Painful Periods & Endometriosis

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine support in Amsterdam

What is dysmenorrhoea?

Painful menstruation is one of the most common reasons women seek support from Chinese medicine — and one of the most undertreated. Up to 90% of menstruating women experience period pain at some point, yet many are told it is simply normal. Significant pain that affects your daily functioning is not something you have to accept.

Types of period pain

There are two types of dysmenorrhoea:

Primary dysmenorrhoea — painful periods without an underlying structural cause. Usually linked to prostaglandins causing uterine contractions.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea — pain caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis.

Important: if you are experiencing new, worsening, or severe period pain — especially if accompanied by heavy bleeding, pain during sex, or pain outside of menstruation — please consult your GP or gynaecologist. These symptoms should be medically assessed before starting complementary treatment.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or elsewhere in the pelvic cavity. This tissue responds to the hormonal cycle, causing inflammation, pain, and in some cases scarring.

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age — yet the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is still 7–10 years. Many women are told for years that their pain is normal, or are misdiagnosed with IBS or other conditions.

Symptoms can include:

Severe period pain, often not relieved by standard painkillers
Chronic pelvic pain — throughout the cycle, not only during menstruation
Pain during or after sex
Pain with bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Fatigue
Difficulty conceiving

Endometriosis is diagnosed by laparoscopy — a surgical procedure. If you suspect you may have endometriosis and have not yet been assessed, speak to your GP.

Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain — persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting three months or more — is one of my particular areas of clinical interest. It may occur with or without a diagnosis of endometriosis, and I work with women who have been managing this pain for years, often after multiple treatments that have provided only partial relief.

Chinese medicine approach

Chinese medicine understands period pain through a simple principle: where there is no free flow, there is pain. Pain arises when the smooth circulation of blood and Qi is obstructed — by cold, stagnation, deficiency, or a combination of these. Treatment is always directed at the individual pattern, not the symptom alone.

With acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and dietary guidance, circulation can improve, inflammation can be reduced, and pain can gradually decrease. Chinese medicine can be safely used alongside conventional treatment, hormonal therapy, or surgical management of endometriosis.

Curious whether Chinese medicine could support you?

You're welcome to book a free 20-minute introductory call.