How Reflexology can help with painful periods
Menstrual disorders are disruptive and can have a major impact on the quality of life, physically as well as emotionally. There is a list of menstrual disorders, for example Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder (PMDD), Endometriosis, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Symptoms are not limited to heavy bleeding, missed periods, back pain, leg pain, abdominal pain/cramps, nausea and vomiting, headaches, irritability and mood swings can occur before and/or during menstruation.[i] Most painful periods are caused by an influx of prostaglandins[ii]. These are not hormones, but fatty compounds produced in surrounding tissues. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with severe menstrual cramps and programmed to defend and repair where there is a sign of bleeding and inflammation. Prostaglandins respond to a chemical messaging system which is triggered by heavy contractions when the uterus discharges the lining (or endometrium) of the womb. In some cases, this can show as heavy or excessive bleeding and discharge of blood clots but can also be a medium to light blood flow. We are all different. Two key hormones are important in understanding what happens to our bodies during menstruation. Oxytocin and Serotonin are produced and released by the Pituitary gland in our central nervous system.As hormones and neurotransmitters, oxytocin and serotonin carry messages between nerve cells in the central nervous system - our brain - and throughout the body via the peripheral nervous system to the glands and organs they are destined to. Oxytocin[iii] is a hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is one of a few hormones that have a positive feedback loop. The release of oxytocin increases the production of prostaglandins which again trigger uterine cramps. The function of oxytocin is to stimulate contractions in the uterus and the uterine contractions cause the pituitary gland to release more oxytocin, leading to a feedback loop affecting the intensity and frequency of contractions. The other hormone involved in our menstrual cycle is Serotonin. Serotonin plays several roles in the body, apart from influencing our learning, memory and happiness levels in our limbic system, it also regulates our body temperature, our sleep, sexual behaviour and hunger. Sounds familiar? Most of the time, serotonin levels stay are at a normal level, but in cases of PMS, serotonin drops with the fall in oestrogen levels usually in the 2 weeks before the period. The gut is often called our second brain, because hidden in the walls of the digestive system lies the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). Constructed by two thin layers holding more than 100 million nerve cells lining our gastrointestinal tract from oesophagus to rectum. The ENS links digestion, mood, health and even the way we think and feel. Most of the serotonin is found in the gut, and approximately 90% of serotonin is found in the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract; only 10% of Serotonin is produced in the brain. Because Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan it can’t be produced by our body and has to be obtained from the foods we eat. A miniscule and simplified version into what goes on during our menstrual cycle and why it can be so painful. Although every person is different and reacts differently Reflexology has shown in many cases to be very effective in reducing and controlling painful periods. It is a holistic treatment, looking at the whole person and their physical, mental and emotional condition as well as external agents that affects our wellbeing.
How Reflexology can help
As discussed above, Endocrine Hormone Balancing has the goal of bringing homeostasis to the whole body. By working a symphony of reflex points with the aim to bring harmony to hormonal deficiency or imbalance.Like a musical symphony, reflexology is a composition of individual movements, e.g. the central nervous system (the brain and limbic system), the Enteric Nervous System (our second brain), the digestive system, the spine and the reproductive system, to achieve harmonised communication and overall wellbeing. I use a range of ‘linking’ techniques to encourage electro-chemical messaging mechanisms for the organs to communicate more effectively with each other. I work the CNS and the sympathetic nervous system to influence cortisol levels for stress reduction, improve sleep patterns and optimising hormonal communications. Where painful, irregular or heavy periods exist, it is important to address hormonal fluctuation when they are at their most responsive, e.g. on the first day (or as close) to ovulation and the first day (or as close to) menstruation. Treatments are performed on the feet and lower legs and take around 60 minutes. The first treatment includes an initial consultation and can take up to 80 minutes, as we will be discussing personal information regarding lifestyle, diet and nutrition, exercise and activities, stress and anxiety, and emotional aspects and previous medical history. If Endometriosis, PCOS or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is suspected a test by a medical specialist should be taken to confirm this.
