Painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, refers to cramping pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation, often accompanied by backache, nausea, or fatigue.
Key symptoms include lower abdominal cramps, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and in some cases, faintness or headache during periods.
Common causes include excessive prostaglandin production, uterine muscle spasms, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, endometriosis, emotional stress, and poor lifestyle habits.
In Ayurveda, painful menstruation is linked to an imbalance of Vata dosha, especially Apana Vata, which governs downward movement in the pelvic region, leading to spasms and obstructed flow.
Diagnosis is primarily based on symptom history; further tests like ultrasound, pelvic examination, or laparoscopy may be needed to rule out underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Eat warm, light, and easily digestible foods; avoid cold, dry, and spicy items; include cumin, ajwain, ginger tea, and sesame oil massage; practice gentle yoga or stretching during the cycle.
At Nalam Ayurveda, we provide holistic care for dysmenorrhea using Vata-balancing herbs, abhyanga (oil massage), basti (medicated enema), and lifestyle guidance to relieve pain, regulate cycles, and improve overall reproductive health.
