Home Remedies for Dysmenorrhea

Home remedies for dysmenorrhea include regular exercise, yoga, and consumption of mint, ginger, parsley, basil, cinnamon, asafetida, aloe vera, etc. Eating wholesome diet on a regular basis which includes proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is also a good home remedy. These home remedies have direct and positive effect on dysmenorrhea and help curing causes without side effects.

Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition in which acute pain at the time of menstruation is felt. Dysmenorrhea is also called as ‘menstrual cramps’. Prostaglandin hormone is considered to be a stimulant for dysmenorrhea. It has also been found that uterine contractions of long durations and decrease in blood flow to the myometrium. Leukotrienes have also been considered in increasing the pain sensation in the uterus. Vasopressin is another hormone that has a role to play in increasing the sensitivity in the myometrial region.

Dysmenorrhea is considered to be common among teenage girls and young women. According to the survey conducted by Weissman, et al (2004), dysmenorrhea has been reported to be 50- 72% in the age group of 14 to 25 years. Out of these, not more than 10% report the problem and seek medical attention, while the rest go unreported. It is estimated that dysmenorrhea is perhaps one of the major causes for teenage girls and young women missing out their high schools and work at days, respectively.

Types of Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is categorized into two types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when there is no pelvic pathology and secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when there is pelvic pathology.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs during the initial years of menstrual cycle which most probably will disappear after the first child birth or in late twenties or early thirties.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

According to Deligeoroglou, in the article titled “Dysmenorrhea” published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences in 2000, the root causes for secondary dysmenorrhea include diseases or medical conditions pertaining to uterus. Some of the causes include:

Endometriosis: Endometriosis a condition in which the cells that are present in endometrium (uterus) are found on surrounding pelvic organs

Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissue which provides the lining for the uterus grows inside it. This condition is generally seen during the late childbearing years or after having children. 

Fibroids: Fibroids are benign tumors that form in the uterine walls and / or attached to it.

Pelvic inflammatory disease: Infections of fallopian tubes which can spread to other organs such as ovaries, uterus, cervix, etc.

Premenstrual syndrome: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an experience of discomfort occurring in women before the menstruation cycle begins. More than 200 symptoms have been associated with PMS but prominently few major symptoms have been reported which include irritability, tension, stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and fatigue.

Cervical stenosis or occlusion: Cervical stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal is very small for the spinal cord and nerve roots which damages the spinal cord and the nerve roots.

Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps are tissues growing inside of the uterus wall lining. These overgrowths can be as small as few millimeters to few centimeters or couple of inches across. This condition is seen more in women who are 40s or 50s and sometimes in young women as well.

Intrauterine adhesions: Intrauterine adhesions form as a result of trauma in the intrauterine area. The joining of tissues in the uterine cavity is seen. These joining can differ in individuals.

Congenital malformations: Congenital malformations in the reproductive organs such as uterus, vagina and ovaries can cause dysmenorrhea.

Intrauterine contraceptive device: The use of intrauterine contraceptive devices has been known to cause dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrheal symptoms were found to be higher in women with intrauterine devices, than women without those devices.

Transverse vaginal septum: Transverse vaginal septum is utero-vaginal condition where the canal of the vagina is defective. The septa obstruct the opening of the vagina.

Pelvic congestion syndrome: Pelvic congestion syndrome is reported to be a common disease among women. Women report pain in the lower abdominal region. It is caused by varicose veins where blood flows in opposite direction resulting in pain.

Allen-Masters syndrome: Allen-Masters syndrome is a condition in which the tissue stabilizing and holding the uterus in place in pelvis is damaged. While the upper part of the uterus is steady, the lower part does not stretch and causes pain in the cervix. 

Stress, anxiety, obesity and alcohol consumption have also been observed in some cases, but not on a general scale.

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

Symptoms of dysmenorrhea include acute pain and pressure being felt in the abdomen area. One can also experience cramps, spasmodic, labor-like pain in the lower abdomen and back. Increase in breast sensitivity, bloating, rashes on the skin are also observed in some cases, edema, palpitations, tinnitus, lightheadedness, pain in areas around hips, lower back and inner thighs. When the pains are severe, symptoms can also include stomach upset, vomiting, and loose stool.

