Painful periods
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea, commonly called painful periods, is the condition affecting almost all women at some point during their life. It is primary dysmenorrhea when it occurs within the first year of the first menstrual period, or secondary if the woman has had normal periods before and the pain arrive later in life.
This is important because young women before the age of 20, not having had a child or reaching puberty before 11, are more at risk of having painful periods. On the contrary, when it occurs aging, there is a higher risk than it is linked to a medical condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids (noncancerous tumors), or gynecological infection. In the most severe cases, it can be disabling and require to skip school or work for one or two days every month.
The symptoms are various:
– abdominal pain or cramps
– back pain
– migraines
– breast pain
– bloating
– constipation or diarrhea
– nausea, vomiting
– fatigue
– dizziness
Dysmenorrhea
During menstruation
The uterus contracts to eliminate the blood it contains. If there is difficulty to evacuate the blood along the way, the contractions increases, and so the pain. The pelvic congestion itself can cause pain. Hypertonia of the uterus or the pelvic floor can cause these cramping feeling during menstruation. It can come from a lack of mobility on the low back or the pelvis area, a poor blood circulation, a hormonal imbalance, or tension in the surrounding connective tissues (ligaments, fasciae…).
An osteopath can help improve the blood flow, decrease the pelvic congestion, and restore normal muscular tension, by ensuring a proper mechanics of the surrounding.
Advice will be provided if necessary, for example:
– using a heating pad on the painful area
– keeping a basic physical activity
– practicing specific exercises
– practicing relaxation
– decreasing intake of alcohol and caffeine
– increasing hydration
– supplements such as magnesium or omega3
We are located close to Aarhus C
You'll find us at Rosenvangs Allé - just a few minutes from Aarhus city center. We offer good parking facilities and a large and spacious waiting room.