When pain appears at the first period in adolescents, we speak of primary dysmenorrhea. They are explained by an excessive secretion of inflammatory molecules, certain prostaglandins. Permanent or occasional, this pain is supposed to remain bearable and decrease from the age of 18 or after a first pregnancy. However, in approximately 5 to 15% of women, cramps are so painful that they can have a very negative impact on quality of life, leading to absences from school or time off work. It is therefore important not to miss secondary dysmenorrhea caused by a gynecological pathology, still too often diagnosed late: endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis... Fortunately, there are different natural methods to limit pain, without forgetting diet. , lifestyle, stress management... which will also help to reduce their frequency or intensity.
This article was updated on 11/01/2024-Essential oils to quickly relieve very painful periods
-Hydrosols to replace or supplement essential oils
-Borage and Evening Primrose oils to modulate inflammation
-Bud macerates to regulate the cycle and limit spasms
-Grandma's remedies in herbal teas
-Take care of your diet and lifestyle to reduce period pain
1. To act quickly when periods are very painful: tropical Basil essential oil or tarragon essential oil, in local massage with vegetable oil.
2. Take at least one week before the expected period date: borage vegetable oil or evening primrose vegetable oil to limit inflammation.
3. For its antispasmodic and regulating properties of the female cycle: lraspberry bud macerate in background treatment.
4. For its action on spasms and bleeding: yarrow as a herbal tea as a grandmother's remedy.
5. If stress tends to make pain worse: fine or True Lavender essential oil in local application or in olfaction.
Do not delay in consulting a specialist if the pain persists. A diagnosis and specific treatment will be necessary if painful periods are caused by an infection, endometriosis, fibroid, etc.
Thanks to their antispasmodic properties, certain essential oils will be ideal allies for quickly relieving period pain. They contain in particular molecules which have a direct action on the smooth muscles constituting the uterus. This concerns in particular methylchavicol, or estragol, which is the majority component of essential oils of Basil and Tarragon, very often recommended against abdominal cramps. Other molecules belonging to the ester family are also known to have effects on muscle spasms, whether digestive or gynecological.
Since these molecules are otherwise relaxing and soothing, they will also act on the emotional dimension and will help to reduce painful perception. Studies have also made it possible to highlight the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties linalool or beta-caryophyllene which is found in several essential oils which will also be interesting to use in cases of dysmenorrhea.
Dermal : dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, applying to the lower abdomen and the solar plexus. Up to 3 times a day in case of pain.
When inhaled, to act more specifically on the psycho-emotional component: 2 to 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue or the wick of an inhaler. To breathe as soon as necessary.
Orally : dilute 1 to 2 teaspoons of hydrosol in a glass of water, 2 to 3 times a day (or 2 tablespoons in 1 L of water, to drink during the day) from the first day of painful periods. If necessary, start 1 to 3 days before the expected period date.
By its more global and profound action, gemmotherapy can be interesting to use in addition to essential oils in the form of long or occasional cures, depending on the circumstances specific to each person. Certain bud macerates are known for their modulating effects on the endocrine system, for their antispasmodic or circulatory properties.
For adults and adolescents: 5 to 15 drops of bud macerates per day in a glass of water (or pure), 15 minutes before a meal, for 3 weeks maximum. Start with 5 drops and increase gradually (for example: 5 drops the first week, 10 the second…). It is possible to take several buds (to be spread throughout the day) or to change buds depending on the evolution of the signs.
Whether for their antispasmodic, analgesic or hormonal regulating properties, several plants can be used as infusions. The time of a herbal tea will also have a comforting and soothing effect, particularly appreciated during periods of painful periods. The opportunity to take care of yourself during those days of the cycle that are difficult to get through.
Here is a selection of plants commonly recommended to use alone or in a mixture. Pay careful attention to their precautions for use, especially if they have a hormone-like action.
In infusion : for one cup, pour simmering water (ideally at a temperature of 80-90°C) over a tablespoon of dry plants. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups per day during the second part of the cycle, starting one week before your expected period.
Modern diet, stress, pollutants or a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that are known to promote an inflammatory state or anxiety, bring endocrine disruptors... and create a climate favorable to dysmenorrhea. Hence the importance of taking care of your lifestyle to relieve or prevent period pain.
Too often forgotten, diet can play an essential role in the intensity of period pain. In addition to the Borage or Evening Primrose oil treatment specifically aimed at regulating the PGE1/PGE2 balance, certain dietary habits can help to improve the situation or, on the contrary, aggravate it:
Several studies have shown that stress is an aggravating factor in period pain. Women exposed to a high level of stress would therefore be twice as likely to suffer from dysmenorrhea.. All natural approaches used to manage stress will therefore be useful to reduce painful periods and improve quality of life during this period. The quality of social relationships would also play an important role.
Depression and anxiety are rarely the primary cause of dysmenorrhea, but their role in the exacerbation of pain must be taken into account in a global approach. Psychological support can then prove very beneficial.
The benefits of physical activity on painful periods are multiple:
It would be enough toa brisk walk of 30 minutes per day during the first three days of your period to reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. But physical activity would be even more effective against menstrual pain when it is practiced regularly throughout the cycle.
It happens that the pain persists over time and does not respond to the medical treatments usually prescribed (antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories, contraceptive pills). It is then recommended to do not delay in consulting a specialist to exclude any illness that could cause painful periods (infection, endometriosis, fibroid, etc.).
Endometriosis, one of the most painful conditions, is still poorly understood and, above all, poorly diagnosed. But this is a chronic disease that can appear as early as puberty and only regress at menopause Too many women continue to suffer from it for several years without knowing it, even though “normal” pain is not supposed to be as intense or last as long.
In France, it is estimated that one in 10 women are affected by endometriosis with an almost systematic delay in diagnosis, on average of seven years. Since 2022, health authorities have finally put in place a national strategy to combat this disease including support for medical research, improved diagnosis and better pain management.
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