Dysmenorrhea - Severe Pain During Menstruation

[ScarletBegonias]

Oh yeah, I forgot about zinc, but I did read that somewhere too! Thanks for adding it here and I was supposed to get my period tonight, but now it's nearly gone! It knocks me so hard on the first day and by the second day 95% of the pain is gone. I'll still take about 600mg of ibuprofen on the second day, but it's nothing like the amount of those pills I've been known to pop on the first day!

Here is some info I found regarding diet and treatment of dysmenorrhea:

_http://rebecca.smokebrush.com/dysmenorrhea/

Both a low-fat vegetarian diet and fish-oil supplements have been reported to reduce menstrual pain in some women. [2]

Diet and sex-hormone binding globulin, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual symptoms.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. nbarnard@pcrm.org

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a low-fat, vegetarian diet reduces dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms by its effect on serum sex-hormone binding globulin concentration and estrogen activity. METHODS: In a crossover design, 33 women followed a low-fat, vegetarian diet for two menstrual cycles. For two additional cycles, they followed their customary diet while taking a supplement placebo pill. Dietary intake, serum sex-hormone binding globulin concentration, body weight, pain duration and intensity, and premenstrual symptoms were assessed during each study phase. RESULTS: Mean (+/- standard deviation [SD]) serum sex-hormone binding globulin concentration was higher during the diet phase (46.7 +/- 23.6 nmol/L) than during the supplement phase (39.3 +/- 19.8 nmol/L, P < .001). Mean (+/- SD) body weight was lower during the diet (66.1 +/- 11.3 kg) compared with the supplement phase (67.9 +/- 12.1 kg, P < .001). Mean dysmenorrhea duration fell significantly from baseline (3.9 +/- 1.7 days) to diet phase (2.7 +/- 1.9 days) compared with change from baseline to supplement phase (3.6 +/- 1.7 days, P < .01). Pain intensity fell significantly during the diet phase, compared with baseline, for the worst, second-worst, and third-worst days, and mean durations of premenstrual concentration, behavioral change, and water retention symptoms were reduced significantly, compared with the supplement phase. CONCLUSION: A low-fat vegetarian diet was associated with increased serum sex-hormone binding globulin concentration and reductions in body weight, dysmenorrhea duration and intensity, and premenstrual symptom duration. The symptom effects might be mediated by dietary influences on estrogen activity. [3]

Herbal Remedies

Traditionally, many herbs have been used to treat dysmenorrhea. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is known to alleviate menopausal symptoms and has also been used to treat dysmenorrhea throughout the world. Tincture doses or capsules every two to four hours have been effective by helping to relax the uterus.
Another popular group of herbs is the Viburnum sp, such as crampbark or black haw. Both herbs have proven in animal and human studies to be a uterine anti-spasmodic. Crampbark specifically should be used if the cramping is of a congestive nature (bloating or nausea) and includes pains radiating down either the back or thighs. While black haw is more indicated for heavier menstrual flow, both can be used in either tincture or capsule form.
Menstrual cramping for many women can be managed through non-invasive techniques. Simple changes in diet and supplementation of nutrients and/or herbs can bring relief. If you would like to choose these avenues of healing, consult a qualified health-care practitioner such as a licensed naturopath or herbalist to rule out other pathologies thereby addressing the totality of your health. [4]

_http://womeninspirations.com/dysmenorrhea-a-woman%E2%80%99s-dilemma/

In order to cure dysmenorrhea, we have to be careful in choosing the food that we take and be wise on what to include in our diet. By choosing the food that we take, we get the assurance that we are taking in the essential nutrients needed by our body in order to maintain a healthy body.

Tofu, also known as soya curd, is a soft cheese-like food made by curdling soya milk with a coagulant. Tofu helps stimulate s the production of good estrogen which is low during menstruation resulting in reducing the inflammation as well as menstrual cramps. It contains high levels of isoflovones. It also inhibits bad estrogen, also known as xenoestrogens which causes breast cancer and tumors in women.

Foods such as beans, lentils, and peanuts are known as legumes. It contains high amounts of vitamin C and chlorophyll that help to relax our abdominal muscles caused by inflammation during menstruation and fighting against forming of free radicals in our body.

