There are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea involves no physical abnormality and it is the hormone like substance prostaglandins produced naturally in the body that are thought to cause the cramps and be responsible for the pain and inflammation.
Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand has an underlying physical cause and can be a result of certain conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibriods or uterine polyps.
The treatment of pain is similar with both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
The treatment of pain is similar with both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Researchers have discovered that there is a direct correlation between elevated levels of ‘bad’ prostaglandins and crippling pain.
Prostaglandins produced from from arachidonic acid (AA) – found in butter, animal fat (especially pork), organ meats, eggs, and seaweed seem to be involved in swelling, inflammation, clotting, and dilation, whereas prostaglandins found on the omega-3 pathway from fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have the opposite effect.
This doesn’t mean that prostaglandins made from arachidonic acid are bad – though your body has a limited need for them – and they are widely regarded as ‘bad’ prostaglandins.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Animal studies suggest that the two compounds in fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may decrease ‘bad’ prostaglandin levels.
If you don’t wish to eat fish but want a regular intake of omega-3 consider taking krill oil. A good product is Cleanmarine Krill Oil. Krill are small shrimp-like marine crustaceans eaten by fish, birds and whales that live in our cool, deep oceans. They are the most abundant living organism on the planet. Fished in the pristine waters off antarctica, Cleanmarine Krill Oil is the ideal ethical and sustainable choice for marine sourced EPA/DHA.
- Magnesium - More than 70% of women do not get the minimum Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of magnesium from their diets! Magnesium is a great muscle relaxant, and can relieve cramping of the uterus and other smooth muscles and that includes leg muscles!
Magnesium also helps the body to detoxify hormones especially estrogen!
Studies have shown significant reductions in a number of common menstrual complaints in women who increased dietary magnesium consumption or were given magnesium supplements. Low levels of magnesium are also common in women who experience menstrual problems.
One of magnesium's many roles is as a muscle relaxant. This is especially important for women who suffer from menstrual cramps because cramps are caused by excessively strong contractions of the uterus. Magnesium helps the powerful uterine muscles relax, reducing cramping.
Magnesium's muscle-relaxing powers also help relieve the PMS or menstrual headaches many women experience.
Menstrual fatigue is another common complaint of women that magnesium can help relieve, though the exact mechanism is uncertain.
Magnesium also reduces other symptoms of PMS, including constipation, water retention and bloating, breast tenderness, and many mood problems, including depression, irritability, and anxiety.
Magnesium of any kind can have a laxative effect if you take too much. If you have kidney problems, speak with your doctor before taking magnesium because the mineral could exacerbate kidney disease.
An excellent magnesium supplement can be purchased on the web from Dr Wong’s Essentials.
Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
I am over 40 years old and have been getting painful periods since I was 13. I experience severe pain in my lower abdomen and lower back, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and have almost fainted a few times. Last year, I had to visit the emergency room 3 times. I've tried Premenstrual Tension from BrainSync Technology and I saw that if I listen to this for about 3-4 days before the strike I am more present more able to handle myself… and this helped immensely. Give it a try http://www.brainsynctechnology.com/shop/premenstrual-tension/ This has helped a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah for your helpful suggestion - I'll give it a try - thank you for taking the trouble and time to pass on your wisdom
ReplyDeleteMy doctor told me about magnesium and how it works to relieve so many aches and pains. She was right. The best thing about magnesium is that it's one of the very few things that are easily absorbed through the skin. So Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) used regularly in a bath or even in a footbath can have a profound effect. (According to Lulu, who uses it in her expensive bubblebath, all the top ballet dancers use magnesium to help their aching limbs!) I prefer to buy my pure Epsom Salts in big plain bags from the chemist, 100% hype-free ;)
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