DYSMENORRHEA
Painful menstruation is difficult to treat, not
because the disorder will not yield to therapy, but because women have about
the worst record of noncompliance to medical counsel with this disorder that
with any other. The reason for noncompliance will become obvious as the causes
of dysmenorrhea are discussed.
One important cause of dysmenorrhea is that of
wearing improper clothing. Tight bands around the waist, hips, or thighs impede
the circulation to the pelvic organs and increase the likelihood of painful
menstruation. Also, the clothing of the extremities must be proper. There
should not be one inch of chilled skin on the extremities any time during the
month, not only during the menstrual period itself. The extremities should be
covered with as many layers of clothing as is the trunk. To fail to do so is to
cause the circulation to be imbalanced, and increases the likelihood of pelvic
congestion and painful menstruation.
Posture is also important as a cure for painful
menstruation. The
contracted ligaments give rise to compression of the nerves which increases the
symptoms of painful menstruation.
Dietary measures can be of great benefit,
particularly since many of the things that irritate the gastrointestinal tract
reflexively irritate the genitourinary tract. All irritants in the
gastrointestinal tract such as spices, alcohol, aspirin, other drugs, hot
pepper, vinegar, overeating, failure to chew properly, and any other matter
known to irritate the gastrointestinal tract should be eliminated. Constipation
should be corrected, particularly just prior to the onset of the menstrual
period.
Rest and regularity are mandatory for the sufferer from dysmenorrhea. After the age of 20, eight hours of sleep or bed rest daily
should be obtained. From childhood a pattern of regular bedtime and rising time
without weekend or seasonal variation is the ideal order of life. Such a person
rarely has difficulty with relaxing or sleeping. Regularity in all things is
essential.
At least one bowel movement daily is ideal, two or more bowel
movements being preferred. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are helpful in
maintaining good bowel health. The avoidance of oil is advisable, particularly,
since oil tends to cause red blood cell clumping, creating circulatory problems
through the rich meshwork of tiny capillaries found in the reproductive organs.
Fats also alter the platelet function of the blood, causing clotting of the blood
to be improper, a condition which may lead to painful menstruation.
One should develop a good emotional outlook. A
mature, vigorous, and healthy adult should be able to cope with any problems
that are presented to her during a 24-hour day. With Divine aid and sympathetic
understand of family and friends, the individual should have the emotional
equilibrium to cope with all of life's trials.
When the painful menstruation occurs, a "hot
half bath" in a bathtub, or a hot foot bath up to the upper portions of
the calf muscles using a deep bucket, tub or trash can will very often provide
complete relief. Warm or hot water as determined by experimentation are both
acceptable for the hot water baths.
