Painful menstruation
Period pain
Period pain should not take over your month. Explore the pattern of your pain and the support that fits your needs.
When people come in
- Cramps or backache around your period
- Pain disrupting work, sleep or movement
- Pain that has changed or comes with pelvic symptoms
The Chinese medicine view
A classical saying holds that pain arises either where flow is obstructed or where tissue is under-nourished. Period pain is read through both lenses.
Common patterns
Qi and Blood stagnation
Distending or stabbing pain, clots
Cold with stagnation
Cold cramping, eased by heat, cold hands and feet
Damp-heat
Burning pain, dark sticky flow, yellow discharge
Qi and Blood deficiency
Dull ache after the period, better with pressure
Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.
The medical view
Period pain can be common, but endometriosis, adenomyosis and other pelvic conditions may also be involved. Worsening pain, painful sex or painful bowel movements should be discussed with a doctor.
Sudden severe pelvic pain, fever, fainting or bleeding in possible pregnancy requires urgent assessment.
What the consultation covers
Elizabeth asks about timing, location, flow, pain relief and daily impact. Acupuncture, individual TCM care and practical routines can then be discussed. Progress is reviewed through symptoms and daily function.
Therapies that may be discussed: Acupuncture, Moxibustion
What to bring
- Pain timing, severity and location
- Scan results and pain medication
- Activities or sleep affected by pain
Questions
Will period pain simply go away with age?
That cannot be assumed. Persistent, disruptive or changing pain deserves assessment.
Can I discuss TCM if I have endometriosis?
Supportive care can be discussed alongside your gynaecological treatment. Share all medication and treatment details.
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