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Can you give us some insight on the different menstrual abnormalities?
Some of the most common menstrual abnormalities include dysmenorrhea,
menorrahagia, amenorrhea and irregular periods. Following is a general
description of each and a quick herbal suggestion, however consult your
health practitioner as these issues just can’t be ignored!
Dysmenorrhea is a very common menstrual issue as it has been noted that it
affects approximately 50 percent of menstruating women - 10 percent of which
are incapacitated for up to 3 days. Its symptoms include painful cramps,
nausea, vomiting, migraines and frequent urination. Dysmenorrhea may also be
accompanied with excess heavy bleeding (menorrhagia). The symptoms usually
subside as menstruation tapers off.
Herbal suggestions for menstrual cramps include false unicorn root, red
raspberry, jatamansi and cramp bark.
Menorrhagia means heavy bleeding. This is caused mainly from hormonal
imbalances that interfere with the proper functioning of the reproductive
system. Causes also include high levels of estrogen, uterine fibroids,
polycystic ovary syndrom and low levels of the thyroid hormone. Deficiencies
in vitamin K may also be a factor as vitamin K is vital for blood clotting.
Herbal suggestions for heavy periods include yarrow, nettles and shepherd’s
purse help to reduce heavy bleeding by directing the flow of blood away from
the pelvis.
Amenorrhea means the absence of periods during the reproductive stage (early
teens to menopause, but not during pregnancy). There are many causes for
this situation to occur from failure of the ovary to receive or maintain egg
cells, delay in normal development during puberty to excess exercise or
anorexia. The thyroid, when imbalanced, may also play a role in infrequent
or lack of periods.
Irregular periods can consist of lesser cases of the above three
abnormalities and may be a result of anything from imbalanced hormones to
signs that there is something more serious evolving.
Herbal suggestions for irregular periods include jatamansi, blue cohosh,
ginger, parsley and skullcap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When experiencing any of these listed menstrual issues it is
recommended that you consult your health practitioner and be referred to a
gynecologist right away to get a proper diagnoses and proper treatment.
To have your questions answered by our panel of Experts, email
experts@risingwomen.com
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