Dysmenorrhea

D Y S M E N O R R H E A

-Painful menstruation, cramps or period pain.

This is a big topic for us ladies, and we all experience menstruation differently.

As a general rule of thumb, your period should not affect your ability to live your everyday life.

Unfortunately, women who experience dysmenorrhea often miss work, school, or social engagements due to pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, headaches, diarrhoea, back pain, pelvic pain with huge effects on emotional and mental health. Studies show women who suffer from dysmenorrhea have higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Primary dysmenorrhea commonly occurs in young women and can be due to hormonal fluctuations, hypersensitivity of the uterus muscles, overproduction of prostaglandins, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is more common in women over the age of 20 and may be caused by pelvic infection, endometriosis, fibroids, adhesions, and endometrial polyps.

So take your pain as a sign that something is not quite right in the body and it needs further investigating, not to struggle through and "toughen up". And most importantly, never let anyone make you think you are over-exaggerating your symptoms.

Menstrual health is something I am super passionate about, to educate women about their beautiful bodies and how they run.

If this is an area you need help with, please reach out. Naturopathic treatment can be really effective and life-changing.

Pictures and research via Dr. Michelle Able.