Dysmenorrhea
What are painful periods?
Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that happens as part of a woman's monthly cycle. Many women have painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea. The pain is most often menstrual cramps, which are a throbbing, cramping pain in your lower abdomen. You may also have other symptoms, such as lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Period pain is not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS causes many different symptoms, including weight gain, bloating, irritability, and fatigue. PMS often starts one to two weeks before your period starts.
What causes painful periods?There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Each type has different causes.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of period pain. It is period pain that is not caused by another condition. The cause is usually having too many prostaglandins, which are chemicals that your uterus makes. These chemicals make the muscles of your uterus tighten and relax, and this causes the cramps.
The pain can start a day or two before your period. It normally lasts for a few days, though in some women it can last longer.
You usually first start having period pain when you are younger, just after you begin getting periods. Often, as you get older, you have less pain. The pain may also get better after you have given birth.
Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. It is caused by conditions that affect your uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This kind of pain often gets worse over time. It may begin before your period starts and continue after your period ends.
What can I do about period pain?To help ease your period pain, you can try:
- Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen
- Getting some exercise
- Taking a hot bath
- Doing relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation
You might also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Besides relieving pain, NSAIDs reduce the amount of prostaglandins that your uterus makes and lessen their effects. This helps to lessen the cramps. You can take NSAIDs when you first have symptoms, or when your period starts. You can keep taking them for a few days. You should not take NSAIDS if you have ulcers or other stomach problems, bleeding problems, or liver disease. You should also not take them if you are allergic to aspirin. Always check with your health care provider if you are not sure whether or not you should take NSAIDs.
It may also help to get enough rest and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
When should I get medical help for my period pain?For many women, some pain during your period is normal. However, you should contact your health care provider if:
- NSAIDs and self-care measures don't help, and the pain interferes with your life
- Your cramps suddenly get worse
- You are over 25 and you get severe cramps for the first time
- You have a fever with your period pain
- You have the pain even when you are not getting your period
To diagnose severe period pain, your health care provider will ask you about your medical history and do a pelvic exam. You may also have an ultrasound or other imaging test. If your health care provider thinks you have secondary dysmenorrhea, you might have laparoscopy. It is a surgery that that lets your health care provider look inside your body.
What are treatments for severe period pain?If your period pain is primary dysmenorrhea and you need medical treatment, your health care provider might suggest using hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, or IUD. Another treatment option might be prescription pain relievers.
If you have secondary dysmenorrhea, your treatment depends upon the condition that is causing the problem. In some cases, you may need surgery.
Felter's Materia Medica on Dysmenorrhea
The rhizome and rootlets of Actaea alba, Bigelow (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). A perennial of the United States east of the Mississippi, abounding in... / ...productive organs, with atony and nervous impairmentsuch as the debility conducing to amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and the irritability of weakness of the sexual system provoking chorei... / ...arising from derangement of the reproductive organs. Like cimicifuga it is useful in atonic indigestion of the nervous dyspepsia type. 1
The flower-heads of Anthemis nobilis, Linné, (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Collected from cultivated plants. Common Names: Roman Chamomile, Chamomile,... / ...c debility, with flatus; the hot infusion to relieve colds due to sudden cutaneous chilling, and in dysmenorrhea to check pain and facilitate the flow. The oil may be employed for a like purpose, and ...1
The rhizome and rootlets of Asarum canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Aristolochiaceae). A native perennial of the United States found in rich soils in... / ...tive, diaphoretic and emmenagogue, of considerable value in amenorrhea from recent colds, in atonic dysmenorrhea, and in flatulent colic. A warm infusion is a very good diaphoretic with which to bre... / ...It is contraindicated by gastro-intestinal inflammation. 1
The (1) dried root and the (2) dried leaves and tops of Atropa Belladonna, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe and Central Asia; also... / ... of the penis it has given marked relief in chordee. A suppository of belladonna relieves spasmodic dysmenorrhea and may be applied either in the vagina or the rectum. A similar application, with or w...1
The leaves and flowering tops of Nepeta Cataria (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). A common perennial of Europe, and naturalized in the United States. Common... / ...ially valuable for the nervous irritability of dyspeptics, nervous headache, atonic amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea, and wards off nervous or hysterical attacks. The warm infusion is an admirable remedy ... / ...effects of alcohol are needed, or when the freshly dried herb cannot be obtained, the specific medicine may be used in place of the infusion.1
...esults, though macrotys has supplanted it for most conditions. Metritis, endo-metritis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovaralgia, ovaritis, rheumatism of the uterus, menstrual cramps, uterine subinvolution......tion of the emmenagogue principle of caulophyllum) has been successfully prescribed for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and chlorosis. The dose of leontin is 5 to 15 drops in syrup or sweetened water. Compo...1
The stigmas of Crocus sativa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Irideae). Asia Minor; much cultivated in Europe. Common Name: Saffron. Principal... / ...ion and Therapy.Reputed diaphoretic and emmenagogue, this agent was formerly used in amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, and suppression of the lochia. Five-drop doses of the tincture of crocus is advised fo... / ...(Carthamus tinctorius), which see under Carthamus. It may be used to color tinctures orange yellow, but it is too expensive for that purpose.1
