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DYSMENORRHEA (PAINFUL
MENSES)
by Dr. Rajesh Shah
Definition: It can be
defined as pain which is in relation to menses that is troublesome so as to
disable a woman from performing her routine chores.
Dysmenorrhea can be classified into primary Dysmenorrhea where no underlying
pathology can be demonstrated and secondary Dysmenorrhea which has a
definitive underlying causative pathology.
On the basis of the character, Dysmenorrhea can also be classified into
spasmodic and membranous type.
As the names suggest, the spasmodic type of Dysmenorrhea involves severe
pain which waxes and wanes in intensity with the contraction and relaxation
of the uterus while the membranous variety has actual shedding of chunks of
meaty portions of the innermost wall of the uterus called the endometrium.
Very often Dysmenorrhea is accompanied by a whole lot of symptoms such as
giddiness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fever, etc.
Remarks:
Excessive production of prostaglandins is one of the major causes for most
signs and symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. Primary Dysmenorrhea is almost wholly
due to this and may be due to a tight cervix, the mouth of the uterus. Such
cases improve totally after a normal child birth due to stretching of the
uterine musculature. Secondary Dysmenorrhea, however, needs proper
investigating into in order to know the causative pathology. The underlying
pathology needs to be treated to control painful menses. Pain-killers can
only offer temporary relief. The common causes of secondary Dysmenorrhea are
pelvic infections, congestive or inflammatory conditions within the pelvis
like endometriosis, uterine tumors such as polyps or fibroids, and the
presence of a foreign body such as an intrauterine contraceptive device [IUCD].
Suggestion about homeopathic treatment: Homeopathy has a promising role to play in cases of
Dysmenorrhea. The medicines are known to reduce the severity of the pain as
well as to treat the cause, whenever possible. Every patient with
Dysmenorrhea may present with a different set of individual symptoms, which
are carefully noted while deciding the homeopathic line of treatment.
Homeopathic treatment is strongly suggested.
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