Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

The cause of dysmenorrhea is sometimes difficult to ascertain, and the treatment is often less than satisfactory. Close attention to several details over a number of months or years is often necessary for success. That small detail, which one neglects may be the very key to correction of the problem.‍

CAUSES

An Irregular Schedule: The biologic time clock is set by external factors, such as the time one gets up and goes to bed. Smooth functioning of the pelvic organs is set by a prompt arising daily and by keeping all other body functions on a regular schedule. Regular times for eating, drinking, and studying are also important.

‍Emotional Factors: This includes stimulating books, movies, and friendships. The pelvic organs are unhealthfully congested by certain classes of thoughts. Tension and stress can be neutralized by exercise.‍

Chilling of the Extremities: There is very close sympathy with the nerves and the blood vessels of the extremities and those of the pelvic structures. Cool skin is abnormal.‍

Tight Clothing: Tight clothing causes tension of the nerves and impedes the circulation. At all times the clothing should be loose, well-fitted, and comfortable. If a garment leaves a mark on the skin, it is too tight. This includes thin bands of elastic on underclothing.‍

Lack of Exercise: A strong back and abdomen go far toward normalizing menstruation. Walking six flights of stairs three times daily is excellent.‍

Poor Posture: Good posture underlines all aspects of good health. Poor posture is a potent cause of menstrual disorders. Particular care should be given to avoid folding the arms over the abdomen, which puts much pressure on the pelvic organs. A careless stance can cause retroversion of the uterus and other malpositioning.‍

Lack of Sunshine and Fresh Air: The out-of-doors gives one toughness of fiber and strength of constitution. Use sufficient warm clothing to keep the limbs warm.‍

REMEDIES

Exercise Measures: Most American women do not get sufficient exercise. One of the major causes of dysmenorrhea among American women is weakness and dysfunction of both skeletal and smooth muscle. The uterus is comprised of smooth muscle and needs a daily exercise through the autonomic nervous system, stimulated by the vigorous exercising of the skeletal muscles. It is recommended that women spend from one to six hours daily in outdoor labor of a vigorous though not violent nature. Gardening and walking are perfect for this purpose. Even on holidays, no less that one hour should be spent in outdoor exercise.‍

Dietary Measures: Certain food items can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with reflexive irritation of the genitourinary tract. All irritants such as spices, leavening agents (other than yeast), hot pepper, vinegar and foods made with vinegar, liquid food or beverages with meals, between meal eating, overeating, and failure to chew food properly. No stimulating foods, such as rich and heavy foods, concentrated proteins, salty or sugary foods should be taken. The meals should be served on a set schedule with cheerfulness and gratitude.

Use less salt for the week or so prior to the menstrual period. In no day of the month should more than one-half teaspoon of salt be taken. At least one bowel movement daily is ideal, two or more bowel movements daily being preferred. Fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are helpful in maintaining good bowel health. Sugar and oil should be used quite sparingly. Use no more than one tablespoon of sugar and two tablespoons of oil daily.

‍Clothing: The clothing should be so designed that the extremities are kept warm at all times except when one is actively sweating. No patch of cool skin should be allowed at any other time. Several layers of underclothing for the extremities, warm foot gear, and proper covering for the arms are all mandatory. There should not be more layers of clothing on the trunk than are used on the extremities. Usually this means that sleeves must be lined and multiple layers of stockings used. No band should be allowed that leaves a mark on the skin. The habit of folding the arms or laying one arm over the abdomen should be discontinued. The circulation should not be impeded by any type of weight or band. It is a rare woman who will actually practice properly clothing her limbs, even while wholeheartedly affirming that she understands the principles and that her extremities are quite warm.

‍Rest and Regularity: For adult women over the age of twenty, eight hours of sleep or bed rest, daily, should be obtained. From childhood, a pattern of a regular bedtime and arising time, without weekend or seasonal variations, should be the order of life. Such a person rarely has difficulty relaxing or sleeping. Regularity in all things is essential. Since production of hormones that regulate the menstrual periods is regulated by "measuring" twenty-eight days of equal length, the only way to set this biologic mechanism is by devotion to regularity. Harmonious function of all parts can best be obtained in this way.

‍Mental Health: Develop a good emotional outlook. It should be considered that any mature adult should be able to cope with all problems that are presented to one, with Divine aid and sympathetic understanding of family and friends. Outdoor exercise will help to regulate stress. A careful study of the true principles of life as given in the Holy Scriptures will go far toward reducing many causes of autonomic nervous system malfunction. Tension and intense attitudes in the home should be replaced by cheerful, mild speech, pleasant facial expression, and a helpful manner.

‍Treatment: When painful menstruation occurs, a hot half-bath or a hot foot bath up to the upper portions of the calf muscles are two very good hydrotherapy measures that are often helpful. Use water at 105 degrees F to 112 degrees F (very hot) for fifteen minutes, if flow is scanty, and for four minutes if flow is heavy, in which case the hot bath should be immediately followed by a hot vaginal douche at 104 degrees F. Warm or hot water, as determined by personal experimentation, are both acceptable for the hot water baths. Teas, such as red raspberry, chamomile, catnip, partridge berry, and other herb teas are often helpful. A gentle massage can sometimes bring relief. Begin treatment before symptoms are well developed. A warm cleansing enema at the onset of the period is beneficial. Keep the bladder emptied by frequent voiding.