PMS refers to a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle, and affects most women of child-bearing age. PMS is characterized by multiple and diverse symptoms including, but not limited to: breast tenderness, transient weight gain, bloating, constipation, insomnia, acne, headache, pelvic pain, irritability, depression, mood swings, poor concentration, confusion, social withdrawal, impulsiveness and appetite changes. PMS symptoms can range in severity, and for some women with PMS, the symptoms are so severe that they are considered disabling. This form of PMS has its own psychiatric designation: known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

 

Complementary medicine offers tools to address premenstrual syndrome. Whereas PMS may be viewed as just part of being a woman, Complementary medicine views PMS as a constellation of imbalances both hormonally as well as emotionally. This ‘imbalance’ is successfully treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Our proprietary

protocols provide a deep sense of well-being and relaxation that will instantly calm you, relax you and put you in a very tranquil place.  

 

You do not have to live with premenstrual syndrome. When the symptoms of PMS are reduced or eliminated, you will be more energetic -- physically, mentally, emotionally and creatively.  Acupuncture and natural herbal medicine, along with proper nutrition and exercise provide natural solutions for the discomforts associated with PMS no matter what the severity.

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. While most women experience minor pain during menstruation, dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the pain is so severe as to limit normal activities, or require medication.  Dysmenorrhea can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting pain. Primary dysmenorrhea may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usually subsides as menstruation tapers off. This kind of spasmodic cramping is thought to be caused by an excess of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like fatty-acids that send pain signals to the brain and cause cramping of the uterine wall.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when symptoms are attributable to an underlying disease, disorder, or structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus. Such abnormalities may include endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis, fibroids, structural abnormalities or the use of an IUD.  It is important to have a proper evaluation with your primary healthcare provider to rule out such complexities.

 

Acupuncture and proper herbal medicine are very effective in treating dysmenorrheal by opening energetic blockages in the body, relaxing muscles of the pelvic floor, increasing circulation, and calming the mind.  All such mechanisms have an effect on the body’s pain response, and help reduce the excessive presence of prostaglandins.  Many studies have been done on the effects of complementary medicine in treating dysmenorrhea, with astounding results.  A recent study in Italy showed significant effect of acupuncture in reducing uterine spasms associated with menstruation in women who were unable to take NSAIDS (non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen) in just eight weeks of treatment.  Acupuncture and natural herbal medicine offer effective and natural relief for dysmenorrhea.

 

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation and can be subdivided into two types: primary and secondary. When a girl reaches the age of 16 and has not begun menstruating, she may have primary amenorrhea. When a menstruating woman suddenly misses a minimum of three periods in a row, she is considered to have secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea is more common than primary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a sign of another condition, and not considered a disease. Usually the underlying condition is not serious. There are many possible causes of amenorrhea which are listed below. It is important to have a complete evaluation with your healthcare provider to understand what may be the underlying cause.

Primary Amenorrhea

•Absence of reproductive organs (such as uterus, cervix, or vagina)
•Problems with the pituitary gland
•Anorexia
•Stress
•Too much exercise
•Chromosomal abnormalities

Secondary Amenorrhea

•Pregnancy or breastfeeding
•Certain kinds of birth control
•Certain kinds of medication (such as corticosteroids)
•Hormone imbalance
•Low body weight
•Too much exercise
•Thyroid disorders
•Pituitary tumor
•Stress
•Premature menopause (before the age of 40)

According to the philosophy of Traditional Chinese medicine, amenorrhea is also the symptom of an underlying cause. It is the job of the acupuncturist to ascertain what that cause is. Some causes may include:  a) Hereditary Weakness; b) Excessive Physical or Mental Work; c) Poor Diet; and d) Chronic Illness.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine attempt to restore normal menstruation by strengthening the systems of the body, regulating hormones and increasing circulation to the pelvic floor. 

Menorrhagia refers to an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. Heavy menstrual bleeding may be associated with fibroids, endometriosis, polyps or hormonal imbalances, as well as carcinoma, so it is important to undergo Western medical investigations to establish a diagnosis. Depending upon the cause, it may be associated with abnormally painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Menorrhagia occurs at predictable and normal intervals (usually about 28 days), distinguishing it from menometrorrhagia, which occurs at irregular and more frequent intervals.

 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help to regulate the production of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, helping to regulate your period. In addition, we can further assist you in lifestyle changes that may be affecting your cycle. Our team will differentiate between various patterns and makes a diagnosis according to your individual signs and symptoms. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating this condition, even when caused by endometriosis, fibroids, or hormonal imbalances.