Menstrual Health

Menstrual Health

Many women encounter menstrual disorders, from the throbbing pains of dysmenorrhea (painful periods) to the unpredictability of irregular cycles and the emotional rollercoaster of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Let's explore the physiology behind these conditions so that we can more effectively manage their symptoms.

Menstrual pain, is largely caused by the release of prostaglandins, hormones that make the uterus contract. Irregular cycles can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances and lifestyle influences, while PMS is linked to changes in hormone levels before the onset of menstruation, affecting both physical health and mood.

Emotional Health Influences Menstrual Health

The connection between emotional health and menstrual disorders is huge. Stress can exacerbate symptoms like menstrual cramps and mood swings. Conversely, experiencing severe menstrual symptoms can increase stress and anxiety, creating a challenging cycle. Many young women find that addressing their emotional health can lead to a reduction in the severity of their menstrual symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise not only support overall emotional well-being but can also alleviate some of the physical discomfort associated with menstrual disorders.

Treatment Options

When it comes to treatment, there's a spectrum of options available to our individual preferences and needs. For those dealing with dysmenorrhea, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be effective. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, are frequently prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the severity of PMS symptoms. Additionally, dietary adjustments, increasing exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep play pivotal roles in managing these conditions.

Supportive treatments also offer immense benefits. Many young women find relief through the use of heating pads, warm baths, or herbal teas designed to soothe the body. Acupuncture and other holistic approaches can serve as complementary therapies. 

Evidence for Acupuncture

Australian scientists published in PLoS that acupuncture treatment reduced menstrual pain intensity and duration after three months of treatment and this was sustained for up to one year after trial entry. The study also found that all subjects experienced a significant improvement in their well being. 

A Cochrane review of five acupuncture trials also found that acupuncture and acupressure can improve both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.

Support for Period Pain and PMS:

We always recommend that you discuss your bothersome symptoms with your primary care physician. Sometimes painful periods and PMS may be symptoms of disorders such as fibroids, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease which require medical attention. To improve one's health to support healthier menses:

• Meditation

• Yoga

• Regular exercise

• Healthy eating

• Improving sleep quality

• Heating pads

• Warm baths

• Herbal teas

• Ibuprofen

• Birth control pills

• Acupuncture

From exercise, a high quality sleep routine, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga, to engaging in supportive treatments such as acupuncture, relief from menstrual pain and improvement in overall health and wellbeing can be achieved.