Acupuncture for the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

The first time young women may experience dysmenorrhea is when they have their first menstrual period, usually around the age of 12. About 50% of young women have mild abdominal discomfort, while another 40% experience more severe abdominal pain, and the remaining 10% suffer from abnormalities in the abdominal area such as tumors, scar tissue in the uterus, endometriosis, or even cancer.

Although menstrual pain is not a serious problem for most women, it is bothersome and, for some, causes great anguish. It is believed that the primary cause of the symptoms are the change in menstrual hormones which lead to the congestion of blood in the uterus, the ovaries, and the pelvic walls.

Individuals with dysmenorrhea feel pain in the lower abdomen which can spread to the lumbar region. The pain begins a couple days before the menstrual cycle and continues through the course of the cycle before gradually fading towards the end of the cycle. Women with dysmenorrhea are likely to be inflicted with headaches, dizziness, queasiness, and vomiting. The intensity of pain varies, depending upon the individual. In some cases, the pain can be so intense that the individual is unable to go about their daily routines and even go to work.

Warm the lower abdomen and take painkillers to relieve the recurring pain. In serious cases, hormonal contraceptives are recommended. To date, the effectiveness of using hormones to relieve the pain has been unsatisfactory.

The uses of medicines that affect the midbrain make women unable to feel pain. However, the medicines cannot improve the circulation of the blood. Once the effects of the hormonal contraceptives have worn off, the pain returns. Therefore, the individuals are required to take the medication continuously. In addition, the use of hormonal contraceptives may possibly produce unwanted side effects. In contrast, acupuncture helps improve the circulation of blood and ease the condition of endometriosis.