Menstrual Cramps

Symptoms

Many women suffer monthly pain from menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. The pain is usually uncomfortable but mild and experienced as dull, lower-back pain and pulling in the lower abdomen that can last one to several days. Heavy cramping can be incapacitating, with terrible pains that cause doubling-up, nausea and vomiting. Typically, the pain is similar to a colic, repeating in waves which peak and subside. Radiating pains which shoot downward are typical for some women. Associated symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, headaches and the frequent urge to urinate. The cramps are linked to symptoms of PMS when accompanied by irritability, moodiness and bloating before the period.

Causes

Most menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. These contractions are regulated by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. An imbalance of prostaglandins is often due to a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Poor circulation and congestion in the pelvic area also cause cramps and spasms, which can be aggravated by lack of exercise and emotional stress. Large clots, usually associated with heavy bleeding, tend to be painful as they pass through the cervix.

In many cases of dysmenorrhea, women may be constipated as a direct result of poor diet, candida or inadequate water intake. Successful treatment of a yeast infection often improves many kinds of chronic gynecological conditions. If the bowels do not move frequently enough, estrogens can be reabsorbed from the bowels, leading to higher estrogen levels. This hormonal imbalance can result in severe menstrual cramps.

Teenagers are more susceptible to cramps, although this pain tends to subside with age. Teenage fears and anxieties associated with menstruation should be investigated. Pregnancy often has a balancing action on the hormonal system and helps to alleviate menstrual cramps in the long term. Painful periods that change considerably should be checked further to rule out possible underlying illnesses, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse and other pelvic disorders.

Nutrition

Menstrual cramps can be prevented by avoiding calcium deficiency. Calcium levels in the body drop about ten days before a period. Good sources of calcium are green vegetables, legumes and seaweed. Avoid meat, because it has twenty-nine times as much phosphorus as calcium and will inhibit the body’s absorption of calcium. Zinc and magnesium, however, increase calcium absorption, and are found in whole grains, legumes and seeds.

Eat vegetable oils such as flax seed oil and fish for essential omega-3 fatty acids. They are converted to prostaglandins which counteract cramping and pain. Excess arachidonic acid from animal products, on the other hand, tends to promote cramping. Iron is an important nutrient for healthy menstruation and relieving cramps.

Whole grains contain vitamin E and the B vitamins, which also help prevent menstrual problems. Use saffron as a subtle flavoring in breads and vegetable dishes to promote menstruation. It has a sedative effect on the uterus due to the carotenes and the etheric oil safranal it contains.

Because painful menstrual cramps are often the result of an estrogen imbalance, soy can help regulate estrogen levels. If the levels are too low, for instance, they raise them and help reverse many menopausal symptoms. If they are too high, they can reduce the excess estrogen that cause cramps.

Nutritional Supplements

Supplementing with high doses of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium ten days before the menstrual period will help prevent cramping. These supplements can be taken hourly during menstruation, until the pain subsides. Vitamin D and magnesium are necessary for optimal absorption and utilization of calcium. The essential fatty acids, especially the GLA found in evening primrose oil, are necessary for strengthening prostaglandins, which are natural anti-inflammatories. Other vitamins vital for the production of hormones are vitamins B complex and E. The vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B6, and vitamin E should be added to the diet.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Calcium, 1,000 mg, or 250 mg hourly

Magnesium, 500 mg, or 250 mg hourly

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin D, 400 IU

Vitamin B6, 100 mg or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg

Helpful

Vitamin B complex, 100 mg

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols,

400 IU twice daily

Herbal Remedies

To relieve cramps and restore normal circulation, take 1 tbsp. of herbal juices three times daily or 1 tsp. of herbal tea in boiling water three times daily.

Yarrow and silverweed, appropriately called cramp weed, help relieve menstrual symptoms.

Black cohosh regulates menstruation and relieves muscle cramps.

Dong quai and camomile are good for the uterus, blood, muscles and nerves.

To calm and strengthen the nerves, drink 1 cup of valerian tea three times daily, and after ten, days switch to St. John’s wort for twenty days.

For better calcium absorption, take 3 capsules of aqueous horsetail extract three times daily or 1-2 tsp. of organic vegetal silica dissolved in 1/2 cup lukewarm water daily.

Comfrey, oat straw and skullcap also aid calcium absorption. Take as tincture, capsules or tea.

An iron cocktail will help build strength depleted by blood loss, and relieve cramps. Combine 2 tbsp. of stinging nettle juice or spinach juice, 4 tbsp. of red beet juice, 2 tbsp. of yarrow juice; mix with 1/2 cup of grape juice and add ice cubes.

Bromelain is a good relaxant. Crush the contents of a tablet or capsule into calendula or flax cream and insert into the vagina.

Homeopathy

For the acute treatment of pain, choose one of the following remedies, using the 6c strength, dissolving 2 tablets under the tongue every fifteen minutes for three doses. If necessary, continue four times daily until the pain subsides.

Belladonna will help sudden severe pains that disappear just as quickly. Pressure may feel good, but any jarring causes pain. Bleeding is typically heavy and bright red.

Magnesia phosphorica is another helpful remedy for spasms relieved by heat and pressure. The cramps often improve while moving around.

Chamomilla is useful for severe cramps accompanied by terrible irritability and worsened or brought on by anger.

Pulsatilla must be considered if the pain is associated with weeping and moodiness, which responds well to consolation and sympathy. The pain can be quite intense and the period changeable from month to month. Walking outdoors may help, since there is a great need for fresh air.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets four times daily under the tongue.

Mag phos is the main tissue salt for spasms and cramps. For quickest action, dissolve in some hot water and sip frequently.

When the pain is due to congestion, associated with a bright red, strong flow and possibly reddened cheeks, use Ferr phos.

Alternatively, use Kali phos, if there is irritability or nervous tension associated with the pain.

External/Physical Therapies

Proper rest and relaxation, and regular exercise in fresh air are essential for relieving tension and preventing menstrual cramps.

Walk, swim or cycle for better circulation.

Before menstruation, take sitz-baths with thyme and camomile at 100°F (37°C), but not any hotter, and place hot abdominal wraps or compresses on the affected area.

A hot shower directed at the abdomen helps.

To strengthen the reproductive organs, apply the cold-water genital rub once weekly.

Apply five layers of cotton soaked in castor oil on the abdomen with a hot-water bottle until cold.

Natural progesterone cream can be applied to the fatty areas of skin between day fourteen to day twenty eight of the menstrual cycle.

Reflexology

Work the reflexes of the uterus, ovaries, lower spine, diaphragm, all glands and fallopian tubes, as illustrated.

Apply thumbs to the point on top of the foot and the side of the foot, as illustrated.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

FloraSil (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Auxima Liquid Organic Calcium (Inno-Vite)

Auxima Liquid Organic Magnesium (Inno-Vite)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate

(Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Ester-C (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Gamma Oil Evening Primrose Oil

(Quest Vitamins)

Herbal Remedies

Dang Quei (Albi)

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Medicinal Tea: For Women (Flora)

Salus Herbal Calcium/Magnesium Liquid (Flora)

Dong Quai Extract (Natural Factors)

Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)

Silica Extract 500 mg (Natural Factors)

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)

Black Cohosh Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Chamomile Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)

Dong Quai-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Herbal Calm (Nature’s Herbs)

Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Valerian-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Yarrow Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)

Herbal Women’s Formula (Quest Vitamins)

Homeopathy

Belladonna (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Phosphorus (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Basil Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Chamomile Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Clary Sage (Karooch Essential Oils)

Ginger Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Marjoram Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)