Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32358/
Modified and translated by CFJA
People whose menstrual pain interferes with their daily lives are said to have “dysmenorrhea,” which is classified into two types: “organic dysmenorrhea” and “functional dysmenorrhea.” “Functional dysmenorrhea” is a condition where there is no underlying disease. It is generally seen more often in adolescence to the early twenties. Acupuncture and Moxibustion treatment are effective for those with functional dysmenorrhea.
“Organic dysmenorrhea” is a condition where some disease is hidden in the uterus or ovaries. Possible diseases include:
1. Endometriosis
2. Adenomyosis
3. Uterine fibroids
4. Chlamydia infection
5. Ovarian bleeding
These conditions become more common in the late twenties, and symptoms often continue beyond the first to third day of menstruation and may cause pain outside the menstrual period. If people in their thirties to forties experience persistent abdominal pain, they should consult a specialist.
If taking medication does not alleviate menstrual pain, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment can be considered as symptomatic therapy. For those seeking “symptomatic therapy,” receiving several treatments without delay when in pain can help reduce or eliminate symptoms. Additionally, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment can be effective for conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, so it is worth considering as an option for those looking for alternatives to drug treatment (internal medicine).
For those interested in “fundamental therapy,” the treatment period varies depending on the severity of the condition, but receiving treatment 1 to 4 times a month for about 10 to 14 months can significantly increase the likelihood of recovery. For those who do not find relief from drug treatment (internal medicine), acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is worth considering.
The Cause of Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids is the Increased Frequency of Menstruation! Modern Women Menstruate Five Times More Than in the Past!?
The exact cause of endometriosis, the most common condition among those with “organic dysmenorrhea,” is still unknown, but there are currently three main theories:
1. **Endometrial Transplant Theory (Retrograde Menstruation Theory):** This theory suggests that endometrial tissue, which is usually expelled from the body through the vagina, travels through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen and remains inside the body, leading to endometriosis.
2. **Coelomic Metaplasia Theory:** This theory posits that the thin membrane covering the abdominal organs (the peritoneum) transforms into endometrial tissue for some reason, causing endometriosis.
3. **Increased Menstruation Frequency Theory:** This theory suggests a strong link between the number of menstrual cycles and endometriosis, as women today experience more menstrual cycles than in the past.
The third theory is believed to significantly contribute to the rapid increase in endometriosis cases.
Modern women experience about 450 menstrual cycles in their lifetime, compared to approximately 50 to 100 cycles in the past. That’s about five times the difference. (The shocking fact that modern women menstruate “five times more than in the past” means more ovulations and greater damage.)
In the past, women typically married in their teens and had around six to seven children. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, menstruation was almost absent. The average age of menarche was 15 to 16 years old.
For modern women, the average age of menarche is about 12 years old. Most women give birth around the age of 30, and the number of children per family is decreasing. Additionally, the use of formula milk has become more common, which leads to earlier resumption of menstruation when not breastfeeding. These factors contribute to the increased number of menstrual cycles experienced by modern women.
It is said that having more menstrual cycles increases the likelihood of developing ovarian and uterine diseases.