Dysmenorrhea - Severe Pain During Menstruation

[ScarletBegonias]

I have had really painful periods since I started menstruating, but for almost a half a year now I have been experiencing new and disturbing symptoms during menstruation. I've been in so much pain that I'll take 800mg of Ibprofeun in the morning just to take the same amount again in the afternoon. These amounts only help with the pain, but they do not take it away. The periods last for about two days and they don't always arrive at regular intervals either. Also on the first day of my period the pain has been so great that I've gotten extremely lightheaded and dizzy to the point that I think I'm going to faint. I also become very nauseated. I have vomited on the first day of my period for the last four out of five periods. I nearly vomited last month too, but somehow was able to breathe myself out of it after long periods of laying on the bathroom floor.

Sometimes I feel like I'll take just about anything to make these intense waves of pain go away. The doctor I saw over it confirmed that it is dysmenorrhea and he wanted to put me on birth control. I really do NOT want to take those pills and I desperately hope I can find an alternative that works for me. I thought that maybe my body is lacking a nutrient or something. Here is what I found in the way of supplements that have been shown to help:

_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysmenorrhea

Several nutritional supplements have been indicated as effective in treating dysmenorrhea, including omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and thiamine (vitamin B1)

From Diagnosis and Management of Dysmenorrhoea

_http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1459624/

Herbal products or medicines, and dietary supplements: the evidence

Thiamine
One study has shown that 100 mg of thiamine (vitamin B-1) taken daily may be an effective cure for dysmenorrhoea: 87% of patients were cured up to two months after treatment.

Pyridoxine and magnesium
Some evidence also exists that pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) supplements, taken alone or with magnesium, can reduce pain, but more research is needed to confirm this. Magnesium may also be an effective treatment. Women in some trials of magnesium experienced a reduction in period pain and a lowering of prostaglandins in their blood. The therapeutic dose is unclear, however, as magnesium supplements were used several ways (daily or during pain). In addition, some women stopped taking magnesium during the trials, possibly owing to lack of benefit or due to adverse effects such as constipation.

Fish oil
The use of fish oil capsules (omega 3 fatty acids) may also reduce pain, although more research is needed; adverse effects associated with fish oil treatment were mild and included nausea and worsening of acne.

I take all of these and thought that doubling my B1 dose to 100mg daily might do the trick, but after the events this evening I don't think it did after all. However, I have only taken maybe about 600mg of Ibuprofen today, which is less than half of what I've taken on the first day of menstruation in recent months, so that's good. If anyone one on here has any ideas of what could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Hot pads offer a few minutes of relief and I already see a chiropractor.

 

[Hildegarda]

Scarlet, so sorry to hear about your trouble. This happened to me a lot when I was younger.

Liver cleanse/gallbladder flush was the number one thing that helped me. This is mentioned here, but if you do a search on the forum, there are a few discussion of sluggish liver issues. I did it a few times over a few months and could literally observe how my period is getting better all the time: after first one, just as painful but no meds, after second one, I am only in bed one day instead of three, after third, I keep moving all through it, after fourth, minimum discomfort.

Fixing the diet was as important. My menstrual problems increased right after I developed a short-lived habit of consuming soft drinks; I put two and two together and dropped it, along with other sources of caffein. Staying away from chocolate before period is also a good idea. That's the bare minimum. UltraMind quiz may help point out deficiencies and specific nutrients to correct them. Estrogen is very likely to be implicated, which is why sluggish liver function (estrogen is metabolized in the liver) is probably connected to menstrual issues. The Ultra Simple diet will help fine-tune other foods you may be intolerant of. I would think that magnesium supplement will be great as well.

I totally feel that there are alternatives to birth control pill, and would avoid it at all costs. Why put a class 1 carcinogen in your body? (http://www.sott.net/articles/show/219322-Surgeon-birth-control-pill-a-molotov-cocktail-for-breast-cancer)

Hope you feel better soon

 

[Gimpy]

I went through this in my younger days too. :(

As an adult, I was diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian syndrome, or pcos. It means your ovaries develop cysts through out your cycle, more than needed for ovulation. When one of these cysts gets too large, you can develop nausea, vomiting, mild to moderate fever etc. In the early stages you can have infrequent cycles and be diagnosed with dysmenorhea.

