“Older people often already know how to get this problem under control,” says Iris Hochholdinger (42) from the Zur Mariahilf pharmacy in Rohrbach.
The term “menstrual pain” might hide various complaints, be it the widespread pain in the lower abdomen, head or back problems. But one thing is certain – the strength of the bleeding and the severity of the symptoms have no connection. “It is often the case that women have heavier bleeding but less pain following they have given birth to their first child,” says the pharmacist.
chaste tree and ibuprofen
The active ingredient ibuprofen provides a quick remedy for menstrual cramps. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is considered one of low risk and high benefit even with frequent use.
Antispasmodic agents, such as butylscopolamine, can also be of great help in menstrual pain.
If you want to try purely herbal variants first, monk’s pepper is recommended for menstrual cramps. Unlike ibuprofen, however, it is not only taken when needed, but every day over several cycles. “Chaste tree has a balancing effect on hormone levels,” says Hochholdinger.
If necessary, to the doctor
Above all, complaints in the second half of the menstrual cycle, such as a feeling of tension in the breasts and water retention, improve with chasteberry.
Checking magnesium levels and replenishing them if necessary can also be helpful. If nothing else helps and the pain is very great, going to the doctor may be appropriate, says Hochholdinger. “He can prescribe a hormonal contraceptive, then the menstrual symptoms will be less.”
