Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are often experienced by women along with other problems with their monthly cycle that range from cramping to excessive bleeding. Some women don't cycle regularly, which can be a problem, especially if they are trying to conceive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of menstrual cramps may include amenorrhea (absence of periods), excessive bleeding, irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome or lots of clots.
Causes
Hormonal imbalances may play a part. Stress can make problems worse. More complicated issues like endometriosis and PCOS can also cause more problems with menstruation. Intense sporting activity and low body weight, tumor on ovary or some drugs may cause amenorrhea.
Cautions
See a professional when you experience severe cramps for the first time as an adult, or begin passing clots; if you are on birth control pills and experience severe menstrual cramps; if you have nausea, headache, vomiting and diarrhea along with cramps; if you have severe cramping and heavy bleeding for more than a single day; if your cramps interfere with normal activities and cannot be relieved by aspirin or ibuprofen; if you experience heavy bleeding and feel weak and light-headed or if you bleed between periods; or if you have a heavy menstrual flow and your periods are more than 45 days apart.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Black cohosh – this herb has a long history of treating women's health issues that are related to hormonal balance. It can help with stress-related problems associated with PMS including headaches and depression. It can also be used for dysmenorrhea because it induces menstruation. It can help relieve cramping and regulate menstrual flow.
- Black haw bark – this herb can be used to treat uterine cramping, menstrual pain and lumbar pain.
- Chamomile – this common herb can help bring on menstruation and regulate the flow. It can ease cramping and other stress-related problems.
- Chasteberry – this herb has been used for centuries to regulate the female reproductive system. It helps regulate the hormones and menstrual cycles and can relieve amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal and endometriosis. It can be helpful in treating PMS and has a calming effect.
- Cramp bark – this herb relieves cramps of all kinds, including menstrual cramps. It also helps regulate excessive bleeding, dysmenorrheal and calms the nerves.
- Dong quai – this female tonic herb helps balance the hormones and relieves PMS. It also helps dysmenorrheal and possibly infertility. After childbirth, dong quai can help regulate menstruation and re-establish the cycle.
- Feverfew – this anti-inflammatory herb helps reduce inflammation and spasms. It also relieves gas and bloating. It can relieve the pain of cramps and bring on bleeding in a delayed cycle.
- Ginkgo biloba – this herb helps with PMS and increases the circulation through the body.
- Hops – this herb is a diuretic and can treat water retention. It also can help estrogen production.
- Motherwort – this herb promotes menstrual flow and helps regulate it. It eases the pain from cramping and menstrual headaches. Motherwort balances the hormones and relieves PMS.
- Passionflower – this natural tranquilizer relieves PMS and can ease pain from cramping.
- Red raspberry leaf – this herb has long been used to treat women's reproductive systems. It relaxes the uterus to promote an easier menstrual flow.
- Valerian – the root of this herb is a natural sedative that relieves pain and tension.
- Yarrow – this herb can help relieve cramping and excessive menstruation.
- Cayenne – this herb helps relieve the pain from cramping and can help prevent hemorrhage.
External Applications
- Lavender - massage the lower abdomen and lower back twice a day with a mixture of 3 drops lavender oil in 10 ml carrier oil.
- Clary Sage - use essential oil in massage as above.