Dysmennorhoea - Painful Periods

Introduction:

Pain in association with menstruation, is a very common disorder experienced by 50% of all menstruating women. If it is severe then seek the advice of a herbal practitioner. Otherwise hormone and nutritional support can help make dramatic improvements. Pain often occurs prior to the period and in bad cases 1 to 3 days into it. Pre-period and at early stages of the period there is increased production of prostaglandin's which in turn causes an increase in the uterine muscle contractions.

Dr Marilyn Glenville has much more detailed information about the link between prostaglandins and dysmennohoea. more...

All muscles need calcium and the uterine muscle is necessarily one of the strongest in the body - it has to expel a baby, after all!

Painful periods can simply be low calcium and magnesium levels which cause the cramping so often associated with menstruation. Sometimes there is relief after childbirth, but conversely increased cramping after childbirth can be due to the huge demands for calcium during pregnancy and these need to be replenished quickly. Uterine misalignment is a rarer cause which will need investigation, however wombs tilt individually and change position throughout life. Fibroids and endometriosis are other causes which need exploring if simpler methods do not improve things.

The more frequent reasons however often lie with poor circulation and toxic congestion coupled with an imbalanced hormone production.

Nutritional Advice:

You must increase calcium and magnesium intake: Include seaweeds like wakame and hijiki, both from the kelp family to ensure your physical and nutritional needs in general are met.

Try Omega 3, 6 & 9 sources - GLA capsules e.g. evening primrose oil as these will help with the vital need for extra prostaglandin production.

Herb Quality:

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

DO NOT MIX HERBAL MEDICINE AND GP PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GP OR PRACTIONER

Natural Healing:

Practice deep breathing at all times, but spend a concentrated 20 minutes a day doing belly breathing in a warm bath to really let go and relax.

Relax in a warm bath with a few drops of rosemary essential oil.

Use a slant board or, put your feet up as high as you can against a wall.

Put a muslin cloth over the abdomen which has been soaked in chamomile essential oil and sunflower oil, place a hot water bottle over the cloth for extra relief.