Synonyms
Treatment of menstrual pain
Introduction
Basically one can treat menstrual pain on three levels: In addition, nausea can also occur in the premenstrual syndrome, in addition to abdominal pain.
- Drug therapy
- Alternative healing methods (e.g. naturopathy)
- Physical measures (e.g. heat)
For acute menstrual pain, various painkillers can help.
Butylscopolamine (Buscopan®) can be administered as an antispasmodic and thus also analgesic. All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an anti-inflammatory effect, i.e. they inhibit the prostaglandin synthesis and thus relieve pain. Many of these preparations are available without prescription in pharmacies, but should be taken with caution and not on more than three consecutive days due to their possible side effects.
Ibuprofen is particularly recommended because it is well tolerated and effective for menstrual pain, but paracetamol or naproxen can also be used. Acetylsalicylic acid, e.g. contained in aspirin, should not be used because it also inhibits blood clotting. This can lead to complications, especially in women with heavy menstruation.
Hormonal contraceptives, e.g. special birth control pills, the hormone coil or hormone implants can have a positive effect on menstrual problems, in many women the pain is reduced or disappears completely. However, this form of therapy is out of the question for women who want to have children, women who smoke and women with blood coagulation disorders. In the case of underlying endometriosis, certain birth control pills can also be considered for drug therapy. The well-known premenstrual syndrome can also be treated with contraceptives or painkillers such as ibuprofen.
Alternative methods
The herbal medicine (phytotherapy) knows some traditional and for many centuries tested herbal active substances. The active ingredients have different points of attack and can therefore be individually adapted to any type of menstrual pain. The essential oils of chamomile have an antispasmodic and relaxing effect.
In the form of teas or even warm baths, chamomile provides such good relief. The two plants yarrow and silverweed with their essential oils and flavonoids (yarrow) or tanning agents (silverweed) have a special effect on cramp-like complaints of the uterus and intestines. They can also be consumed as tea, a mixture of the active ingredients is also possible.
For water retention, a healing tea made from nettle or birch leaves is recommended, which has a gentle draining effect. Lavender and lemon balm, in the form of teas or essential oils have a positive and relaxing effect on the mood. In pharmacies, individual advice on herbal remedies for menstrual pain can be obtained, and special tea mixtures can also be ordered there.
Also remedies of classical homeopathy can be used. However, self-treatment is not recommended. It is recommended to get individual advice from a non-medical practitioner or a doctor for homeopathy, because the right remedy has to be found for every woman.
Warmth in any form has an antispasmodic effect and alleviates the symptoms. can provide warmth and additionally help to achieve physical relaxation. Also massages or acupressure, the pressure massage of certain pressure points to relieve pain, help some women.
Light exercise such as walking or swimming in warm water, e.g. in thermal baths, also have a positive effect, as the blood circulation in the abdomen is stimulated and the prostaglandins can be better flushed out. It is recommended to keep a regular calendar. All observations during the cycle should be entered there: The type and duration of pain and discomfort, possible water retention and the duration and strength of bleeding.
A morning temperature reading is also recommended. Since the body temperature rises at the time of ovulation, the monthly cycle and your own body can be better understood.
- Hot-water bottles
- Spelt Pillow
- Warm baths or
- Infrared lamps (heat lamps)
