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.
- 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.
