Dysmenorrhea is a common condition associated with painful cramping in the uterus. 75% of people who menstruate experience painful periods. There are two types- Primary Dysmenorrhea is a condition where periods are painful but not linked to other gynecological concerns, and normally start right at the beginning of menses. Secondary Dysmenorrhea is the presence of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or another reproductive health issue and would have me considering a differential diagnosis.
Dysmenorrhea is caused by an increased amount of prostaglandins in our menstrual fluid. When tissue is damaged or infected, prostaglandins are the hormones that cause a reaction like pain, inflammation and fever. Normally, this would spark a healing process in the body, but during menstruation, it sparks a constant feedback loop of pain.
Health Topic: Dysmenorrhea / Painful Periods
What is it?: Primary dysmenorrhea is the presence of painful cramping during menstruation with no other obvious underlying health concerns. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the presence of painful cramping but with the presence of other reproductive health issues.
Symptoms: Painful cramping, nausea, headaches, dizziness, mental distress, muscle cramping etc.
Causes and Risk Factors: Having female reproductive organs, stress, prevalence of prostaglandins in menstrual fluid.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Often diagnosed by a medical doctor. Conventional treatment would include pain killers and hormonal contraceptive pills. Manual therapy, visceral manipulation, stress reduction and manual therapy techniques.
Tips from an Osteopathic Perspective:
With the use of osteopathic manual techniques and by adopting its principles into my approach, I am able to reduce overall pain and discomfort during menstruation. You do not need to suffer in pain every month due to your gynecological conditions. Visceral manual therapy can be an effective and gentle way to help improve the structure and function of your pelvic organs.
THE TAKE AWAY:
There are massive gaps in our healthcare system. When people presenting with female reproductive organs try to discuss their health concerns with their medical doctors, they are often gaslit or passed onto some specialist who also has no idea how to manage or treat their concerns. We are left feeling ill, confused and hopeless. I can count on two hands the number of different gynecologists this 33 has seen in her life, with no help or positive outcomes. I am grateful that manual therapy provides options for people who are struggling with pain.
Contact Nicole Settimi, DOMP, RMT
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If you have a specific health concern you’d like me to address on my podcast, or you’d like to be a guest, email me.
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Nicole Settimi is a solo mom, an entrepreneur, manual osteopath and registered massage therapist. She built a successful health clinic in Ottawa, Ontario’s downtown core, where she provided healthcare services and a gentle escape from the stressors of daily life. While on maternity leave with her daughter, Nicole has decided to share her knowledge and clinical experience with the podcast world to help empower others to develop a strong sense of awareness and respect within their one body.
Music: Spark Of Inspiration by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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