By Ismail Sofiyah Olamide
Dysmenorrhea is a mental condition marked by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. It is classified as primary or secondary. In secondary dysmenorrhea, symptoms are caused by medical condition present in the body, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.While in primary dysmenorrhea, symptoms are caused by uterine contractions which usually begin during adolescence.
Recent research suggests that diets high in inflammatory foods such as, meat, oil, sugar and salt can contribute to period cramps. “The underlying cause of painful period is thought to be inflammation, so anything that reduces it and improves blood flow to the uterus may help with symptoms during your cycle” says Dr. Hoosna Haque, an OB-GYN at New York-Presbyteria/Coloumbia University living Medical center.
A professor of anatomy and consultant reproductive endocrinologist, Oladapo Ashiru has urged women who experience pain and heavy flow while menstruating to avoid sugar, pastries, coffee and processed foods, noting that consumption of such foods can cause heavy menstrual pain.
An effective but forgotten therapy in dysmenorrhea which was discovered in the Europe such as Valerian. It is an herbal extracts for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Valerian a Officinalis(known as valerian) is a bushy plant whose roots or rhizomes have been used since 10th century for its beneficial effects in painful menstruation. The active pharmaceutical ingredient(API) in valerian is valerenic acid which inhibits contraction of smooth muscles resulting from cellular depolarization.
There are also some common remedy for dysmenorrhea which include, applying heat to the abdomen, engage in gentle exercise, massaging the abdomen with essential oil, considering dietary changes etc.
Dysmenorrhea affects the quality of females life and it can also cause mental problems resulting in loneliness and reduced participation in social activities. Dysmenorrhea is a common and often painful condition that affects many women.
Remember to listen to your body and seek out the treatment options that work best for you. And above all, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it, it’s a normal part of life for millions of women around the world.