Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
Also known as: dysmenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, period pain, menstrual cramps, primary dysmenorrhoea
Period pain is cramping lower abdominal pain with menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhoea has no underlying pathology; secondary dysmenorrhoea (endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids) must be excluded when pain is severe, worsening, or unresponsive to simple measures. Acupuncture has good evidence as an adjunct for primary period pain.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Use a heat pack during the first days of the period.
- •Regular gentle exercise across the cycle reduces pain severity.
- •Track pain, flow and cycle length to share with the GP.
- •Limit cold and raw foods in the premenstrual week if Cold signs are present.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •SP6, LI4 and strong lower-abdominal stimulation are contraindicated in pregnancy or possible pregnancy.[]
- •Blood-moving formulas are contraindicated in pregnancy and used cautiously with anticoagulants or heavy flow.[]
- •Do not manage severe or worsening pain with Chinese medicine alone — secondary causes must be excluded.[,]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track pain scores (0–10), medication use and days affected each cycle. Expect improvement over 3 cycles; if not, or if red flags emerge, refer for gynaecological review.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Journal of General Practice (RACGP) · 2021
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
- Cochrane · 2016
- Jean Hailes · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.