Natural Remedies for Painful Menstruation

For many women their bleeding time each month can be a painful experience. For thousands of years women have come up for a variety of reasons why this is happening to them, and the pain can vary from woman to woman. For some women the pain is debilitating.

Painful menstruation is known as Dysmenorrhea which literally means “difficult menstruation”. Each month when the uterine lining sheds as menstruation, the uterus must contract. In women with dysmenorrhea the contractions are very painful. The uterus may even spasm. Pain can be localized to the lower abdomen, but it can also be in the lower back, in the vulva, as well as radiating down the thighs. This wave like pain is often accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The pain can begin up to 24 hours before menses begins and usually lasts for the first 48 hours once menses begins. In some women the pain may last up to 72 hours once menses begins.

Painful menstruation is one of the leading causes for women to miss work. This type of regular monthly pain also makes painful menstruation one of the leading reasons for regular use of NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

If you have extremely painful menstruation it is important to talk to your doctor about this. It is important to rule out if what you are experiencing is actual Primary Dysmenorrhea, or Secondary Dysmennorrhea. Primary means that it is the first issue, whereas secondary means there is another health issue causing or contributing to the painful menstruation. For example; Secondary Dysmenorrhea is often caused by endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids. There may also be other factors that are causing pain that may also need to be ruled out, such as IBS, constipation, UTI, etc.

If you know that you have other fertility issues that are the underlying cause of your menstrual pain, it is important to address those issues as well. While it is always easier to treat pain acutely (when it is happening) rather than address the root cause, it is very important to find out what is causing the pain in your body.

What Causes Painful Menstrual Cramps?

In the ‘70’s studies began to come out that showed a link to why women experience painful menstrual cramps. Scientists discovered that women with menstrual cramps had high levels of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2). Prostaglandin F2 alpha is made by the uterus to stop progesterone production when there has been no implantation at the end of the menstrual cycle. Women with Dysmennorhea have been shown to produce 7 times more prostaglandin F2 alpha than women who do not. When the prostaglandin F2 alpha is released into the blood stream in high levels it causes the uterus to spasm. This also creates a state of inflammation because PGF2 is a known inflammatory chemical in the body. Uterine cramping and inflammation is the cause of the pain. Scientists still do not know why the body produces more PGF2 in women with painful menstrual cramps.

Natural Ways to Decrease Menstrual Cramp Pain

I will share with you some natural remedies to help treat menstrual cramping when it is happening, but also remedies and mind/body practices to consider long term to help relieve your menstrual cramp pain forever!
Nutritional Considerations First!
That’s right, getting adequate nutrition every day should be top priority! Considering that Dysmenorrhea is an inflammatory state in the body, it is important to avoid foods that increase inflammation response. High glycemic foods are known to increase levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, including PGF2. When looked at holistically both doctors, naturopaths and herbalists agree that an anti-inflammatory diet is important.

Avoid refined carbohydrates. Stick to whole grains like oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, etc. Eat only 3 servings of grains at most a day. Eliminate sugary foods and processed sugar. Choose very limited amounts of honey or agave. Choose Stevia as a sweetner when possible.
Consider eliminating dairy. Dairy products are congesting to the body and many doctors have seen a reduction in menstrual cramp pain in women who eliminated dairy products. If you choose dairy, try to purchase organic or organic raw dairy only to avoid added hormones.
Reduce red meat and egg yolk consumption to at most 2-3 times a week. This is because both red meat and egg yolk are high in arachidonic acid (AA). This has been found to increase cellular inflammation in some people. To find out if you are senstive to AA, eliminate red meat and egg yolk for a month. Reintroduce it and see if your symptoms come back. Choose organic free range meats and eggs when possible to avoid added hormones.
Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Important Nutritional Supplements

Whole Food Multivitamin
Be sure to take a good whole food prenatal multivitamin. This will help you to maintain adequate nutrition. Many of do not consume enough fresh foods because of our food system, therefore our nutritional levels are lacking what our bodies need each day to function properly.Vitamin A
Be sure to get enough Vit. A through a natural whole food source (cod liver oil) or beta-carotein (carrots). This will help to keep estrogen levels regulated.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to relax smooth muscle tissue. It has been shown to reduce menstrual cramping greatly. Magnesium deficiency is a leading cause of menstrual cramps.
Omega 6
Are you getting enough Omega-6 fatty acid? Both Borage oil and Evening Primrose Oil are high in Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fats can assist fertility by improving reproductive cell structure, decrease risk of inflammation and improve the condition of organs in the body. Borage and EPO tone the uterus. Honestly it is best to take a complete essential fatty acid supplement. This will help you to get a wide variety of EFA’s!

Digestive Upset with Inflammation

Ginger: If you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea due to painful cramping and hormonal changes, ginger is one of the best herbs to soothe the stomach. It is also anti-inflammatory. Also see Chamomile

Self Fertility Massage and Fertility Yoga

Uterine spasm is sometimes associated with a weak uterus. If the uterine muscles are “out of shape” they are more likely to spasm. Self Fertility Massage may greatly help to strengthen, stimulate, detoxify and support overall uterine health. Self Fertility Massage also increases endorphins which help reduce pain. Another good option is to practice Fertility Yoga. Fertility Yoga uses specific poses to keep the reproductive organs in proper alignment, with adequate circulation.

Source: Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, Christiane Northrup, M.D., Bantam Books, 2010