The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Dioscoreaceae). A vine found throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names:... / ... tissues, in cholera morbus, indigestion, and dysenteric tenesmus. Ovarian neuralgia and spasmodic dysmenorrhea sometimes yield quickly to it. In all disorders it seems best adapted to irritable and ... / ...does not dissolve calculi. Usually, while there is much tenderness in cases requiring dioscorea, the distress is gradually relieved by pressure.1
The leaves and flowering or fruiting tops of Hyoscyamus niger, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe; naturalized in waste places in the United... / ...epression or the contrary, and in doses to meet each condition, it is extremely useful in spasmodic dysmenorrhea, flatulent colic, gastrodynia, spasmodic bowel disorders, painful hemorrhoids, spasmodi...1
The seed of Strychnos Ignatia, Lindley (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Philippine Islands. Dose, 1 to 2 grains. Common Name: St. Ignatius Bean. Principal... / ... special senses, particularly asthenopia, and of hearing; wandering pelvic pains; sexual frigidity; dysmenorrhea, with colic-like pain and heaviness of the womb; coldness of the extremities, with burn... / ...be a different molecular constitution in the two drugs, accounting for the varying shades of therapeutic activity ascribed to the two medicines.1
The rhizomes of several species of Liatris (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Middle and southern United States. Dose, 10 to 60 grains. Common Names: Button... / ...eve pain in spasmodic bowel complaints and colic in children, in backache in adults, and to relieve dysmenorrhea. It is seldom employed. Button snake root derives its name from its traditional Indian ...1
The whole plant of Lilium tigrinum (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Native of Japan and China, but largely cultivated. Common Name: Tiger... / ...on, being employed also to allay the nausea of pregnancy and of uterine irritability, in congestive dysmenorrhea, and chronic ovarian neuralgia with darting, burning pain in the ovaries. It is also sa...1
Lupulin. The glandular powder separated from the strobiles of Humulus Lupulus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cannabaceae), the common Hop. (See... / ...yed when they depend upon nervous debility. For the latter reason it has been given with success in dysmenorrhea, and other painful conditions of the uterus and in after-pains. Lupulin checks fermenta...1
The dried flower-heads of Matricaria Chamomilla, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Wastes of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...pains, cough, nervous muscular twitching, and other unpleasant nervous phenomena. In amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, with weighty feeling in the uterus and tympanites, it often relieves, as it does in ca... / ...to the actual pain suffered. This remedy should be resorted to when one is tempted to employ opiates and other more powerful pain relievers.1
The leaves and flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis, Willdenow (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A common weed found everywhere in the United States.... / ...ss to the touch. With these indications it is very effectual in some cases of ovarian neuralgia and dysmenorrhea. Though it may relieve headache due to gastric disorders, it is best adapted to painful...1
Physician's Materia Medica on Dysmenorrhea
Antispasmodic, reducing arterial tension and so causing momen tary acceleration of the heart beat. Used chiefly by inhalation to relax spasm, notably in asthma, in whooping cough. in spasmodic croup, in epileptic seizures, in tetanus and strychnine poisoning and in spasmodic dysmenorrhea. It is a valuable agent also in angina pec toris and in sudden heart failure, but must be used always intelli gently and with due caution remembering that it is a depressant, not a stimulant. Dose. usually 0.13 2
The seed of ANenLIen ATROPURPUREA, Lin. (American Angelica) and the root of ANGELICA AncHANGELIen, Lin. (European Ange lica). Aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue. Used in flatulent colic, in chronic bronchitis and in dysmenorrhea.2
The rhizome and roots of CIMICIFUGA RACEMOs.-l, (L.) Nutt. Alterative, antispasmodic, uterine sedative. Prescribed in rheumatism, chorea, dysmenorrhea. ovarian neuralgia, asthma, spasmodic aflections gener'aliy, head ache, etc.2
The rhizome of LIATRIs SPICATA, W illd. Stimulant tonic, diure tic, antispasmodic, emmcnagogue. Employed in gonorrhea, gleet and nephritic diseases, as well as in colic and in dysmenorrhea.2
The rhizome of HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS; Lin. Tonic, alterative to mucous membranes, uterine hemostatic. hepatic stimulant and aperient. Used much in dyspeptic troubles, in mt-norrhagia and dysmenorrhea, and for its local effect in canker of the mouth, ulcerat ed sore throat, fissures of the nipple, hemorrhoids as well as in con junctivitis. leucorrhea and especially in gonorrhea. The yellow alka loid Berberim, q. v. is simply tonic and perhaps antiperiodic. The white alkaloid flydrastine, q. v. is 2
Product of the action of nitric acid on GLYCERIN. The remedy reduces arterial pressure at the same time dilating remarkably the capillary blood vessels. It is thus a remedy for chills and the inter nal congestions causing these, for angina pectoris, for cardiac failure (cautiously used) for some forms of asthma and dysmenorrhea, and in combination with digitalis as a rapidly acting stimulant. Dose, 0.0003 to 0.006 Grm. (1-200 to 1-10 gr.).2
The leaves and tops of MENTHA PIPERITA. Lin. Carminative, antispasmodic, anodyne. Used in flatulent colic, in dysmenorrhea and for relief of nausea. Most important active constituent, Mento1, q. v. The official volatile oil may be given in doses of 0.06 to 0.20 c. c. (1 to 3 M).2
A derivative of NITRO-PHENOL. Analgesic. antipyretic. Prescribed for relief of pain in acute rheumatism, sciatica, gastralgia, migraine, dysmenorrhea, neuralgia. etc.; to reduce temperature and promote diaphoresis in fevers, and for a specific influence in diabetes. Dose, 0.12 to 0.60 Grm. (2 to 10 grs.).2
The rhizome of DIOSCOREA VILLOSA, Lin. Antispasmodic, anodyne; used for relief of bilious colic, of dysmenorrhea, of the cramps and tormina of cholera morbus, etc.2
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Dysmenorrhea
The treatment of Dyspepsia is essentially empirical, being direct ed to the symptoms which present themselves.2
References
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.