Dysmenorrhea is pain that occurs during menses with no other known cause. However, often there is another cause, and this is why every case is different and each patient must be properly evaluated. Common causes include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Pathologically, the condition is often caused by vasoconstriction within the uterine wall. Vasoconstriction causes ischemia (lack of oxygen) to the tissues which then spasm and cry out in pain. The cause is unknown cause but is assumed to be hormonal. However, there are factors that contribute such as cigarette smoking. In addition, patients with obesity also have a higher incidence. Needless to say, cessation of smoking and weight loss is an important part of treatment.
From a classical Ayurvedic perspective, this condition is similar to Udavarta Yoni Vyapat. The primary dosha at fault here is Vata dosha. Vata dosha vitiates the rakta and mamsa dhatus of the artavavaha srotas resulting in cramping pain. Other symptoms may accompany dysmenorrhea but for now, we’ll focus just on the pain and discomfort.
Keys To Management:
1. Vasodilation:
This can be accomplished with warm compresses.
This can be accomplished with warm compresses.
2. Uterine Muscle Relaxation:
This is also accomplished with warm compresses.
This is also accomplished with warm compresses.
3. Cessation of cigarette smoking
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes cause vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the uterus, which can worsen menstrual cramps. Additionally, smoking can cause an increase in prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can cause painful cramping and inflammation in the uterus. By quitting smoking, women can improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce the level of prostaglandins, which can help to alleviate menstrual cramps.
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes cause vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the uterus, which can worsen menstrual cramps. Additionally, smoking can cause an increase in prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can cause painful cramping and inflammation in the uterus. By quitting smoking, women can improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce the level of prostaglandins, which can help to alleviate menstrual cramps.
4. Weight loss
Being overweight can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken and result in heavier menstrual bleeding and cramping. Additionally, excess body weight can place added pressure on the reproductive organs and lead to inflammation, which can exacerbate menstrual pain. Losing weight can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce inflammation, which can result in less severe menstrual cramps. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can also help to reduce menstrual pain and improve overall health.
Being overweight can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken and result in heavier menstrual bleeding and cramping. Additionally, excess body weight can place added pressure on the reproductive organs and lead to inflammation, which can exacerbate menstrual pain. Losing weight can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce inflammation, which can result in less severe menstrual cramps. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can also help to reduce menstrual pain and improve overall health.
5. Stress Reduction:
The mind-body relationship is important here. Stress causes additional vasoconstriction and muscular spasm. Ayurveda bases much of its treatment plan on stress reduction which includes the proper use of all five senses plus relaxation during menses. Yoga Nidra is a great practice for this as well as gentle yoga.
The mind-body relationship is important here. Stress causes additional vasoconstriction and muscular spasm. Ayurveda bases much of its treatment plan on stress reduction which includes the proper use of all five senses plus relaxation during menses. Yoga Nidra is a great practice for this as well as gentle yoga.
6. Care all month long.
Dysmenorrhea is not just a condition of menses but, at least in part, a reflection of lifestyle. Regular, healthy routines pacify vata dosha.
Dysmenorrhea is not just a condition of menses but, at least in part, a reflection of lifestyle. Regular, healthy routines pacify vata dosha.
7. Hormonal Management:
This is essential when the more conservative treatments above are not working as well as a patient would like. Ayurvedic doctors try a variety of herbal treatments that affect hormones as well as aid muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The herbs chosen will depend upon the experience of the practitioner. Some trial and error should be expected as each patient is unique. Common herbs used include Ashoka, Shatavari, Dong Qui, Wild Yam, Black and Blue Cohosh, and others. The best Ayurvedic doctor will design a formula to meet the patient’s needs. The formula is based on the understanding of the affected doshas, subdoshas, dhatus and srotamsi.
This is essential when the more conservative treatments above are not working as well as a patient would like. Ayurvedic doctors try a variety of herbal treatments that affect hormones as well as aid muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The herbs chosen will depend upon the experience of the practitioner. Some trial and error should be expected as each patient is unique. Common herbs used include Ashoka, Shatavari, Dong Qui, Wild Yam, Black and Blue Cohosh, and others. The best Ayurvedic doctor will design a formula to meet the patient’s needs. The formula is based on the understanding of the affected doshas, subdoshas, dhatus and srotamsi.
8. Care of the digestive system
The digestive system is also very important to the health of the uterus, especially the colon. Hence, the practitioner must work to make sure that digestion (agni) and elimination are healthy.
The digestive system is also very important to the health of the uterus, especially the colon. Hence, the practitioner must work to make sure that digestion (agni) and elimination are healthy.
