Menstrual Cramps
The menstrual cycle is a normal and predictable cycle that involves the shedding
of the uterine lining once a month. The cycle repeats itself throughout a woman's
reproductive years. Medically, menstrual cramps are known as
dysmenorrhea,
which literally means painful menstruation.
A complete menstrual cycle can be anywhere from twenty-one to thirty-five
days long, with a twenty-eight-day cycle being average. The menstrual period,
which marks the beginning of the cycle, lasts from three to seven days. During
the rest of the cycle, intricate physical and hormonal changes occur that prepare
the body for the possibility of pregnancy. During the first half of the cycle, the
ovary prepares to release an egg. During this time, the body increases production
of the hormone estrogen. This causes the lining of the uterus, the endometrium,
to grow and await a fertilized egg. Meanwhile, the
pituitary gland has released a
follicle-stimulating hormone, causing an egg-bearing follicle in the ovary to
develop. About halfway into the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs and an egg is
released from the follicle. This is followed by a rise in the hormone
progesterone,
which prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone
influences the lining of the uterus to become rich in
blood vessels and glandular
tissue-a nourishing soft, spongy "nest." If the egg is not fertilized, however, the
nest the body has prepared is not needed and, approximately two weeks after
ovulation, the levels of both estrogen and progesterone drop. This triggers
menstruation, and the enriched spongy lining of the uterus leaves the body as menstrual
blood. About one-quarter cup of blood is lost with each menstrual period.
When menstrual cramps occur, it is usually just before the cycle starts or with
the onset of menstruation. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Menstrual cramps feel like muscle contractions or sharp spasms in the lower
abdomen. They may radiate to the back or down the thighs, and range from mildly
achy to wrenchingly painful. In the severely afflicted, cramping may be
accompanied by nausea, vomiting,
headache, nervousness,
fatigue,
diarrhea,
fainting,
bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings,
backache, and/or
dizziness.
Women who suffer from cramps seem to produce greater amounts of
prostaglandins, which are hormones secreted by the uterine lining, than other women
do. These hormones affect the smooth muscle of the uterus, causing an increase
in uterine contractions. The contractions interfere with blood flow, reducing the
amount of oxygen reaching the uterus and resulting in pain. A large increase in
prostaglandins can also cause strong gastrointestinal contractions, which may be
responsible for the diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting associated with severe
menstrual cramps.
When a teenager experiences menstrual cramps, she may not feel up to
socializing, going to gym class, or participating in her usual daily activities. Because
most teenagers thrive on social contact, suffering through a day or two of menstrual
cramps can be difficult.
A teenager who suffers severe pain during her menstrual period should see her
health care provider for advice. Severe abdominal pain may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease,
endometriosis,
ovarian cysts, pelvic
adhesions, fibroid cysts, or
endometrial cancer. A medical diagnosis is essential.
A young woman who experiences persistently irregular menstrual cycles, a
change in the normal pattern of her cycle, or an unusual amount of blood loss
should call her doctor. Irregular or changing cycles may indicate an endocrine
problem. Prolonged or excessive bleeding can lead to
anemia.
If your daughter is fitted with an intrauterine device (IUD) or is taking birth
control pills and develops cramping, see your doctor to be sure that her symptoms
are properly diagnosed.
Supplements and herbs
- Calcium/magnesium chloride: An excellent supplement to help alleviate cramping
and muscle spasms. It helps to maintain good muscle tone. Magnesium increases
the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium/magnesium may also help in
reducing breast tenderness. Some women have found that chewing calcium
supplements during their period helps with pain control.
- Vitamin E: Good for reproductive organ health and function.
- Vitamin B complex: Helps to reduce premenstrual tension. In some instances,
taking brewer's yeast has decreased the severity of menstrual discomfort,
including depression. Some research suggests that menstruation may cause a
functional deficiency of vitamin B6.
- Vitamin C with
bioflavonoids: Help to strengthen blood vessels and capillary walls
in the uterus.
- iron: Make sure if you suffer from heavy periods that you are not suffering from
an iron deficiency.
- Chamomile is an herbal relaxant. Drink a cup of chamomile tea as needed.
