What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is a term that describes painful periods or menstrual cramps. It's when you feel discomfort or pain in your lower belly area, and it's a common experience for many people during their menstrual cycle. The pain can range from mild to severe and might last for a few days.

What are the causes for Dysmenorrhea?

• Uterine Contractions: Dysmenorrhea is often caused by the uterus contracting too strongly during your period, aiming to shed its lining.
• Inflammation and Prostaglandins: High levels of chemicals called prostaglandins in the body can contribute to more intense menstrual pain [1].
• Underlying Conditions: Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can add to the severity of dysmenorrhea, making the pain stronger [1].

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Common symptoms of Dysmenorrhea:

• Lower Abdominal Pain: Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, typically starting a day or two before your period and lasting several days [1]
• Pain that radiates to the lower back and legs[1]
• Associated Symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or headaches during the period [1]

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How Acupuncture can help?

• Relaxing the uterine muscles.
• Reducing inflammation: It has been known that inflammation is involved in menstrual cramps, and the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture are helpful in regulating menstrual cramps [2].
• Acupuncture is known to reduce prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels and enhance the release of opioids, contributing to systemic anti-inflammatory effects [3].

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Evidence-Based Medicine for Menstrual Cramps:

The effectiveness of acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea was explored through the analysis of results from 49 clinical trials. This meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing menstrual pain compared to both no treatment and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [4]. These findings strongly suggest that acupuncture could be a valuable option for the effective management of primary dysmenorrhea.

References:

[1] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 30). Menstrual cramps. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938

[2] Yu, W.Y., Ma, L. X., Zhang, Z., Mu, J. D., Sun, T. Y., Tian, Y., Qian, X., &Zhang, Y. D. (2021). Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Potential Mechanism from an Anti-Inflammatory Perspective. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2021, 1907009. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1907009

[3] Lin, J.G., Kotha, P., & Chen, Y. H. (2022). Understandings of acupuncture application and mechanisms. American journal of translational research, 14(3),1469–1481.

[4] Woo, H.L., Ji, H. R., Pak, Y. K., Lee, H., Heo, S. J., Lee, J. M., & Park, K. S.(2018). The efficacy and safety of acupuncture in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 97(23), e11007.https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011007

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Disclaimer:

This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Whenever possible, it is advised to seek professional care from a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical treatment.