Natural Healing for Primary & Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Each year, millions of American women suffer from a gynecological condition known as dysmenorrhea. Striking women at any age, the pain associated with dysmenorrhea often leaves many women unable to perform even the most basic of daily living activities. Unfortunately, in many cases, the pain associated with menstrual cycles is misdiagnosed for several months until such time as the female patient is persistent with her gynecological medical care.

For women who suffer from the dull, aching cramps associated with a menstrual cycle, the condition known as dysmenorrhea may be to blame. As a general term used to describe the symptoms associated with painful menstrual cycles, dysmenorrheal can be attributed to both primary and secondary gynecological health issues.

Primary gynecological complications associated with dysmenorrhea are most commonly believed to be associated with a hormonal response in which the uterine muscles contract strongly, especially during periods of stress or when dietary changes have occurred.

Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, secondary dysmenorrhea is a complication that is usually attributed to an underlying health condition such as fibroid tumors, infection or even endometriosis. Often, once this underlying health condition is diagnosed and treated, the degree to which a woman suffers from dysmenorrhea will subside.

To treat symptoms of dysmenorrhea naturally, many women are turning to herbal therapy, acupuncture and even exercise. Using yoga, the pelvic muscles are relaxed and the muscles of the lower body can be stretched, leading to a decrease in painful cramping. With traditional exercise, women will experience a decrease in the pain associated with dysmenorrhea due to the body's natural production of endorphins.

In terms of herbal therapy, dysmenorrhea symptoms are commonly alleviated with the use of licorice root, to reduce bloating, black cohosh to improve emotional well being, and chasteberry to improve irregular menstrual systems and reduce the risks and complications associated with ovarian cysts.