Get long-term relief from menstrual cramps by addressing the underlying imbalances.
If you’ve ever suffered from period pain, you know the sense of dread that starts days or even weeks before your period is expected.
Many of my patients assume that period pain to some extent is normal. They’ve experienced it their whole lives, their mothers have told them that it’s normal because she also experienced it, their friends mimic the same thoughts. Even movies, tv and advertisements portray period pain as a nuisance that women have to endure as just part of being a woman.
While the body does go through changes during a normal cycle, and hormonal changes can influence our day to day realities, period pain is not something women have to just “deal with”. From my point of view, pain is always a sign that the body isn’t balanced somehow, and is a signal that something needs attention and adjusting.
Period cramping, also called dysmenorrhea is separated in to two categories — primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is period pain without an underlying medical issue, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is pain that is caused by a medical issue like endometriosis or cysts. Getting an official diagnosis can be helpful to get the proper treatment. Even with holistic approaches, treatments are often personalized based on the patient’s specific symptoms and underlying conditions. I have referred a number of patients who don’t respond to treatments in the time frame that I would expect to get assessed for other underlying conditions.
Typically, when patients begin to implement the supplement, diet and lifestyle changes we recommend, noticeable changes in pain levels are seen within the first 1-2 cycles. As an extra benefit, these same pain relieving protocols often contribute to other health and cycle related improvements, as many of them are aiming to address inflammation and the immune system.
The main culprit contributing to period pain is a chemical called prostaglandins. I think I use this word at least 10 times a day working with patients. These chemicals have pros and cons — they help us launch inflammatory responses in our bodies to help fight infections and heal from injuries, but when the wrong kind are produced in excess, which happens in women who experience bad menstrual pain, it can cause an excess inflammatory response leading to pain and other symptoms. Prostaglandins are needed in a woman’s cycle to help the uterus shed its lining. Symptoms of too much prostaglandins during a woman’s cycle:
- cramping — lower abdominal, low back, glutes or hips, sore legs
- general body aches/feverish feeling
- diarrhea or loose stools
- fatigue
- wooziness
Patients typically respond very well and quickly to natural anti-inflammatory treatment protocols. I see changes within 1-2 cycles. I use a combination of diet, supplements, stretching and acupuncture (either with needles, or self-treatment with non-needle techniques that can be done at home).
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Email: Nicole@SageBostonAcupuncture.com
