| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Menstrual Cramps Information
Menstrual cramps are painful aches in the abdomen, lower back and thighs that occur just before and during menstruation. Menstrual cramps are very common and affect most women at one time or another. These cramps vary in intensity from mild aches to sharp, debilitating pains in the lower abdomen that can radiate to the lower back and legs. Headache often accompanies menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps usually last from a few hours to several days and ease as the cycle progresses.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Menstrual Cramps
There are two types of menstrual cramping:
Primary Dysmenorrhea, the most common form of cramping, is caused by the production of prostaglandins, the natural substances produces in the inner lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins make the uterine muscles contract and help the uterus shed the lining produced during the menstrual cycle. When excess prostaglandins are produced, excessive pain is often the result. Secondary Dysmeorrhea refers to menstrual pain caused by a physical problem other than menstruation, such as endometriosis, pelvic infection, ovarian cysts and pregnancy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps
Symptoms of menstrual cramps include mild to severe cramping in the lower abdomen that radiates to the lower back and legs; headaches; diarrhea or constipation; nausea and fainting.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and reducing stress. If menstrual cramps occur, use heat (hot water bottles, heating pads and hot baths) to relax the muscles; drink herbal teas to soothe tense muscles and nerves; exercise regularly and empty the bladder as soon as the urge arises.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Calcium and Magnesium alleviate cramping when taken in combination.
Vitamin E is good for reproductive health.
Vitamin B Complex helps reduce premenstrual tension.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids helps strengthen blood vessels in the uterus.
Chamomile is a natural relaxant.
Dong Quai helps balance female hormones.
Blue Cohosh helps relieve menstrual cramping.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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