Menstrual problems

Reproductive System

Menstrual difficulties usually present as: cramps, heavy, irregular/scanty

Cramps: the pain is usually uncomfortable but mild, described as a dull lower back pain and pulling in the lower abdomen. Heavy cramping can be incapacitating with pains that cause “doubling up”, nausea, and vomiting.

Heavy bleeding or menorrhagia: is often complicated by anemia. Some signs of anemia are fatigue, spells of dizziness, pale skin, heart palpitations and exhaustion with the least amount of exertion. It is often due to fibroids and polyps in the uterus. Other possible causes include endometriosis and cervical cancer.

Irregular/scanty – it is normal for the menstrual cycle to be influenced by emotional, physical or mental hardships. Poor diet can also be a factor that affects a regular menstrual cycle.

Essential Oils:

Amenorrhoea – abscence of periods:  Achillea millefolium [yarrow]; Chamaemelum nobile [Roman chamomile]; Matricaria recutita [German chamomile]; Melaleuca viridiflora [niaouli]; Myrtus communis [myrtle]; Pimpinella anisum [aniseed]; Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole, ct. camphor [rosemary]; Salvia officinalis [sage]; Salvia sclarea [clary]; Tagetes minuta [taget]; Vetiveria zizanioides [vetiver]

Dysmenorrhoea – painful periods:  Achillea millefolium [yarrow]; Angelica archangelica rad. [angelica]; Chamaemelum nobile [Roman chamomile]; Foeniculum vulgare [fennel]; Matricaria recutita [German chamomile]; Melaleuca leucadendron [cajuput]; Myrtus communis [myrtle]; Pelargonium graveolens [geranium]; Pimpinella anisum [aniseed]; Salvia officinalis [sage]; Salvia sclarea [clary]; Zingiber cassumunar [phrai]

Menorrhagia – heavy periods: Cistus ladaniferus [labdanum]

Oligomenorrhoea – infrequent / scanty periods:  Achillea millefolium [yarrow]; Cinnamomum verum cort. [cinnamon bark]; Foeniculum vulgare [fennel]; Hyssopus officinalis [hyssop]; Illicium verum [star anise]; Melaleuca viridiflora [niaouli]; Pimpinella anisum [aniseed]; Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole, ct. camphor [rosemary]; Salvia officinalis [sage]; Salvia sclarea [clary]; Vetiveria zizanioides [vetiver]

Reflexology areas to emphasize:

Female reproductive reflexes: ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes

Achilles tendon/heel

Solar plexus – for tension/stress relief

Low back – common site for pain/discomfort

Groin lymphatics

Pituitary gland – master gland of the endocrine system – responsible for reproductive hormones.