I think Hildegarda's suggestion is a good one. Get rid of any kind of processed food, and if you can get rid of dairy in particular it can do wonders. The best health of my life was when I ate strictly from the gardens on my parents farm, and ate meat....nothing processed at all, no soft drinks, no chocolate. It was really spartan for a teen ager, but it worked, and at that time I would do anything to keep the pain at bay. ;)

My doctors at that time did put me on the pill, and I went off of it after two months of blinding migraines. It did nothing at all for the original problem.

Magnesium oil applied to your abdomen may help the cramping, and certainly supplementing extra around the time your cycle ends would help, too.


Hang in there!

 

[Keit]

Sometimes I feel like I'll take just about anything to make these intense waves of pain go away. The doctor I saw over it confirmed that it is dysmenorrhea and he wanted to put me on birth control. I really do NOT want to take those pills and I desperately hope I can find an alternative that works for me. I thought that maybe my body is lacking a nutrient or something. Here is what I found in the way of supplements that have been shown to help:

_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysmenorrhea

Several nutritional supplements have been indicated as effective in treating dysmenorrhea, including omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and thiamine (vitamin B1)

Hi Scarlet, sorry to hear that you are suffering so much.

One of the things that helped me personally is Evening primrose oil, or just Vitamin E. Recently SOTT carried an article about Vitamin E and its affects on PMS. And here is an article about EPO. Start taking it well before the period and hopefully it will ease the pain a bit.

 

[Chu]

Hi Scarlet,

I agree with Hidelgarda. There are definitely ways to avoid the contraceptive pill and solve this problem.

Vit E evening primrose oil really helped me. But what did the trick was a course of Progesterone cream for three months. After that I stopped it for about a year, and this month I've started again.

I used to have really severe pain since the age of 13, but with the progesterone, the pain is almost completely gone.

Here is an interesting post by Psyche on the progesterone cream and enzymes. But if you search in the forum, it has been discussed lots of times. I hope it helps you too.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

First, I just want to thank you four dear souls for taking the time to read this and try to help me think of ways to solve my problem. I kept having to run to the restroom last night to vomit again while I was writing the post, and now that I am rereading it I realize how much I didn't include. I am also constipated and or suffer from diarrhea on these days as if the pain and vomiting weren't bad enough!

Dear Hildegarda,

I am going to look into this liver clense tonight when I'm off of work and give it a whole-hearted try! Thank you!! Also, thanks for the link on the SOTT article that discusses the risks of taking birth control pills. I took them for a few years in my early twenties and think that they really screwed up my hormones.

I also take magnesium supplements, maybe 300-400mg a day, but I could consider raising the dose.

Dear Gimpy,

Those cysts sound awful and I'm sorry you had to go through that! One of my students used to tell me about hers and I felt so bad for her. I just got a pap smear and everything came back normal so I think I'm safe with regards to that. Thanks for telling me about the magnesium oil. I have some magnesium lotion that I never really used regularly because it made my skin itch, but maybe I can try some on my tummy tonight.

Also, I have been following the Ultra Simple Diet for about as long as I've been having these horrible symptoms and I think changing my diet for the better is what did it. I know that sounds weird, but it's the only thing I can think of that I've been doing differently. I have been off of dairy since early last year, but just quit gluten when I started following the USD. I hardly eat processed foods, and I don't drink soda or eat chocolate. Maybe it's time to cut processed foods out 100%.

Dear Keit,

Thanks so much for telling me about Evening Primrose Oil and I'm surprised I hadn't heard of it before! Thank you so much also for the links. I will read both articles today and also look into getting some of this oil!

Dear Ailen,

Thanks for telling me what helped you and for reminding me about progesterone cream. I bought some late last year, but never really gave it a good try, because I noticed more breakouts on my face when I began using it and my mother said she didn't think it would help. Maybe I should just suck it up and go full force with it this month!

Well, my mother purchased me a book about using food and natural supplements to heal your body. The section on PMS contains new supplements I've never heard of and also some techniques I can try. I'll post up the information later tonight when I get home from work and keep this thread up-to-date regarding my findings.

And again, bless you all for trying to help! I just can't tell you how much I appreciate it!! I've only ever found blogs online with other people who have the same problems, but they can't seem to find the solution either! I have been scared to have my periods now that I am vomiting and also nearly passing out. I am so thankful that I got my period 2 days early yesterday and that I had the day off of work so I could rest!

