Managing Dysmenorrhea with Emotional Breakdown and Anger

A 28-year-old married woman (Patient Identification Number: 46058) presented with progressively worsening and intense dysmenorrhea over the past six months. The menstrual pain was particularly severe on the first and second days of her cycle and was accompanied by excessive abdominal cramping, loose motions, vomiting, and significant emotional fluctuations. Despite having regular menstrual cycles every 28 to 30 days, the patient experienced considerable physical discomfort and emotional turmoil during her menstrual cycle.

She reported prominent premenstrual mood swings, marked irritability, frequent emotional breakdowns with weeping, and episodes of unexplained anger. These emotional disturbances significantly impacted her day-to-day life and contributed to her psychological stress during menstruation. For symptomatic relief, she had been using Meftal Spas (an over-the-counter antispasmodic and analgesic) on an as-needed basis for the past three months.

Physical Generals:

The patient followed a vegetarian diet and had an average appetite. She had a distinct craving for spicy and salty foods and an aversion to vegetables. Her water intake was inadequate, with only about one liter of water consumed daily. Thermally, she was hot and preferred cooler surroundings. Bowel habits were regular and satisfactory. She had no significant past medical illnesses, and her family history was non-contributory, with both parents reported to be healthy.

Personal details:

The patient has been married for the second time for the past 1.5 years. She had undergone a painful divorce two years ago and carried lingering emotional insecurity from that experience. As a result, she harbored fears about the failure of her current marriage and expressed anxiety about her in-laws, although she felt emotionally comfortable with her husband. These unresolved emotional issues contributed heavily to her physical complaints, especially during the menstrual cycle.

Mental Generals:

Emotionally, the patient was highly sensitive and exhibited a pronounced weeping tendency. She internalized stress and struggled with emotional regulation. Her mental state had a clear influence on the intensity and severity of her physical symptoms, creating a cyclic aggravation pattern around her periods.

Given the clear interplay between her emotional and physical symptoms, Dr. Rajesh Shah selected an individualized constitutional homeopathic remedy to address her case holistically. The remedy was chosen based on the totality of symptoms and aimed at balancing her physical health as well as emotional well-being.

Lifestyle Modifications Suggested:

To support the homeopathic treatment and improve overall health, the following lifestyle changes were recommended:

• Hydration: Increase water intake to at least 2.5–3 liters per day to improve metabolism and reduce pelvic congestion.

• Dietary Adjustments: Include more green vegetables and iron-rich foods, and avoid excessive spicy or junk foods. Increase intake of omega-3-rich seeds like flaxseeds.

• Physical Activity: Incorporate moderate physical activity such as walking, yoga, or stretching exercises to improve pelvic circulation and reduce stress.

• Emotional Care: Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, journaling, or counseling to help process unresolved emotional conflicts.

• Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a regular sleep schedule with at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night to balance hormones.

Follow-Ups:

First Follow-Up (16th November 2021):

The patient reported about 30% relief in menstrual pain. Cramps had reduced slightly, though Meftal Spas was still needed. Vomiting and loose motions were less severe, and she felt slightly emotionally better.

Second Follow-Up (30th December 2021):

She experienced 50% improvement, with reduced intensity of cramps and no vomiting this cycle. Only one dose of Meftal Spas was taken. Emotional irritability and mood swings were less intense this time as compared to what the patient was having earlier, but her coping ability had improved.

Third Follow-Up (30th March 2022):

There was a 75% improvement, with pain-free menses for the first time. No vomiting or loose motions occurred during this menstrual cycle. Emotional stability improved, and sleep became much better.

Later Follow-Ups (Including 26th May 2023):

Sustained 70–80% improvement was noted in complaints of dysmenorrhea. Abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bowel disturbances were absent. Mood swings were present but were much milder, and her confidence and emotional coping improved significantly.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in addressing chronic dysmenorrhea with a strong emotional component. Over time, the patient experienced consistent and progressive relief not only from her physical symptoms but also from her emotional distress. Homeopathy, when combined with appropriate lifestyle changes, offers a safe, non-hormonal, and holistic approach to managing menstrual health.

- Case study written by- Dr. Shreya Hedaoo Associated Doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Homo)