- The Chinese herb dong quai helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing
female hormones. When taken for a few months, it will help alleviate cramping,
particularly when taken in combination with red raspberry leaf. Begin by taking
40 drops of dong quai tincture, or dong quai and red raspberry leaf combination
formula, twice daily, from Day 6 through Day 20 of the menstrual cycle (calculated
from the first day of menstrual bleeding). Continue taking 40 drops, twice daily,
for three weeks. If the cycle is irregular, take the herbs for two to three weeks out
of every month, and repeat this program for at least three menstrual cycles. Do
not take this remedy during the menstrual period itself, however.
- A hot ginger-tea compress placed on the lower abdomen helps to relax muscle
cramping. Boil 6 ounces of fresh ginger root in 1 quart of water for fifteen to twenty
minutes, and dip a washcloth or hand towel in the tea. You can either place the
saturated cloth directly on the abdomen, or wrap it first with a dry cloth. Ginger
is warming and increases circulation in the lower abdomen. This compress will
feel like a deep heating rub.
- True cramp bark, a little-known botanical, is effective in treating menstrual
cramps. Take 1 cup of true cramp bark tea, twice daily, for three days before the
expected onset of the menstrual period, and 1 cup, three times daily, during the
menstrual period if cramping occurs.
- Prepare a soothing herbal bath. Mix 1 quart of strong chamomile tea and 1
quart of ginger tea with warm to hot bath water, and enjoy a leisurely soak.
- Pasque flower: Good for all pain including uterine.
- Black haw: An antispasmodic especially good for uterine spasms.
- Blue cohosh: An antispasmodic that also has a steroidal component. This herb
has been used by North American Indian women for generations to relieve
menstrual cramping.
- Black cohosh: Helps with a number of uterine disorders.
- Dioscorea.
Additional things you may do
- Don't become overweight. Women who are overweight suffer more from
menstrual cramping.
- Exercise regularly. Women who are physically fit have a lower incidence or
severity of menstrual cramps.
- Take a good vitamin and mineral supplement all month long, and prior to your
period increase your intake of calcium and magnesium.
Other beneficial herbs
Comments
- From Ashley - Jan-05-2011
- I found this tea called "Breathe Deep" by Yogi, I use it when I am feeling congested but I looked at the label and realized that it had a lot of supplements in it that are good for cramps such as peppermint, ginger, cinnamon and basil. I drank one cup and within a few minutes I felt so much better!! I think you have to drink a few cups a day depending on the pain, but it works way faster and is a lot healthier than popping pills!
- From TMari - 2010
- When I was experiencing unusually painful cramps a few months ago a friend dropped off a small bag of dried herbs to use. 1Tbsp Cramp Bark , 1Tbsp Black Haw , pinch of Licorice Root . Place herbs in saucepan with 5 cups of water and bring to boil. Turn down and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and enjoy - kicks in quicker than any pill (20 minutes). This tea can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator - just warm up.
- From Karli - 2010
- I started taking chamomile tea & raspberry leaf supplements because I was getting cramps & nausea so badly I was missing a day of school every month. Within a month of taking raspberry leaf every day - no more cramps! I stuck with the raspberry leaf & chamomile for several years, and now I rarely, if ever, need the herbs or hardcore drugs for the cramps.... Thank you, Mother Nature!
- From Tabitha - 2010
- I tried vitamin C for menstrual cramps...wow, what a relief. I have pcos, endometriosis, and have suffered with pain for many years. I had almost given up hope until I did some researching today. Thank goodness I found this. Just wish I would have found it sooner.
- From Kelli - 2010
- Only Ibuprofen and heat packs helps somewhat of my severe menstrual cramps. Other than that nothing helps me sadly.
- From Tonya - 2010
- I use to suffer from bad cramps but I have been taking multivitamins, especially days leading up to my period. Now I can't feel a thing while its on. I even forget that I am on because it feels like I am not even on. Forget pain killers! Take your vitamins!
- From Michelle - 2010
- I've suffered from severe menstrual cramps since I was a teenager. My mom has had to pick me up from school due to the severity of menstrual cramps. Only in the last couple of years I have stopped experiencing cramps. I heard a doctor speaking on the radio of Calcium/Magnesium. She also mentioned not getting the supplement from local drug stores because of impurities. Instead, you should get it from an all natural/organic supermarket.
I took the advice and I've been cramp free for 2+ years. I'm 37 years old and I figured it's better late than never to finally get that relief. I'm so thankful and to this day I don't know that doctor's name. If I did, I'd write her the longest thank you letter.
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