Menstrual cramps, heavy or light periods, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can make a woman uncomfortable at "that time of the month."
Problems with menstruation are very common and are usually caused by hormone imbalance. Periods may be too heavy, too scant, too frequent, too rare, annoyingly irregular, or very painful.Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstrual Periods)When menstruation starts, the muscles of the uterus contract to expel the lining. These contractions are caused by hormone like substances known as prostaglandins. If the body produces too much, the contractions are stronger and more painful, causing a dull ache or cramp like pain in the lower abdomen or back, and sometimes sickness and diarrhea.TreatmentYoga Classic positions such as the Bow, Cobra, and Cat Hump postures are all helpful.Diet and Nutrition Take evening primrose oil (100g), plus vitamin E (400iu daily).Shiatsu This can be applied to pressure points on the legs, feet, abdomen, and beside the lumbar vertebrae.Herbal Medicine A raspberry leaf tea or ginger decoction can be beneficial.Aromatherapy Use caraway oil in the bath.Diuretic herbs can help take care of fluid retention and the feeling of bloat that often accompanies menstruation. Parsley, dandelion, hydrangea, angelica, and horsetail all have diuretic properties. Drink infusions or decoctions of these herbs.Homeopathy Chamomilla is a helpful remedy.Menorrhagia (Heavy Bleeding)Menorrhagia is usually caused by fibroids, benign solid growths of muscle and fibrous tissue on the uterus. It is estimated that 20 percent of women over 30 have fibroids, and many are unaware of them until a physician feels them during an internal examination. Although they can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, they often cause no further problems, and it is very rare for them to turn cancerous. The growth of fibroids is stimulated by estrogen, the production of which is influenced by the amount of fat consumed in the diet. The symptom of this condition is blood loss during menstruation so heavy that normal sanitary protection cannot cope with it.TreatmentDiet and Nutrition A low-fat diet made up largely of vegetables, fruits, and starches can lower estrogen levels significantly. Foods rich in bioflavonoids with vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, grapes, apricots, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, cherries, and rosehips, can strengthen blood vessels.Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:Acupuncture This can regulate the body's natural hormone production.