 

[Laura]

Read "sex, lies and menopause" by T.S. Wiley. You probably need serious progesterone therapy.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

I will order that book at the library today. Thanks for telling me about it, Laura! I just know the answer is out there somewhere and it's not birth control pills!! :)

 

[FireShadow]

I, too had poly-cystic ovarian disorder and they wanted to put me on birth control pills as well. Instead, I got acupunture treatments (a series of treatments plus herbs over a 6 week period). I was told I may need a "tune-up" once a year or so. It completely regulated my periods, and I only ever needed one tune-up a year after the original treatment. That was back in the mid-90's.

 

[D Rusak]

Hey-

I always had really painful periods since I first started them- they would usually average 9-10 days as well ( :O ). I was not a happy camper but it seemed like there was nothing to do about it, it was common on my mom's side of the family. I don't really go to the doctor since I don't have health insurance and am pretty distrustful so I've never gotten my condition, if I have one, diagnosed.

As a side note, my sister has had the same (she went and got it diagnosed) issue and she goes on a different birth control every few months to a year. Eventually they stop working and she is back to pain. She is 25 and I think has been on 8 or 9 different ones? Yikes! She doesn't really like taking them or how she feels (apart from reduction of pain) on them but she doesn't want to try alternative medicine. Also I am not sure if she is sexually active- if she is (I could see her being so, she likes to drink and party when she has the chance) she is not in a relationship and I doubt she would want to get pregnant anytime soon, so perhaps that is also why she takes it.

I noticed that as I changed my diet and tried to detox over the years (probably also just not being a teenager anymore) it helped a lot. My periods are shorter now (only 2-3 days of heavy discharge, and then a couple days more, maybe 6 total) and less painful throughout. It still is pretty bad for me the first day or so though.

I find it really helpful if I take a lot of magnesium right before the period is supposed to start and then as it starts. Also I like to take a niacin pill until I get the flush- somehow I feel this really gets the blood moving and your body relaxed. Maybe it's psychological a bit as well. If I can I try to do this and either sleep or take a nap, for me it's really good if I can somehow work out to "sleep through it". I find that if I don't take a ton of painkillers the pain is usually shorter in duration. I admit sometimes to taking some ibuprofen at first just to get over the hump but I have not bought any more since I moved 2 months ago, and things have been okay.

I would also second the hard core detoxing and progesterone creams though I have not tried these as much or at all.

Best of luck. I am starting mine any time now, I can feel it :/

 

[D Rusak]

Oh yes, I forgot to add- often as there was a big shift in diet (cutting something out) it would get worse again for a month or three, probably since your body is detoxing all that stuff out. Yet another reason for liver/etc cleanse.

 

[Lirpa]

I recently started taking Herb Pharm Women's Health Tonic for the same issues and other period issues and it has worked quite well.

 

[theos]

Hi Scarlet,

I used to have the same symptoms you described when I first started my period. I used to have one every two weeks for a while. :O
and I would be popping Ibuprofen like crazy.

As I changed my diet the cramps eased up. Now that I've totally cut out all grains and dairy I barely feel anything at all on my first day. :D Pay special attention to your diet and cut out anything inflammatory.

I weaned myself off the ibuprofen with tincture of ginger and now I don't need to take anything.

Pain free periods are possible. Good luck.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

First, I want to apologize for not replying again last night like I had wanted. I ended up taking notes on the information and links that were posted in this thread, the section on PMS in the book my mother gave me, and information on other websites. Thank you Fireshadow, D Rusak, April and Odyssey for sharing your stories and what worked for you! :) Fireshadow, I'm sorry you had to deal with that and thanks for reminding me how helpful acupuncture can be! April, I'd be curious to know how this tonic has helped you specifically. I couldn't find reviews of it online. Odyssey, I almost don't believe you with your statement here, lol, but on rare occasions I have also had virtually painless periods and they are truly amazing! Well, as amazing as periods could be, I guess. :P D Rusak, I don't think it's psychological with the niacin, because I remember reading that it can help with dysmenorrhea. Here is is some info regarding that:

_http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C347097.html

There is evidence that niacin may be beneficial for the treatment of dysmennorhea. Hudgins reported on a group of 80 women suffering from painful menstrual cramps who were supplemented with 100mg niacin twice daily, beginning 7 to 10 days before the onset of menses and then every 2 to 3 hours during heavy cramps. 90% of participants experienced significant relief. It should be noted that the dosage required during heavy cramping is high enough to cause unpleasant side effects and that it would seem that the use of flush-free niacin (inositol hexaniacinate) might be indicated. In addition, the inositol would provide lipotropic effects. Lipotropic agents help in the metabolism of hormones by the liver, important for the prevention of PMS.

