Women's Menstrual Period Cramps

PMS, Menstrual Pain, Irregular Periods, Menopause: Hormonal Balance

© Victoria Anisman-Reiner

Aug 25, 2007

It seems that more women suffer from menstrual problems – cramping, bloating, mood swings and grumpiness around their period – than don’t. Many accept PMS, menstrual cramps, and a day or two off from work each month as the reality of a woman’s life. Others try prescription or over-the-counter medications knowing that most are useless and that even if they do work, they only dull the pain and do not address the underlying hormonal issues.

Menstrual symptoms may seem universal, but they should not be ignored. They are symptomatic of hormone imbalance and may affect, or be affected by, other aspects of your health.

First Question: ENDOCRINE HEALTH

PMS, cramps, and other menstrual symptoms are worsened if your thyroid or other endocrine glands are stressed. Having your doctor run blood tests to check your levels of reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone) may also highlight problems.

Natural Solutions: BALANCE HORMONES AND RESTORE HEALTH

Boost Your Immune System

For many women, their immune system takes a hit before and during their monthly period. Supplementing your diet with a good source of vitamin C, oregano oil, or other natural immune system boosters for the week before you expect your next period can have a significant impact on how you feel once you’re menstruating. Some women benefit from dosing themselves as if they have a cold or flu.

Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin E

Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E have all been shown to help relieve menstrual cramping, pain, and breast tenderness. Magnesium also relieves anxiety and calcium may help you sleep. These supplements can be taken before bed or as needed when cramps occur (for a short period of time).

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage is loaded with natural chemicals that the human body can easily modify to produce hormones. It supports hormone balance and for many women it relieves menstrual pain, PMS, and soreness as well as regulating timing and flow.

Clary sage can be used in massage, or applied directly to the reflexology points on the feet that correspond to the ovaries and uterus – points on either side of both ankles.

If you have a pure source for therapeutic-grade essential oils, it may also be taken internally in capsules to support hormonal balance. (Please exercise caution and consult with your doctor or naturopath before using any product internally.)

Sleep, Exercise, and Good Nutrition

Are you getting enough sleep? Moderate daily exercise? A sedentary lifestyle or chronic shortage of sleep puts stress on your system that can affect hormonal balance.

A diet high in caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, unhealthy fats – or a diet lacking sufficient protein or any vital nutrient – can also contribute in a significant way to menstrual cramps, fatigue, and other symptoms during a woman’s period. Soy (tofu, soy milk, veggie burgers, TVP) may also have a detrimental effect on hormonal health.

Consider changing your diet for one month to avoid artificial sweeteners, coffee, soy, or whatever the culprit might be in your case. Assess after your next period (or two, or three) whether it has made a difference. Keep in mind that it can take up to three months to see results with any dietary change, but that most people do begin to see results within a month or two of making changes in their diet or routines.

Women's health: menstrual period cramps

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