In a perfect world every woman would have an easy menstrual cycle; uneventful and pain-free. However, the reality is that this isn’t the case for all women. Some are laid low by monthly menstrual cramps, and others are incapacitated by the pain associated with endometriosis.
You may feel mild cramping before or during the first days of your period. However when that cramping is severe, it can upset the quality of your life for several days. Typically, you may feel cramping or dull and achy pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, thighs and occasionally other parts of your body that seem unrelated to your menstrual cycle. The pain may begin one or two days before the onset of your period and can last for several days. When cramping is severe, it can also trigger other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, diarrhea, and headaches. Stress can also play a role in aggravating both your cramping and accompanying symptoms.
Endometriosis is associated with painful menstrual cycles, but it is so much more than just a bad period. Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) migrates to other areas in your pelvic cavity. This wayward endometrial tissue responds to the hormones that control your menstrual cycle just like the lining of your uterus does. That means that the tissue that has traveled builds up and sheds every month, too. The problem is, while menstrual blood has a way to exit your body, the endometrial tissue that has migrated does not. This causes not only internal bleeding, but the breakdown of tissue, inflammation, and severe pain. Endometriosis can also be an underlying cause of infertility.
How BodaHealth can help you:
While Western medicine treats cycle-related pain with hormones and pain medications, many women choose not to take drugs. Many are looking for alternatives for treating their symptoms, and this is where BodaHealth can help. Our doctors are trained in women’s reproductive health, and we offer a number of tools to treat menstrual cycle or endometrial pain. Among them:
–Acupuncture. Recent and ongoing research and years of clinical practice indicate that Chinese medicine is an effective treatment in relieving the pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis and painful periods. Acupuncture has been found to increase circulation to both your ovaries and uterus, which can contribute to better flow and reproductive health. In addition, acupuncture increases the circulation of endorphins in your brain, which are feel-good neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and decrease stress.
–Naturopathic medicine. Our naturopathic doctors are general practitioners who look first for natural solutions. They are able to do testing to uncover any hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, or toxicity that may be causing or aggravating your menstrual symptoms. Their treatments may include herbs, supplements, and nutritional therapies to address your condition. In addition, when appropriate, they can prescribe Western medications, herbs and hormone therapies.
– Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on both thousands of years of wisdom and current research. Herbs are prescribed differently in the Chinese medical tradition than they are in more modern natural therapies. Chinese Herbs are combined into formulas based on your diagnosis. So, rather than addressing a specific Western disease, your symptoms and patterns of imbalance are assessed and an herbal formula is prescribed accordingly. Therefore, two women with menstrual pain or endometriosis may be given different herbal formulas. Our practitioners are trained in the formulation of Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle strategies.
Painful menstrual cycles aren’t something that you just have to put up with.
Call us today for a consultation to see if we can help you.
