Fullscript
Fullscript

Your painful periods AREN'T normal

Painful periods (also known as dysmenorrhea) aren't normal. Working with an integrative provider can support the pain and look beyond for underlying causes.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEWOMEN'S HEALTH

Danielle Wojtak, ND

10/6/20262 min read

A person holding their stomach in pain
A person holding their stomach in pain

Painful periods aren’t normal. If you experience painful periods (commonly caused dysmenorrhea in the medical world), you know that they aren’t fun. But did you know that they can also be signs that something worse might be happening in your body? As a Naturopathic Doctor, when patients come to me with painful periods, I have two goals for care-

  1. Help periods become more bearable and less painful.

  2. Ensure there isn’t anything more concerning happening (and treat what is happening if the periods are painful due to some other diagnosis; okay, so maybe three goals).

Common tools that doctors use for managing painful periods include anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen) and birth control. I also like to include herbs that help with cramps (the most common one being Cramp bark- latin: Viburnum opulus), and if I find something else underlying, then I will formulate something that also supports the other aspects of their diagnosis. Magnesium is another favorite of mine because it helps with muscle relaxation and can help decrease the pain from cramps. Each of these, and many other tools have their own risks and benefits. I make sure to have a thorough conversation with my patients about those different risks and benefits in order to support their goals moving forward.

I also want to make sure there’s nothing more concerning happening with my patients. This can include things like ordering imaging or labs. The most common imaging I order is something called a Trans-vaginal Ultrasound which allows me to get a good look at the uterus and surrounding tissues. However, this doesn’t always tell us everything. I also order blood work- looking at things like blood counts, Magnesium levels, and hormone levels (among others) can all help me to get a clue as to what is going on in the patient’s body. I will also refer patients to specialists to help evaluate and surgically treat things like endometriosis.

Painful periods aren’t normal, but there is hope and treatment for them which allows you to have the life you want to live. I know because I dealt with pailful periods for a long time. It’s what made me want to become a Naturopathic Doctor! I got help with my painful periods, and I would like to help you with yours! Schedule today!

Schedule today!