Dysmenorrhea is the condition of painful menstruation caused by uterine contractions. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, abdominal and back pain may also be associated with dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints among adolescent females and women seeking fertility treatments.
In general, there are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary is characterized by recurrent pain that is cycle-related, while secondary dysmenorrhea is pain from other gynecological disorders.
The pain for primary dysmenorrhea is caused by the over-production of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs) within the endometrium after ovulation. PGs and LTs are inflammation modulators that cause myometrial contractions and vasoconstriction resulting in local tissue ischemia causing cramping.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes dysmenorrhea may be caused by
- emotional factors
- cold and/or damp exposures
- blood and/or energy deficiencies
- deficiencies from other organs such as the liver and kidneys
Acupuncture and moxibustion have the ability to provide relief of all symptoms thus regulating the cycle to resolve dysmenorrhea. Specified Chinese herbal medicine formulas may also be prescribed for acute and long-term solutions. These therapies treat dysmenorrhea by calming the mind and increasing proper blood flow to the uterus to regulate hormones to ease the pain. The knowledgeable doctors and residence at Huatuo clinic evaluate each situation independently in order to provide proper recommendations to achieve the most successful results during treatment.
Contact us to schedule your appointment for a comprehensive assessment.
