The use of complementary and alternative medicine by 7427 Australian women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess the prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort and to detail the pattern of complementary and alternative (CAM) use adopted by women for the treatment of these symptoms.MethodsData from the 2012 national Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) cross-sectional survey of 7427 women aged 34–39 years were analysed to estimate the prevalence of endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular or heavy periods and severe dysmenorrhoea and to examine the association between their symptoms and their visits to CAM practitioners as well as their use of CAM therapies and products in the previous 12 months.ResultsThe prevalence of endometriosis was 3.7 % and of the perimenstrual symptoms assessed, PMS was most prevalent at 41.2 % whilst irregular bleeding (22.2 %), heavy periods (29.8 %) and severe period pain (24.1 %) were reported at lower levels. Women with endometriosis were more likely than non-sufferers to have consulted with a massage therapist or acupuncturist and to have used vitamins/minerals, yoga/meditation or Chinese medicines (p < 0.05). PMS sufferers were more likely to consult with an osteopath, massage therapist, naturopath/herbalist or alternative health practitioner and to have used all forms of CAM therapies except Chinese medicines than women who had infrequent PMS (all p < 0.05). Women with irregular periods did not have different patterns of CAM use from non-sufferers and those with heavy periods did not favour any form of CAM but were less likely to visit a massage therapist or use yoga/meditation than non-sufferers (p < 0.05). For women with severe dysmenorrhoea there was no difference in their visits to CAM practitioners compared to non-sufferers but they were more likely to use aromatherapy oils (p < 0.05) and for more frequent dysmenorrhoea also herbal medicines, Chinese medicines and other alternative therapies compared to non-sufferers (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort amongst women in this age group. Women were using CAM differentially when they had specific symptoms of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort. The use of CAM needs to be properly assessed to ensure their safe, effective use and to ascertain their significance as a treatment option enabling women with menstrual problems and their care providers to improve their quality of life.

Medical treatment of endometriosis: an update

“…In fact, as reported by Fisher et al patients affected were significantly more likely to consult a CAM practitioner or use CAM products compared to women without the disease. 46 …”

Naturopathic Medicine for the Management of Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, and Menorrhagia: A Content Analysis

“…5 There has been increasing evidence that CM, including naturopathy, 5 is more commonly used by women, 6 particularly by those with reproductive conditions being a common reason for naturopathy use. 7 Menstrual irregularities, including dysmenorrhea, known as painful menstruation, and menorrhagia, defined as excessive heavy menstrual bleeding, 8 have varying prevalence rates. A WHO systematic review reported prevalence rates for dysmenorrhea, ranging from 1.7% to 97%, 9 while an Australian study identified a prevalence rate of 80%.…”

“…20 There is emerging evidence of the use of naturopathy in the management of acute and chronic diseases, 3 including female reproductive conditions such as pregnancy, 21 menopause, 22 and polycystic ovarian syndrome. 23 While recent evidence suggests that naturopathy is used by women with these and other reproductive conditions, 7,16,24 there is limited evidence on the naturopathic treatments used in clinical practice. Identifying the level of engagement from traditional and contemporary evidence in practice is important to understand current naturopathic practice and to provide a foundational base for assessing naturopathic treatment ef-fectiveness and safety.…”

Is there a role for Western herbal medicine in treating cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort?

“…Many of these treatments have drawbacks, including significant costs to users and the health system, some unacceptable side effects, interference with women's reproductive function and, importantly, for up to 40% of sufferers, a failure to address their symptoms . In response, many women have opted to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) – a range of diverse health‐related practices and products located predominantly outside the conventional medical curriculum and profession – to treat CPPD symptoms . In particular, women who experienced endometriosis and/or frequent premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods or dysmenorrhoea were significantly more likely to consult a naturopath or herbalist than women who did not suffer from these menstrual issues …”

“…In response, many women have opted to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) – a range of diverse health‐related practices and products located predominantly outside the conventional medical curriculum and profession – to treat CPPD symptoms . In particular, women who experienced endometriosis and/or frequent premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods or dysmenorrhoea were significantly more likely to consult a naturopath or herbalist than women who did not suffer from these menstrual issues …”