Menstrual Health & Dysmenorrhea

Shortly after the onset of puberty in girls—typically following breast development—menstruation begins. While the average starting age is between 12 and 13, it can occur earlier or later. A girl’s first menstrual period is called “menarche.”

The menstrual cycle lasts about four weeks, starting on the first day of bleeding and ending the day before the next period begins.

Menstrual blood and tissue are discharged from the uterus through the vagina. The uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ, is responsible for nurturing and sustaining an embryo and fetus during pregnancy. The vagina, also known as the “birth canal,” serves as the passageway for menstrual flow to exit the body.

Typically, menstruation consists of 2 to 3 days of heavier bleeding, followed by 2 to 4 days of lighter flow. The discharge contains a mix of blood and uterine lining tissue.

The total volume of menstrual flow each month is about 4 to 12 teaspoons.

Dysmenorrhea refers to the painful cramps that may occur right before or during menstruation. There are two main types: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

• Primary dysmenorrhea refers to common menstrual cramps not caused by another medical condition. It often begins within a year or two after menarche. The pain, typically felt in the lower abdomen or lower back, can range from mild to severe. Cramps usually start just before or at the beginning of menstruation, lasting for 1 to 3 days. These symptoms often become less intense with age and may disappear after childbirth.

• Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by underlying reproductive system disorders. Pain usually starts earlier in the cycle and lasts longer than primary cramps.

Treatment

Dysmenorrhea can be caused by factors such as blood stagnation, low energy or “Qi” levels, and cold accumulation in the body. To ensure effective treatment, it’s essential to identify the root cause before beginning therapy.

Treatment in Asian medicine focuses on removing waste and stagnation from the uterus, which helps relieve pain and correct any underlying imbalances or abnormalities.