For proper management of dysmenorrhea, it must be established whether it’s primary or secondary. From this, we will determine if certain natural remedies are helpful.
Currently, there are several treatments that help alleviate dysmenorrhea. consistent with a publication within the American Family Physician (1), options for managing it include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs and hormonal contraceptives. Also, other options like applying heat, exercise, and massages can help.
However, before choosing between one treatment or another, it’s important to determine whether it’s dysmenorrhea, that is, menstrual pain within the absence of pelvic pathology. If there are signs of dysmenorrhea, like abnormal bleeding, noncyclical pain, changes in pain intensity and duration, etc., then further studies are going to be necessary.
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What is Dysmenorrhea?
All women, at some point in their lives, have suffered painful menstruation. In summary, dysmenorrhea may be a complication of the cycle that leads to pain before and through menstruation.
According to a publication reported within the National Center for Biotechnology Information (2), the pain related to dysmenorrhea is caused by hypersecretion of prostaglandins and increased uterine contractility.
Although in many cases it’s the secondary symptom of a gynecological problem, in most girls it’s a primary disease. repeatedly, additionally, to pain, there are symptoms like nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headaches, among others.
How Can Menstrual Cramps Be Relieved?
The first-line treatment for dysmenorrhea is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Oral contraceptives and sometimes hormonal treatment with progestogens also are used.
On the opposite hand, as detailed during a publication by the Mayo Clinic (3), some natural solutions like exercising, applying local heat and taking dietary supplements can promote a way of relief. Similarly, it’s beneficial to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and stress.
Natural Ways to Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
To effectively relieve dysmenorrhea, it’s important to consult a gynecologist and receive a correct diagnosis. The professional, with the assistance of some tests, can determine if it’s primary or dysmenorrhea. In both cases, leading a healthy lifestyle can help.
However, within the case of dysmenorrhea, more specialized treatment is going to be necessary. Therefore, it’s possible to check some present alternatives only dysmenorrhea is primary. These solutions may help to ease pain, although the evidence for this is often limited.
1. Ginger
Naturally, ginger is one of the natural elements that have the power to scale back the pain of dysmenorrhea. Mainly, this is often thanks to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study published in Pain Medicine (4) concluded that 750 to 2000 mg of ginger powder during the primary 3-4 days of the cycle can help alleviate dysmenorrhea.
2. Cinnamon
One of the medicinal spices with the foremost applications is, without a doubt, cinnamon. Although there’s no evidence to prove that it is often the first-line treatment against diseases, it’s been shown that it can function as an adjuvant.
In the case of dysmenorrhea, it favors the relief of pain and swelling. during a study published within the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, women who took cinnamon capsules reported less bleeding, pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to the placebo group.
3. Chamomile
The last recommended natural remedy just in case of dysmenorrhea is chamomile. Although its effects are moderate, it is often useful to calm pain and swelling.
Why? consistent with a review published in Molecular Medicine Reports, chamomile increases urinary levels of glycine, which helps relieve muscle spasms. additionally, it also helps to relax the systema nervosum. It is often consumed in capsules or tea.
Final Thoughts
There are natural alternatives that will be helpful just in case of dysmenorrhea, but only it’s primary. Therefore, before trying any remedy, it’s knowing to consult your gynecologist to work out what sort of dysmenorrhea it’s. Thus, we will choose an efficient treatment.