Painful Periods and Red Light Therapy
Understanding Dysmenorrhea and the Promising Relief from Photobiomodulation
Welcome back,
Today, we’re exploring a condition experienced by many women around the world: dysmenorrhea. Now, if you’ve ever experienced those intense menstrual cramps that leave you doubled over in pain with a heatpack and pain meds, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But there’s growing evidence that photobiomodulation (PBM) can significantly improve this pain - without side effects associated with NSAIDs or the contraceptive pill.
What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for those painful menstrual cramps you feel before or during your period. There are two types:
Primary Dysmenorrhea: This is the most common type and is not linked to any other medical condition. It’s typically caused by the natural chemicals called prostaglandins, which make your uterus contract.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea: This type is linked to other medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. It tends to start later in life and can get worse over time.
Regardless of the type, the pain can be downright debilitating, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. So, finding effective relief is crucial.
Photobiomodulation: A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Photobiomodulation, also known as red light therapy, involves using low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function. This therapy is gaining attention for its ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing—naturally and non-invasively.
The Science Behind PBM and Menstrual Pain Relief
You might be wondering, how does shining a light on your body help with menstrual cramps? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty science:
Reduction of Inflammation: PBM helps decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated during your period, leading to less inflammation and pain.
Increased Blood Flow: The therapy promotes vasodilation, meaning it helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the pelvic region. This can help reduce the muscle contractions that cause cramping.
Cellular Energy Boost: PBM increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. More energy means your cells can repair and function more efficiently, speeding up the healing process.
The Evidence is In
Research is still ongoing, but several studies have shown promising results. Here are a few highlights:
Study One: A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found that women who received PBM therapy reported significant reductions in menstrual pain compared to those who received a placebo treatment.
Study Two: Another study in the Journal of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery demonstrated that PBM therapy effectively reduced pain and improved quality of life for women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Study Three: This study compared birth control medication and Photopuncture (using a red light ‘torch’) over 2 specific acupoints on the abdomen for 20 minus over 5 days before their period. Red light therapy was as effective at reducing pain as the contraceptive pill - but without any of the harmful side effects (this is such great news for anyone with teenage daughters who wants to avoid the trade offs of long term use of contraceptives). They did not use the torch during menstruation and still had a significant reduction in pain <33%. Prostaglandin levels were significantly reduced in both groups.
Study Four: A recent clinical trial compared pulsed high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for treating primary dysmenorrhea. The study included 30 women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, divided into two groups. Both groups received three treatment sessions per menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles. The results showed significant pain reduction in both groups, with no significant difference between HILT and LLLT in terms of pain relief and severity. This study underscores the effectiveness of PBM in managing menstrual pain.
How to Incorporate PBM into Your Routine
If you’re ready to give PBM a try, here’s how you can get started:
Consult a Professional: Before starting any new treatment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a Certified Light Therapist who can guide you based on your individual needs.
Choose the Right Device: Look for FDA-cleared PBM devices specifically designed for pain relief. These are safe and easy to use at home.
Consistency is Key: For best results, incorporate PBM into your routine regularly, especially during the days leading up to your period.
For Best Results incorporate your light treatments with anti-inflammatory foods, eliminate sugar and processed foods and increase healthy fats.
Dysmenorrhea can be a challenging part of life, but with the growing evidence supporting photobiomodulation, there’s hope for a brighter, pain-free future. As always, it’s essential to explore all your options and find what works best for you. Here’s to taking control of your health and living your best life, even during that time of the month.
***Based on these results, pulsed 630 nm LED therapy showed significant relief of menstrual pain compared to white light placebo treatment and improved quality of life under certain circumstances.
Tracy
