Avenue Acupuncture FAQs

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are pains in the lower abdomen before or during a period, sometimes radiating to the low back or legs. Primary dysmenorrhea has no underlying cause in Western medicine, while secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a problem in the reproductive organs such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

In primary dysmenorrhea, pain is associated with prostaglandin, a substance that triggers uterine muscle contractions and can cut off some blood supply to the uterus, causing pain. In secondary dysmenorrhea, pain can be caused by infection, increased pressure inside the uterus, or abnormal tissue growth.

Less severe cramps are typically treated with over the counter pain medication, while more severe cases may use hormonal birth control to moderate hormone levels. When an underlying condition like fibroids or endometriosis is present, surgical removal is often suggested.

Acupuncture aims to target the underlying cause of cramps by regulating hormones and increasing endorphin levels, helping relieve and prevent recurring pain. In one study, 90% of women who received acupuncture reported improvement in their menstrual cramps, compared to 18% in the control group, along with a reduction in pain medication use.