Menstrual cramps are quite common in teens and tweens. As young women get accustomed to the hormonal cycles and changes in mood and physical sensation week by week when their period begins, it's common to have menstrual cramps before or at the beginning of the cycle.
For some teens and tweens the cramps are noticeable but not a problem. However, other young women have intense pain and either need to load up on painkillers, or have to skip school, sports, and other activities (which puts them behind and can be embarrassing!).
A more natural approach to period regulation is to use acupuncture and herbs. Acupuncture is renowned for its ability to address female hormonal issues. This type of natural medicine uses very mild intervention to regulate hormones, decrease stress, and calm the nervous system overall. This work can also help to regulate cycle length for teens and tweens whose cycles are irregular or are coming too frequently (generally more often than every 25-26 days) or too infrequently (generally more than every 32-33 days).
If teens and tweens have additional cycle-related issues, acupuncture can also be helpful. These issues might include:
- Pre-period irritability, mood swings, or emotionality
- Pre-period food cravings
- Fatigue during or after the period
- Bowel irregularity (constipation or diarrhea) around the period
- Vomiting around the period
- Anxiety or depression during specific times of the cycle
- Headaches
- Mid-cycle pain/cramping
We use herbal medicine to support all these conditions as well. There are specific herbal formulas that help with hormonal regulation, stress and anxiety relief, and specific pains such as headaches, cramps, or digestive discomfort. Taking Chinese herbs throughout the cycle can significantly decrease the symptoms during each phase of the cycle so that teens and tweens are able to live without period-related symptoms.
Are you curious about whether acupuncture and/or herbal therapy might be a good fit for your teen or tween? Contact me for a free chat today to discuss your child's menstrual health.