Common Menstrual Conditions for Endocrine Hormone Balancing Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a condition when menstruation is painful. It is associated with changes in the endocrine system. There are two types of Dysmenorrhea: Primary Dismenorrhea: as the term suggests starts at the beginning of a period, and secondary Dysmenorrhea may be due to an underlying condition. Primary dysmenorrhea may begin one to three days before a period and last until two to three days after the onset of menstruation. It typically includes a collection of other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Women with primary dysmenorrhea have abnormal contractions of the uterus due to a chemical imbalance in the body. For example, the chemical prostaglandin controlling the contractions of the uterus. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other medical conditions, most often endometriosis. This is a condition in which endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus. Endometriosis often causes internal bleeding, infection, and pelvic pain.Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include the following:
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia describes periods lasting longer than usual and are accompanied by heavy bleeding Abnormal Uterine bleeding is menstrual bleeding between periods or irregular menstrual bleeding Menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding may include:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition when ‘false’ tissue imitates the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause. It can also be triggered by Retrograde menstruation, when the menstrual blood flows up into the Fallopian tubes instead of downwards and discharged out of the vagina. Endometriosis acts in the same way the the uterus lining but attaches to parts of the reproductive system and stays there. There are different types of endometrioses, like ovarian cysts or adhesions when the pelvic tissue is glued to the organs. Endometriosis is very painful and may cause cramps, menstrual pain beyond normal pain as well as fertility problems. Some women also experience painful sex, pain during bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding during or in between periods, constipation, bloating or nausea. These symptoms are not synonymous of Endometriosis but can also be a sign of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Ovarian Cysts or sometimes IBS.
Premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD)[iv]
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious. PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before your period starts. Symptoms usually go away two to three days after your period starts. PMDD happens during the time between when you ovulate and when your period starts. This is known as the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. For most people, the luteal phase lasts around 2 weeks. But it can be longer or shorter. PMDD has a detrimental impact on the quality of life. This condition is similar to PMS but PMDD symptoms are often magnified to such an extend that it has a devastating effect on the woman’s social interaction, relationships, impact on the her interaction in the workplace and in some cases has been the trigger for suicidal feelings.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)[v]
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms caused by a problem with a woman’s hormones. It affects the ovaries. These are the small organs that store a woman’s eggs. But it can also affect the rest of the body. PCOS is a very common condition in women of childbearing age. In some cases, it can lead to serious health issues if not treated.Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse. It can also be hereditary. The symptoms of PCOS may include:
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition with a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. It's estimated that most menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome.Premenstrual symptoms usually happen at a regular level but the physical and emotional changes that occur alongside and change, depending on other external influences and agents. Bad diet, stress, not enough sleep, too little exercise can be considered as triggers for varying intensity of PMS.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It most often occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can be subtle or mild. Some women don't experience any signs or symptoms and may not realise until there are difficulties in getting pregnant or chronic pelvic pain. Many types of bacteria can cause PID, but gonorrhea or chlamydia infections are the most common. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex. If left untreated it can cause scar tissue and pockets of abscesses to develop in the reproductive tract and cause permanent damage. The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might be mild and difficult to recognise. Some women don't have any signs or symptoms. When signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are present, they most often include:
The effect of stress on our menstrual cycle.
Women with dysmenorrhea may have a suppressed neuroendocrine axis. This process is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland can sense cortisol levels in the blood and adjust the amount of corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormones to maintain the right balance. This is known as a negative feedback loop. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning and lower levels at night. The HPA axis follows a circadian rhythm, our day/night or dark/light pattern which affects our sleep pattern. Unbalanced and prolonged cortisol levels can magnify symptoms of our menstrual cycle and have a direct impact on our stress response system, causing anxiety, depression, emotional turmoil, mood swings, irritability, tiredness, disrupted sleep, increased body heat etc. Stress should be temporary event and only happen during times of threat. But modern stress in the workplace, family conflict etc During times of stress, our body releases cortisol keeping us on high alert. At the same time, cortisol also triggers the release of glucose (sugar) from our liver to keep our energy levels up. This is part of our programmed survival response, the fight or flight mode. Imagine if we don’t switch off from stress; our systems remain highly charged, denying our body a chance to come back down and rest and digest. Cortisol is regulated in our brain by the neuropeptide and neurotransmitter systems in the Hypothalamus, which are linked to the endocrine system to control temperature, sexuality, behaviour, hunger, thirst and emotional responses. The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA) is part of the limbic system and has an important function in controlling the changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The follicular phase is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle and usually lasts between 14 to 21 days. Follicular Stimulating Hormones (FSH) stimulate oestrogen production and the growth of follicles (fluid filled sacs) and trigger the growth of eggs ready for ovulation and the sacs are released for the egg to travel down the Fallopian tubes.The end of the follicular phase is a particularly fertile period, when the odds of getting pregnant increase during active sex (Luteal phase). Luteal hormones trigger the process of the reproductive system, spurs on ovulation and helps with hormone production needed to support pregnancy. Irregular menstruation (oligomenorrhea; Greek Oligo = a few or scanty; meno = month; rrhea = flow) or fertility issues can be caused by low Luteinising hormones. Women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often show high Luteinising hormone levels and lower Follicle stimulating hormones.
References
[i] Anne Waugh, Allison Grant, Ross & Wilson, Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, 14th Edition[ii] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24411-prostaglandins[iii]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin[iv] https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/what-is-pmdd/#:~:text=What%20is%20premenstrual%20dysphoric%20disorder,to%20as%20'severe%20PMS'.[v] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
