SHOULD YOU USE PAIN KILLERS FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

It’s all too easy to reach for that large bottle of anti -inflammatories/pain killers when menstrual cramps strike... but are you aware that they come with a huge list of unpleasant and debilitating side effects.

REGULAR USE OF NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) INCREASES ALZHEIMER’S RISK

Researchers followed 2,736 dementia-free people age 65 and older for up to 12 years, during which time 476 developed dementia.

Those who were "heavy" NSAID users (the equivalent of approximately six Advil per day) were 66% more likely to develop dementia, and 57% more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease in particular. 

These statistics held true after the researchers controlled for other factors that might make people vulnerable to dementia -- among them education, APOE gene status and diabetes.

So rather than helping slow the onset of Alzheimer's, NSAID's may actually increase your risk of developing it!

* Medical studies have repeatedly shown that taking traditional painkilling drugs like ibuprofen and diclofenac have a 55% and 24% increased risk of heart attack respectively.

These drugs can also INCREASE your risk of peptic ulcers, diabetes and breast cancer.

* NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – commonly used as a first line arthritis treatment, result in a staggering 100,000 hospital admissions per year due to gastrointestinal problems linked to long-term use.

Even worse: approximately 15 per cent of those patients die as a result of their adverse reactions.

* Cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx and Cerebrex have been found to substantially increase your risk of heart attack, to such an extent that Vioxx was withdrawn from sale when it was found to DOUBLE the risk of heart attack and stroke.

* TNF-Blockers, such as Rituximab, have been shown to cause respiratory failure, as well as nausea, myalgia (muscle pain) and low blood pressure.

* SAARDs and DMARDs, like Methotrexate – an immuno- suppressant used to treat patients whose arthritis is at an advanced stage – can exacerbate side effects such as serious gastrointestinal disorders, cause liver damage and can even cause death.

It’s quite likely that you’re already taking one of these drugs without realizing it…..and without even realizing what the full side-effects and risks may be.

If you’re unsure, then check out below some of the drug names that you need to watch out for, such as:

Acetaminophen,oxycodone, tramadol, diclofenac potassium, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen calcium, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate sodium, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, celecoxib, valdecoxib, aspirin, choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, auranofin (oral gold), azathioprine, cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine sulphate, methotrexate, minocycline, penicillamine, sulphasalazine.

Source:

John C.S. Breitner, MD, MPH, of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and head of geriatric psychiatry at University of Washington School of Medicine.

If you must use a pain killer or anti inflammatory for the management of pain only use if you really have to and try to avoid any long term dependence on them, better still try to find an alternative pain relief technique that works for you.

Here are some suggestions for alternative pain relief techniques to help with menstrual cramps that don’t require the use of drugs.

Take a warm bath

Taking a warm bath can also help lessen heavy menstrual flow, and the warm water will alleviate lower abdomen pain, and relax the muscles.

Excercise

Probably the last thing you want to do besides curling up in bed with a hot water bottle but regular exercise, including exercise right before and during your menstrual cycle can help lessen the severity of menstrual cramping.

Valerian Tea or Tinctures

Medicinal uses of valerian date back to 400 B.C. with the Greek physician Hippocrates. Valerian is traditionally used to improve sleep and treat insomnia. However, it may also be effective for treating menstrual cramps. Take valerian in liquid tincture, tea, capsule and tablet form.

Valerian contains valepotriates and valerenic acid, which can attach to the same brain receptor sites as Valium. This makes valerian beneficial for treating pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Therapeutic Heat

Take advantage of therapeutic heat to relax your menstrual cramps.  ThermaCare^® Menstrual provide soothing heat that relaxes muscular contractions to relieve menstrual cramps. 

ThermaCare are heat patches and their ultra-thin design conforms to your lower abdomen for discreet comfort.

They can provides soothing heat for 8 hours of menstrual-cramp pain relief and are thin enough to wear under clothing and on the move.

Omega-3 and Magnesium supplements

For further information on supplementing your diet with omega-3 and magnesium citrate see earlier article '2 excellent remedies for menstrual cramps'

2 EXCELLENT REMEDIES FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Menstrual cramps are known medically as dysmenorrhea. They typically feel like a dull pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstrual periods. The pain sometimes radiates to the lower back or leg area. Other symptoms may include nausea, loose stools, sweating, and dizziness. 

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.

Menstrual cramps occur when prostaglandins are released and the old uterine lining starts breaking down causing your uterus to contract. 

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Visit http://docsprefer.com/magnesiumcitrate.aspx for supplies in the US

Visit http://www.aggressivehealthshop.com/citrated-magnesium-90-caplets.html for supplies in the UK

Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.