Homeopathy for period pain
Updated: Sep 21
Period pain is a common experience, but the way it feels and how it affects everyday life can vary from person to person.
In this article, I look at some of the factors that may be relevant to menstrual pain and PMS, including stress, lifestyle and individual patterns. I also introduce some homeopathic remedies traditionally considered for different menstrual symptoms.
Menstrual pain is often asked about at homeopathic pharmacy counters.
Many women are suffering from menstrual pain and PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Some people may experience period pain with irregular menstruation or menstruation.
For period pain and other menstrual symptoms, hormonal contraception, including the contraceptive pill, may be discussed as one of the options available in conventional healthcare. For some women, it can be a useful way of managing symptoms, while others may prefer to explore different approaches.
The contraceptive pill works by using hormones to prevent ovulation and alter the menstrual cycle. This means that the bleeding experienced while taking some types of the pill is not the same physiological process as a natural menstrual cycle.
From a holistic perspective, I also think it can be valuable to pay attention to the body's own menstrual pattern and to notice changes in symptoms, mood and energy throughout the cycle.
This does not mean that hormonal contraception is necessarily unsuitable or that medication should be stopped or changed without medical advice. Rather, it is about becoming more aware of your own cycle and considering what approach feels appropriate for your individual circumstances.
It is also worth remembering that menstrual symptoms can change over time. Rather than looking only at the symptom itself, I believe it can be helpful to notice the wider pattern of your cycle, including changes in mood, energy, sleep and other symptoms.
These observations may help you understand your own menstrual pattern and provide useful information when discussing your health with a healthcare professional or homeopath. This time, we will share five secrets to help balance your hormones and relieve menstrual pain.
#1 - Don't get stressed out
Modern life is often exposed to stress, such as exams, assignments, job negotiations, and work deadlines. When exposed to stress, it is called a "Fight or Fright" condition to survive the current situation, the human body releases stress hormones and prepares the body to respond to dangerous situations.
The human body's top priority is survival. When the body senses a dangerous situation, reproductive functions are left to deal with. Pregnenolone (pregnenolone), which is used to make sex hormones, is also used to cope with stress. If too much of this is taken away to cope with stress, the share needed to create and produce sex hormones will decrease, resulting in a shortage (Figure 1).
Figure1 ：Pregnenolone Steal Instagram：hirokohomeopathy
Therefore, it is important to live a stress-free life. Some may say, "It is impossible to do that..."
Some people tend to get stressed easily and others don't.
One way is to observe your unique patterns of why you accumulate stress, understand them, and deal with them.
A type of herb called Adaptogen helps you cope with stress. One option is to include herbal supplements such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea.
Magnesium is a mineral that works on the nerves and makes you feel relaxed. In today's stressful modern life, most people are said to be lacking. When you're feeling stressed, it's also a good idea to take a good Magnesium supplement. Zinc is an important mineral for reproductive organs. Let's use supplements every day when we don't have enough from our meals. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties. In times of stress, keep yourself supplied. Try to get it through your diet or when necessary, use supplements. Caffeine can temporarily stimulate your adrenal glands, increasing your stress hormone levels and helping you cope with a crisis. However, if used in excess, the adrenal glands may become exhausted and the hormonal balance may collapse. It's best to limit your caffeine intake when your hormones are imbalanced.
#2 - Lifestyle habits
Sleep is a time for your body to recover and restore hormonal balance. If you're jet-lagged or staying up too late, you'll miss out on this recovery opportunity. In Chinese medicine, it is said that the particular time of sleep is relative to the recovery time of the organs. Try to sleep at least between 10 pm and 2 am.
In your diet, it is important to consume a balanced selection of vitamins, minerals, and proteins at regular intervals throughout the day.
If you skip meals due to busy work, it can affect hormone secretion. Your body can go into "starvation mode", which can impact reproductive hormones.
For people who tend to be constipated, hormones that are no longer needed are reabsorbed from the intestines, which can disrupt the hormonal balance.
Incorporate fermented foods into your diet, and if that's difficult, use probiotics. Some people find that their menstrual pain has improved simply by being careful about their diet and eliminating constipation. Create a regular bowel movement rhythm.
#3 - Avoid putting unnecessary substances in your body, such as synthetics, chemicals, additives, and heavy metals.
When you eat, additives in your food, plastic and aluminium in packaging and containers, and even utensils used for cooking that are coated with chemicals can leach out and release hormones. It is said that it also affects balance. These substances are called ``endocrine disruptors,'' and are also called ``endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)'' or ``xenoestrogens.''
It is desirable to avoid using plastic containers and bottles when buying, preparing, and storing food. Also, be careful about pesticides, additives, preservatives, etc. Please use organic and pesticide-free foods as much as possible, and be mindful about cooking utensils and cooking methods. Creams and cosmetics you put on your body are absorbed through your skin. Check the ingredient list and be wary about what you put on your skin. Moreover, examples of heavy metals include exhaust gas, chemicals, and those leached from cooking utensils. Depending on the location, some areas may have high levels of heavy metals in the environment.
