Menstrual Disorder
Menstrual disorder
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) see below
- Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) see below
- Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
Dysmenorrhea:
Many women experience menstrual pain, in most cases, menstrual pain does not indicate a more serious problem, although sometimes it can be associated with endometriosis or uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in the uterus). The medical term for menstrual pain is primary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts 2 – 3 years after the first period, as a woman begins to ovulate regularly. Pain usually starts a day or two before menstrual flow, and may continue through the first 2 days the period. Often, pain gets better as a woman gets older, or after she has a child. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by strong contractions of the uterus trigged by prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that are involved in inflammation and that stimulate pain receptors. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more menstrual pain.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by underlying conditions, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Symptoms and degree of pain vary, but may include the following:
- Abdominal cramping or dull ache that moves to lower back and legs
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Vomiting (not common)
Acupuncture and herbs have shown to be very effective in reducing pain and other symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. If you suffer from menstrual pain, call us today to see how we can help your condition.
Amenorrhea:
It is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea, as do girls who haven’t begun menstruation by age 15.
Natural Amenorrhea
During the normal course of your life, you may experience amenorrhea for natural reasons, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- Menopause
Hormonal Imbalances:
Thyroid malfunction: An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea.
Pituitary tumor: A noncancerous (benign) tumor in your pituitary gland can interfere with the hormonal regulation of menstruation.
Acupuncture and herbs are a safe, natural and effective treatment for amenorrhea, for more information, please call our office.
AcuWellness Center | 16260 Ventura Blvd, Ste LL16 | Encino, CA 91436 | Tel: (818) 642-3512