Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin and considered as one of the most common gynecological disorders among females of childbearing age.^[1] In accordance with its pathophysiology, it is classified as either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as spasmodic and painful cramps in the lower abdomen that begin shortly before or at the onset of menses in the absence of any pelvic pathology.^[2] Its onset occurs mainly during adolescence, within 6 to 24 months after menarche. Dysmenorrheic pain has a clear and cyclic pattern which is typically severe during the 1^st day of menses and lasts upto 72 hours.^[3]

Udavarta is a condition due to Vata moving in a reverse/upward direction caused by Vataprakopa due to Vegadharana or functional disturbance. It is often correlated with dysmenorrhea – menstruation accompanied by pain, i.e., Kashtartava, which is a symptom found in Udavartini Yonivyapad.^[4]

Acharya Charaka mentions that the vitiated Vayu moving in a reverse direction fills the Yoni, causing pain and upward movement of Rajas, which is expelled with great difficulty. The pain is relieved once the Rajas is expelled.^[5]

There are various herbs and natural compounds in Ayurveda that are quite beneficial in treating this problem. In this case, we have used Erandmool Arka, as well as some lifestyle modifications. As Apanvayu is responsible for the proper expulsion of Rajas, Arka is given during Apanakala.^[6] It shows significant improvement in pain.

Type of Study - It was a single case study.

Inclusion criteria

1. Dysmenorrhea without any pelvic pathology. (Primary dysmenorrhea).
2. Regular Menstrual Cycles.
3. Age group- 20 to 35

Exclusion criteria

1. Secondary Dysmenorrhea (dysmenorrhea with pelvic pathology).
2. Irregular menstrual cycles.
3. Age group below 20 and above 35 excluded.

A 27 year old female unmarried patient belonging to middle class family from urban area Nashik came in OPD of Streerog and Prasuti Tantra department of SSAM Hospital. Patient came with complaints of painful menstruation since last 3-4 years.

After taking the full history, patient was advised to do USG (Abdomen Pelvis) to rule out any other pelvic pathology.

Once the report came normal, patient was diagnosed with Primary dysmenorrhea (Udavartini Yonivyapad).

She was advised to take Erandamool Arka 2-3 days prior to her next menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive days. Some lifestyle modification was advised as per Rajaswala Paricharya.

Chief complaints

Patient was having regular Menstrual Cycles with moderate blood flow and without any pain previously.

But since last 3-4 years she experiences spasmodic cramps in her lower abdomen each time a day or two prior to her menstruation. The pain continues for 1 day after menstruation starts and gets relieved thereafter which is a typical symptom of Udavartini Yonivyapad or Primary dysmenorrhea.

There was no other medical or surgical history found in patient. All other parameters along with USG report came out to be normal.

General Examination

On examination of patient, Prakriti type was found to be Kapha-Vata. Pallor was absent. Appetite

The reference is found in Arkaprakash. Shwet Eranda Arka works in Shool, Mastakpida and Udar. Erandamool possess Vatahar properties due to its: Madhur Rasa, Madhur Vipak and Ushna Virya.^[9]

As Udavartini Yonivyapad is mainly due to vitiation of Vata, Erandamool works efficiently by normalizing Vata in woman and thus relieving her pain.

पञ्चाङ्गुलोद्भवः शूलशिरः पीडोदरापहः । - अर्कप्रकाश

श्वेत एरंडाच्या अर्काचे गुण - पांढऱ्या एरंडाचा अर्क शूल ; मस्तकपीडा व उदर यांचा नाश करतो.^[10]

To conclude this study, the treatment based on Ayurveda principles was found to be effective in Primary Dysmenorrhea. Erandamool Arka markedly reduced the pain during menstruation.

There was significant reduction in other symptoms occurring due to Vataprakop like constipation.

Our research study concluded that disturbing lifestyle and working stress resulting in changing dietary habits, sleeping habits leads to disturbance in metabolism of body as well as psychological stress and it affects all Dhatus. In addition, it results in hormonal imbalance. Finally, it concerns menstrual cycle of woman resulting in dysmenorrhea.

Scope of study

It can be a field of research and larger and more rigorous studies such as randomized control trials can be done to get more conclusive results. Ayurveda remedies can be helpful for primary dysmenorrhea avoiding the side effects of modern medicine.

1. Iacovides S, Avidon I, Baker FC. What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review. Hum Reprod Update. 2015;21:762-78.

2. Sharghi M, Mansurkhani SM, Larky DA, Kooti W, Niksefat M, Firoozbakht M, et al. An update and