From a holistic perspective, I think it is worth being aware of these everyday exposures and considering whether there are simple ways to reduce unnecessary exposure where practical.
#4 - Keeping the body's natural elimination pathways open
The body has its own natural processes for processing and eliminating substances it no longer needs. The liver, kidneys, digestive system, lungs and skin all have roles in these processes.
From a holistic perspective, it can be helpful to consider whether these natural elimination pathways are being supported by everyday habits. For example, regular bowel movements, adequate fluid intake, movement, rest and a balanced lifestyle can all be part of maintaining healthy bodily functions.
Rather than thinking about detoxification as something that needs to be forced, I prefer to think about creating the conditions that allow the body's natural processes to function as well as possible.
In homeopathic practice, this wider picture may also be considered alongside the individual's symptoms, health history and lifestyle.
If you are interested in exploring this topic further, I have written a separate article about some of the basic principles I consider important when thinking about detoxification and supporting the body's natural elimination processes.
#5 - Homeopathic remedies commonly considered for menstrual symptoms
There are many homeopathic remedies that have traditionally been described in relation to menstrual symptoms. The choice of remedy is based on the individual characteristics of the person and the way their symptoms are experienced.
The nine remedies below are examples commonly found in traditional homeopathic materia medica. The descriptions are intended to introduce some of the different symptom patterns associated with these remedies, rather than to suggest that a particular remedy is suitable simply because someone has menstrual pain.
Magnesium Phos
Sharp, cramping pain that comes in fits and starts. The pain may be relieved by warmth, firm pressure or movement, and may ease when bending forward or when menstrual flow begins. Sharp, stabbing pains around the ovaries may also be part of the picture.
Cimicifuga
Pain accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding, with pronounced lower back pain. The discomfort may be felt throughout the pelvis and seem to move from side to side. There may be a sensation of the uterus tightening, with headaches occurring for several days before the period.
The pain may extend from the ovarian area into the thighs.
Colocynthis
Heavy, cramping pain around the ovaries, with a strong desire to bend forward or keep moving because it is difficult to remain still. The menstrual cycle may be frequent or the periods may come more often than expected.
The pain may be worse after eating or drinking and may be associated with anger or emotional upset.
Belladonna
Intense, pulsating pain that comes on suddenly. Symptoms may be more noticeable on the right side. Menstrual flow may be bright red and heavy, sometimes with clots.
There may be a feeling of heat or feverishness and a sensation of swelling or fullness around the uterus. The pain may feel calmer when lying down.
Chamomilla
Marked sensitivity to pain, with difficulty tolerating even severe discomfort. Irritability, anger and heightened emotional reactions may accompany the physical symptoms.
The menstrual flow may be bright red and come suddenly or heavily, sometimes with clots. The pain may be worse when lying down, while cold drinks or ice may bring some relief.
Lachesis
Symptoms associated with PMS may include irritability, jealousy, low mood, headaches and hot flushes, with these emotional and physical symptoms easing when menstruation begins.
Menstrual pain may be particularly severe on the first day and may be more noticeable on the left side, around the ovary. Pain in the uterus or ovarian area may ease as menstrual flow begins, while discomfort may increase when the menstrual flow is scanty.
Pulsatilla
Irregular periods, with changes in the timing or pattern of menstrual flow. The pain may be severe and worse when lying down. Menstrual blood may be dark red and thick, with bleeding more likely to occur during the daytime or while walking.
The emotional picture may include tearfulness, changeable moods and a desire for comfort and care.
Sepia
Periods may be irregular, coming early or late, and may be heavy or have a strong or unpleasant odour. Menstrual pain may be accompanied by a dragging or heavy sensation, as though the uterus is being pulled downward. Crossing the legs may feel more comfortable.
There may also be a sharp, upward-radiating pain from the genital area towards the uterus. Reduced sexual desire may be present, together with feelings of anger, tiredness, coldness or irritability.
Viburnum opulus
Severe or extremely painful cramping around the pelvis. A heavy, cramping sensation may occur before the period and may ease once menstrual flow begins.
The period may be late and have a strong odour, with sharp pain that can extend into the thighs.
If you would like to learn more about potency and dose in homeopathy, you can read my separate article here:
In conclusion...
Period pain and PMS can look quite different from one person to another. Paying attention to the timing, character and accompanying symptoms may help you understand your own pattern more clearly.
The homeopathic approach considers the individual picture rather than choosing a remedy based on the name of a condition alone. The remedies mentioned in this article are examples traditionally discussed in homeopathic practice.
If your period pain is persistent, severe, worsening, or affecting your everyday life, it is important to discuss it with an appropriate healthcare professional. A homeopathic consultation can also provide an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, health history and individual experience, and to consider whether homeopathy may be appropriate for you.
If you would like to explore your menstrual symptoms in more detail, you are welcome to arrange a consultation to talk through your individual experience.
If you would like to have a short conversation first, you are welcome to book a 15-minute introductory chat.
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Reference :
Briden, L 2nd Edition (2018) Period Repair Manual. Natural Treatment For Better Hormones And Better Periods. Greenpeak Publishing.
