Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

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Natural

Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

If you are experiencing symptoms of menstrual cramps, it's

important to see your doctor to be properly diagnosed. Although certain natural

remedies show some promise, there hasn't been enough research at this point to

conclude they're effective. Here are some of the more popular natural remedies

for menstrual cramps.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon,

mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. They are also available in fish oil

capsules, which may be the preferable form because many brands filter out any

pollutants in fish, such as mercury and PCBs.

 

At least eight studies involving a total of 1,097 women have investigated the

relationship between diet and menstrual cramps and have found that fish oil

intake seemed to have a positive effect on menstrual cramps.

 

Animal studies suggest that the two compounds in fish oil, eicosapentaenoic

acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may decrease prostaglandin levels.

 

In one small study, 21 young women took fish oil (containing 1080 milligrams

eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 720 milligrams docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 1.5

milligrams vitamin E) daily for two months followed by a placebo pill for two

months. Another 21 young women took the placebo for two months followed by fish

oil for two months. The results suggested that the women experienced

significantly less menstrual cramps when they were taking the fish oil.

 

Fish oil capsules are sold in drug stores, health food stores, and online. Look

for the active ingredients EPA and DHA on the label.

 

Fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin

(Coumadin) and aspirin. Side effects may include indigestion and bleeding. To

reduce a fishy aftertaste, it should be taken just before meals.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as

green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It is also available as

nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions.

It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and

nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone

health.

 

In 2001, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed three small

studies that compared magnesium and a placebo for dysmenorrhea. Overall, they

found that magnesium was more effective than placebo for pain relief and the

need for additional medication was less with magnesium use.

 

In the studies, there was no significant difference in the number of side

effects or adverse effects between the magnesium and the placebo.

 

High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle

weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and

confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for

osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some

antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

Acupressure

Acupressure

is a traditional healing practice that is based on the same principles as

acupuncture. Instead of applying needles to acupuncture points, pressure is

applied

 

A point that is often recommended by acupuncturists for menstrual cramps is

called Spleen 6. Although there are only preliminary studies on acupressure for

menstrual cramps, it is a simple home remedy that is often recommended by

alternative practitioners.

 

To find the point, acupuncturists suggest feeling the bony point of the inner

ankle. From that point, draw an imaginary line up the lower calf from the inner

ankle. The point is approximately four finger widths from the inner ankle. It

isn't on the shin bone, but just beside it towards the back of the calf.

 

With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply

gradually increasing pressure. Hold for three minutes. The pressure should not

be painful or uncomfortable.

 

Acupressure to the Spleen 6 point should not be done if you are pregnant. It

should also not be done over broken or infected skin.

Other Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

 

Low-fat diet

Vitamin E

Vitamin B1

Heat

Crampbark

Fennel

Aromatherapy

 

Massage

Calcium

Chiropractic

Exercise

 

Sources

_______________

 

 

 

Chen HM, Chen CH. Effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary

dysmenorrhoea. J Adv Nurs. 48.4 (2004): 380-387.

 

Dennehy CE. The use of herbs and dietary supplements in gynecology: an

evidence-based review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 51.6 (2006): 402-409.

 

Fjerbaek A, Knudsen UB. Endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and diet-What is the

evidence? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2007 Jan 6.

 

French L. Dysmenorrhea. Am Fam Physician. 71.2 (2005): 285-291.

 

Harel Z, Biro FM, Kottenhahn RK, Rosenthal SL. Supplementation with omega-3

polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 174.4 (1996): 1335-1338.

 

 

 

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