It's known as dysmenorrhea. Or severe period pain.
And we all know what that can be like, to varying degrees. From hot water bottles to lying in bed in a fetal position to taking lots of Advil, and stronger medication, the pain of your menstrual cycle can really cripple your lifestyle. Just ask the millions of women around the globe who have experienced severe period pain.
But there is hope on the horizen. Clinical trials have been going on and a new pill has been developed for the treatment and prevention of dysmenorrhea.
At the moment, the pill is known as VA111913. But what sounds promising about VA11913, is its power to zero in on the cause of painful uterine contractions, not just the uncomfortable symptoms.
The experts at Vantia Therapeutics, the British company that is manufacturing the experimental pill, believe that VA111913 is going to speak volumes when the new pill gets the green light. Dr. Jim Phillips of Vantia explains:
"It would be fair to call it a breakthrough--there is certainly no other treatment like it."
When will the VA111913 pill be available?
So far, clinical trials are being conducted on women here in the U.S. and Great Britain. But, it appears that the pill won't be available for another 4 years. Ouch!!
In the meantime, you could try turmeric powder to ease your painful periods. The bright yellow spice, has been used for many, many years in Indian cooking and in Ayurveda, the ancient medical science.
What this bold, little spice can do is amazing. Turmeric powder has a pungent and bitter taste, but it works to ease menstrual cramps, along with many other illnesses and skin conditions.
Drink a glass of warm water with about a half teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Turmeric is anti-spasmodic. The spice relaxes the muscles of the uterus and relieves cramping. And believe it or not, we have learned that turmeric powder also initiates a regular menstrual cycle. In other words, if your period is irregular, drinking turmeric powder in warm water will correct your cycle. Trust us, it works.
Turmeric powder is very safe, but those with gall stones or stomach ulcers should avoid it.