhoea:
1. Primary Dysmenorrhoea and
2. Secondary Dysmenorrhoea

This usually begins within the first 6-12 months after menarche. High level of Prostaglandins is the cause of Primary dysmenorrhoea and there is no concurrent pathology of the uterus in this type. Other causes of Primary dysmenorrhoea include:

• Early menarche
• Nulliparity
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history of dysmenorrhoea

• Pain in lower abdomen/ pelvic region
• Pain generally begins with the onset of menses and lasts 8-72 hours
• Low backache
• Medial/anterior thigh pain
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea/vomiting

This usually begins when a woman is in her 20s or 30s, after years of relatively painless menstrual cycles. Presence of pelvic pathology (in addition to elevated prostaglandin levels) is the cause of Secondary dysmenorrhoea. The common causes of Secondary dysmenorrhoea include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata)
• Adenomyosis
• Endometrial polyps
• Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
• IUD usage
• Cervical stenosis
• Endometrial carcinoma
• Ovarian cysts

• Pain in lower abdomen/ pelvic region that begins before menses and generally lasts 24 -72 hours
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain during times other than menses
• Pain that is not relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Heavy menstrual flow or irregular bleeding
• Dyspareunia
• Infertility
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• The pain is very severe and interferes with normal day-to-day activities
• The pain is associated with other symptoms as listed under Secondary Dysmenorrhoea

• Take rest and alter your schedule to do light activity
• For severe pain, take an analgesic after consulting your physician
• Take a well-balanced, nourishing diet containing Vitamin B, calcium and magnesium
• Take plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit, these help correct constipation
• Yogic exercises help relax mind and body
• Try placing warm water bag over the abdomen for pain relief

• Do not over-exert during the menstrual cycle by doing things like weight lifting, jogging, etc.
• Avoid heavy meals, opt for four small meals at frequent intervals
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants
• Avoid excess of sugar and salt

Homoeopathy considers dysmenorrhoea as a constitutional problem and treats it accordingly. All the details about the patient are thoroughly evaluated in order to arrive at a constitutional remedy that treats the complaints from the roots. Homeopathy helps in relieving the pain during menses while taking care of the underlying pathology as well. Other complaints associated with painful menses can also be handled effectively with Homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy can help to reduce the dependency on conventional medication for pain relief. A noteworthy point is that the medicines are without any side effects whatsoever.