Dealing With Painful Periods? Acupuncture Can Help!

For many women, especially younger women, period discomfort (also known as dysmenorrhea) is an agitating, painful experience. Acupuncture has shown to be highly efficient in decreasing the severity of menstrual cramps and decreasing the amount of time the discomfort lasts for.

Unlike painkillers, it doesn’t simply cure the symptoms when they occur, but it also has a long-term effect on reducing period discomfort. So, get in touch with an expert for acupuncture in Santa Rosa if you are experiencing period pains.

What Issues Can Result from Periods and Hormonal Changes?

On your first visit, your acupuncturist will take the time to gain a thorough case history to determine exactly the nature and extent of your discomfort. Hormonal changes can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Bloating, breast discomfort, and fluid retention
• Mood swings
• Hunger pangs
• Abnormalities in the digestive system
• Headaches

Things to Know About Dysmenorrhea 

Dysmenorrhea can be divided into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea happens when there are no known medical causes for the painful cramps. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when the discomfort is caused by a diagnosed illness such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Effect of Acupuncture on Period Pain

A new study headed by experts examines the efficacy of acupuncture treatments for period pain relief. According to its findings, manual acupuncture can lessen the severity and duration of period pain by up to 50%.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Acupuncture

Mood swings are common among women throughout their menstrual cycle. However, many women also experience sadness, anxiety, irritability, and nervousness before their period. PMS is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Depression, a sense of hopelessness, or a sense of guilt
• Irritability/constant rage
• Concentration issues
• Fatigue, a strong need to eat, or an increased appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Feeling helpless or overwhelmed
• Body pains and headaches
• Weight gain/swelling/bloating

These signs and symptoms are part of a larger pattern. As part of the same treatment plan, your acupuncturist will not only focus on your mood, but also on reducing physical and mental symptoms.

Is Acupuncture Effective for PMS?

PMS has no recognized cause, although it is impacted by hormonal changes in the brain. Acupuncture can change the chemistry of the brain, lowering serotonin levels and raising endorphins, which can help people cope with negative emotions.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 1/3 of women in the United States. It is frequently characterized by an erratic menstrual cycle.

PCOS is diagnosed when an ovarian scan reveals 20 or more follicles, which are harmless fluid-filled sacs that enclose immature eggs. The menstrual cycle lengthens for many women with PCOS, although it can also be brief or irregular. As a result, one of the most prevalent side effects of polycystic ovaries is infertility.

Excess androgens (or male hormones) in the blood are linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Insulin abnormalities are also prevalent and these problems can manifest as acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain.

Is Acupuncture Effective for PCOS?

For PCOS patients, experts try to obtain their complete case history and search for options that allow them to treat the entire system. Despite the fact that PCOS appears to be centered on the ovaries, the mechanisms behind its development are complicated and systemic.

The hormonal axis between the hypothalamus, pituitary (in the brain), and the ovaries gets disrupted, sometimes also impacting the thyroid gland. This is where acupuncture in Santa Rosa can come in to provide relief.

For more information, feel free to call Acupuncture Mama at (707) 303-7200.