And the site I found that information on has a good definition of dysmenorrhea, so I'll include that too:

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods or menstrual cramps. The majority of women are thought to experience some degree of dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea is either primary or secondary. In cases of primary dysmenorrhea, no disease or other medical cause can be found for the pain and other symptoms, which may include backache, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of tenseness. Primary dysmenorrhea frequently affects women in their teens and early 20s, who have never had a baby.

It also mentions bromelain, which I stopped taking MAYBE around the time the extra symptoms came around!! Hmm WOW I'm adding that one back to the supplement list for now! I used to take bromelain when I had arthritis for two years. Changing my diet last year changed everything and I swear it's gone now!! :O

Bromelain at 250 to 500mg can be taken 3 to 4 times per day on an empty stomach. Fish oil and bromelain make a powerful anti-inflammatory combination.

I feel it's also relevant to mention that I've had a low red blood cell count for about a year now and my last blood test, which was in September, showed my white blood cell count was low too. September was also the month that these extra symptoms came on. Hmm..

D Rusak, I'm sorry that your sister has had to take so many medications! One of my best friends has recently been suffering from amenorrhea (the absence of a menstrual period) and she now takes birth control. Like me, she is 31 and without children.

The book my mother gave me is titled, Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (5th Ed), and it has a lot of suggestions for treating PMS. It recommends taking acidophilus, 1500mg of calcium daily, 1000mg of magnesium daily, vitamin D as directed, 100mg of vitamin b complex three times a day, plus 100-200mg of vitamin B5 daily, plus 1000-2000mcg of vitamin b12 daily and 200IU of vitamin E daily. Right now I take those supplements, but according to the book I could be taking more of them. My mother told me that she healed her anemia from applying information in this book so I'm going to raise my daily dose of vitamins and see if it helps. The 300mg of b complex plus b5 and b12 on top of that seems rather high to me, but I'm going to give it a try.

The book also says that these are important: GABA, melatonin, natural progesterone cream, pregnenolone(?) or DHEA(?), SAMe, and the Ultimate Cleanse from Nature's Secret. Of these I am going to try out the progesterone cream again since I have some already.

I'm also going to purchase a liver cleanse kit. It looks like these might be good, but I'm not entirely sure I need the second one:

_http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Secret-Ultimate-Cleanse-kit/dp/B00016ACEM/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IH6WS8RIVVJU5&colid=12CWDOUXATWBD
_http://www.amazon.com/Himalaya-Himalaya2E-LiverCare-180-caps/dp/B0012M9RT0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MWYP5NV9RW41&colid=12CWDOUXATWBD

I'll also be buying some Evening Primrose Oil and giving that a shot. This is the one I'll probably be buying:

_http://www.puritan.com/evening-primrose-oil-gla-050/evening-primrose-oil-500-mg-with-gla-003632?NewPage=1

Thank you again for all of the suggestions, everyone!! I've just got to figure this out..

 

[D Rusak]

Just reread the wikipedia article on dysmenorrhea. One item which was mentioned above here as well was zinc. Since I actually had a "false alarm" (for me- feeling the cramps just a tad, I feel clammy, slightly nutso- I always joke I get MS instead of PMS, since it's usually right before and concurrent with my menstruation, and having a dream about having my period yesterday morning) and did not start cramps or period proper yet, I will try to take some zinc this time around and see what happens. I have not tried this before and only take zinc as a part of my multi-mineral. Menstruation should be any day now for me (if it's on schedule for me I should have it tonight/tomorrow. It often is off by a day or so for me though). Will be back to report results in a few days.

A review of case histories indicated that zinc, in 1 to 3 30-milligram doses given daily for one to four days prior to onset of menses, prevents essentially all warning of menses and all menstrual cramping.