Period pain – the basics
Pain experienced during your period, also known as dysmenorrhoea, is classified as either primary dysmenorrhoea or secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea is thought to be caused by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which result in forceful uterine contractions during menstruation. This sort of period pain can be described as cramping that is spasmodic or colic-like and generally starts when your period begins and lasts two to three days.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain caused by an underlying medical condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Other causes include cervical narrowing (which can restrict blood flow) or intra-uterine devices (IUDs). Unlike primary dysmenorrhoea, which often begins within a year or two of your first period, secondary dysmenorrhoea frequently begins later in life.
Remember to see your healthcare professional if your periods have suddenly started to become very painful or if your period pain is worsening.
Complementary medicine for period pain relief
Given that conventional medical treatment of dysmenorrhoea (e.g. with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) can often have a failure rate of 20-25%, it’s heartening to know that complementary medicine is being explored for its potential role in managing this debilitating problem.
Magnesium
A Cochrane review published in 2009 which looked at treatments for dysmenorrhoea found evidence that magnesium was more effective than placebo for period pain relief. Magnesium was also found to reduce the requirement for additional medications to manage dysmenorrhoea.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The same Cochrane review reported that one small trial found omega-3 fatty acids to be more effective than placebo for period pain relief.
Chinese herbal medicine
Another Cochrane review published in 2009 looking at Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea found promising evidence to support this modality for the treatment of period pain.
Aromatherapy and massage
Although more research is needed, abdominal aromatherapy massage may reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. According to Salvatore Battaglia, author of ‘The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy’, the choice of which essential oils to use will vary depending on the type of pain, but may include clary sage, Roman chamomile, aniseed, cypress, sweet fennel, jasmine, juniper berry, peppermint and rose.
Acupuncture and exercise
Other strategies such as acupuncture and exercise are also being investigated for their potential in the management of dysmenorrhoea. Here’s hoping for some positive findings and freedom from period pain!
Did you know?
Dysmenorrhoea is thought to affect as many as 50% of menstruating women with 10% of them suffering so badly that they are incapacitated for one to three days of each menstrual cycle.
References available on request