Abstract: Dysmenorrhea in adolescent females can be attributed as one of the leading causes of short-term absence from schools. Increased contractions and lack of blood supply to the uterus due to prostaglandins production result in these unbearable spasms. Dysmenorrhea is often accompanied by gastric symptoms like Nausea and Vomiting which further deteriorate the health.
Conventional medical treatments have often turned out to be incapable of managing pain associated with menstruation. Even the handful of medicines that are efficient in resolving pain are topped up with side effects. Amidst the unreliability of conventional treatment, Trailokya Vijaya Vati as a potent classical ayurvedic formulation represents a glimmer of hope in managing a painful condition like dysmenorrhea.
The present case reports focus on a young patient of 16 years suffering from dysmenorrhea severe enough to hospitalize her.
Introduction
Dysmenorrhea or Primary Dysmenorrhea is defined as abdominal cramps which occur during menstrual periods without the presence of any pelvic pathology. The cause of dysmenorrhea can be attributed to increased prostaglandins and leukotrienes production which intensifies the contractions in uterine muscles thereby compromising the blood supply to the uterus. Dysmenorrhea in adolescents is usually accompanied by gastric sequels like bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
Kashta-Artava as Ayurveda name it is a condition associated with painful mensuration. Classical ayurvedic texts define Kashta-Artava as a symptom of gynecological disorders rather than a disease. Vitiated Apana Vata, a subtype of Vata dosha is responsible for causing disrupted menses associated with severe cramps and pain.
Metabolism of the Endocannabinoid System of the body is managed by three factors namely Endocannabinoids, Receptors, and Enzymes. These three together regulate pain sensation and modulatory actions at all stages of any type of pain manifested in the body. The lining of the uterus is no exception in presence of these endocannabinoid receptors. Natural cannabinoids when consumed, binds with these receptors leading to quick resolution of pain.
Case Report
Patient Description
The present study is on a case of 16 yr old female with severe dysmenorrhea. The symptoms were so severe. The patient had to be hospitalized with complaints of frequent vomiting and severe abdominal pain during the menstrual cycle.
Case History
The patient was a young girl hospitalized with a complaint of nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramps during her menstrual periods. Her Ultrasound revealed no signs of anomaly and despite the various treatments given to her. There was no relief in any of the symptoms. As a last resort, Trailokya Vijaya Vati was administered to the patient and inexplicably the pain begins to subside by the second dose along with resolution in gastric symptoms and improved appetite.
Treatment Plan
The patient was initially hospitalized and was given various non-opioid and opioid-analgesics orally as well as in IV transfusions with a little or no relief at all. These furthered her gastric symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Various conventional and traditional pain-alleviating measures were employed for the pain management yet there was no remission seen in the symptoms.
Finally, on the third day of menstrual periods, Trailokya Vijaya Vati was given in a BD Dose. With the first dose itself, the patient responded positively to the treatment and there was 50% remission in symptoms, especially the pain. By the end of the second dose, the pain was subsided completely. Also, there was q relief in gastric symptoms, especially the marked increase in appetite.
Results
After various struggles of managing the dysmenorrhic pain through various modalities turned out to be sour there was not much room left for hope from any other medicament or treatment. Trailokya Vijaya Vati was given as a last resort to manage the pain and unprecedently the results achieved through this were indeed tremendous.
The pain was completely alleviated by the second dose and the peace manifested on the patient’s face. The peace itself was a eulogy of the fact how much satisfied and relieved she was. Trailokya Vijaya Vati worked wonders in managing adolescent dysmenorrhea. The first dose in the morning relieved 50% of the pain. She was also able to sleep peacefully after two distressing days filled with gut-wrenching pain and sleepless nights. By the time of the second dose, there was a marked increase in her appetite along with the resolution of gastric symptoms.
Discussion
Vata and Kapha Doshas were the causative factors responsible for manifesting these symptoms in the young girl. Vataghna attribute and gastro-protective action of Trailokya Vijaya Vati served as the reason to include it in the treatment regime. It worked as a trump card and gave miraculous outcomes in managing the condition.
Conclusion
This case report is an illustration of how effectively Dysmenorrhea can be managed in adolescents with Trailokya Vijaya Vati. Even though there is still a need for some research in the context of judicious use of medical cannabis & its preparations in adolescents and young adults.
Case Study by Dr. P.J. Ajeeb
Published by Hempstreet
