Gynecology & Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstruation. It is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea generally occurs within a couple of years of the first menstrual period. The pain tends to decrease with age and very often resolves after childbirth. Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain caused by another condition, commonly endometriosis . It starts later in life and tends to increase in intensity over time.

The National Institutes of Health recommend acupuncture as either a supplemental or alternative treatment for dysmennorhea. Acupuncture reduces both pain and the need for pain medication.

At Irvine Acupuncture we not only address the pain and associated symptoms, but we also address the underlying cause. By identifying the root cause of the condition, appropriate acupuncture treatment and herbal remedies will be given to address the condition as a whole.

As with any medical concern, we always advise our patients to be evaluated by their medical doctor to rule out serious potential causes of painful menses such as inflammation of the pelvic region, endometriosis, etc.