Home remedies for Dysmenorrhea

Mint: Mint has been used to treat many ailments which include stomach disorders, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, etc. Consumption of mint tea helps in alleviating pain in dysmenorrhea

Ginger: Ginger has been traditionally used to treat ailments such as arthritis, colic, diarrhea, heart conditions, etc. Ginger can be consumed by boiling it in water and drinking the water at least 3 times a day to get relief from dysmenorrhea. Research and clinical trials conducted by Ozgoli, Goli and Moattar from Iran, shows that ginger has the same effect on killing pain as mefenamic acid or ibuprofen and so it can be used as one of the home remedies for dysmenorrhea.

Parsley: Parsley has menstrual cycle regulating properties and pain relieving properties. Parsley can be consumed as juice mixed with various vegetables such as carrot, beetroot, cucumber, tomato for good results. Research carried out by Popović, Kaurinović, Jakovljević, Mimica-Dukic, and Bursaćhas shed light on Parsley’s medicinal uses in dysmenorrhea.

Holy basil: Holy basil or Tulasi is a traditional wonder plant in India which has been extensively used in Ayurveda. It is so popular that it is found in almost all Indian households. Research indicates that holy basil contains high amounts of eugenol which acts like a painkiller. Therefore, holy basil is one of the best home remedies for dysmenorrhea.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man. This spice also has medicinal properties which include pain relieving during menstrual cramps, apart from other remedies such as reduction of LDL cholesterol, blood sugar levels, heart disease, and cancer fighting properties.

Asafetida: Asafetida is commonly found in Indian households. It is a spice which is used in mild quantities in cooking. It is believed that asafetida can increase the production of female hormone, progesterone which helps in menstruation.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is also one of the home remedies for dysmenorrhea. This is used during menstrual cramps. Aloe vera has the compound aloes which has been found to be effective in promoting sterility and disturbed menstrual activity, according to research conducted by Mitra et al.

Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinesis has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat various menstrual problems, dysmenorrhea being one of them. Recent studies conducted on angelica sinesis by proved that it has significant effect in controlling dysmenorrhea.

Coriander: The usage of coriander has been traditionally mentioned by Ayurveda in India, as a remedy for dysmenorrhea. It can be consumed by boiling few stems of fresh coriander in water. This is known to reduce dysmenorrhea.

Beet root: Beetroot has been traditionally consumed to set right menstrual disorders. Having beetroot is a recommended remedy for dysmenorrhea. A glass of beetroot juice daily can control dysmenorrhea.

Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds have been recommended traditionally for menstrual problems, especially dysmenorrhea. Sesame seeds are also traditional Sesame seeds are native Indian seeds which are used extensively in Indian culture ranging from food, medicine and in spirituality.

Practice Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Indian system of rejuvenation of the body and soul. There are many remedies prescribed in yoga for dysmenorrhea. Research conducted by Tonini revealed that yoga is one of the best home remedies. Further research conducted by Rakhshaee, deduced specific yogic postures which were effective in Dysmenorrhea. Yogic postures such as Cobra Posture, Cat Posture, Fish Posture, Wide Squat posture, Pigeon posture, Camel posture, Pelvic posture, etc. were effective in controlling primary dysmenorrhea, as mentioned by Rakshaee.

Consume hot liquids: Consuming hot liquids has positive effect on conditions like dysmenorrhea. Hot liquids improve blood circulation and help in relieving menstrual cramps and pain. But, stay away from tea or coffee. Caffeine causes irritation in intestines which can further intensify pain.

 Wholesome diet: Wholesome diet is essential for treating dysmenorrheal. A balanced diet containing proteins, carbohydrates, healthy unsaturated fat, vitamins and minerals is necessary to build the body strong.

Regular exercise: Regular exercise is known to be effective in controlling dysmenorrhea. Exercise stimulates the pituitary gland to release endorphins which are natural pain killers and relieve from menstrual cramps.

These are some of the home remedies for dysmenorrhea which can be treated at home with minimal side effects. But under severe and chronic conditions, consulting a gynecologist is suggested.