Bananas are a good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C that work together to block the release of prostaglandins and occurrence of spasms. Eat at least one banana a day, they are said to contain everything a human needs and they contain all the 8 amino-acids our body cannot produce itself.

Deep sea fish such as tuna and salmon containing high amounts of iron and omega 3 fatty acid help to stimulate the production of red blood cells that is essential to replace blood loss during menstruation. Without omega 3 fatty acids to balance the excessive of omega 6 acid it will result in hormone imbalance thus increasing the risk of menstrual cramps. Omega-3 fatty acids are a particular benefit of eating canned salmon. The bones in canned salmon are soft and edible making canned salmon an excellent source of dietary calcium.

Oral intake of magnesium helps to provide a great deal of relief.
Vitamin E has also helps reduce the pain and added to that there is lesser loss of blood.

Green tea helps to stimulate the digestive system resulting in a cooling sensation and alleviating sharp, stabbing pain during menstruation.
Reduce your intake of caffeine, chocolate and sugar around your period. You will need to change your diet a few days before you normally start your period to help counter pain and other symptoms early.
Put out that cigarette! Smoking increases the occurrence and severity of dysmenorrhea.

When I began the Ultra Simple Diet last August I changed some of the foods I was eating. I have not been eating as much fish because I've been cooking different foods and I haven't been eating a banana every morning like I used to either, because I've been eating apples instead. I recognize that fish and bananas are fine to eat on the USD, I've just been switching around my diet, is all. Hmm, so maybe it's time to buy some more bananas and eat more fish. That's something easy I could do.

Good luck on your period, D Rusak! I hope the pain and other symptoms are minimal.

 

[D Rusak]

Here's something that I hope will make you laugh:

When I was in middle school and just starting this nonsense (pd's would always be 9-10 days, at least a week of heavy bleeding. I'd have to change pads every hour sometimes) I was just at the tail end of my belief thing riding up to confirmation.

I used to say this "prayer" (a good example of the idea praying as a form of demanding, though a little in the style of George Carlin)

Dear God,

I know you're pretty busy these days and have a whole lot of other problems to take care of as far as I can see. Homeless people under bridges, starving children in Africa, you've certainly got your hands full.

I am hoping though that you have a moment to consider my plea [bargain]

I have a lot of acne and they are really gross. Some of them are even really painful. I know mine are not as bad as some other people's, but I really feel bad about having them. Nothing works to make them go away. How about a trade- if you changed all of my zits into freckles, I would be okay with that. I know a lot of people have freckles and don't want them, and they have to go somewhere.

Speaking of painful and discomforting, my periods are really bad. I honestly don't know how I can get through them sometimes. I am wondering if we could work a deal out here as well. Menstruation is a pretty big deal so it would have to be a big sacrifice for me. How about, if you make me never have my period again, I will give up the chance to have children. Deal?

Hope everything's going well up and out there.

Yours,
D

Still waiting on this one....

 

[Chu]

When I began the Ultra Simple Diet last August I changed some of the foods I was eating. I have not been eating as much fish because I've been cooking different foods and I haven't been eating a banana every morning like I used to either, because I've been eating apples instead. I recognize that fish and bananas are fine to eat on the USD, I've just been switching around my diet, is all. Hmm, so maybe it's time to buy some more bananas and eat more fish. That's something easy I could do.

Are you 100% gluten and dairy free now? (No rice nor corn either). If not, that helps a lot! You don't even need to take that many supplements when you have a good diet.

Also, we were reading recently that not sleeping enough and in total darkness also has an effect on this constipation/diarrhea yo-yo effect during periods. Check this thread: http://www.cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=21286.0. I can tell you that after only a few weeks sleeping in total darkness I noticed the difference during my period. I'm having much less digestive problems.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

That was pretty funny, D Rusak, lol, thanks for sharing it!! It reminds me of when the gynecologist I just saw told me that there was an alternative to birth control pills. He said that they could burn off the top lining of my uterus, but that they usually reserve that for women who don't plan to have any more children. I looked at him and actually considered it. :/

Ailen, that is a good question and no, I am not 100% gluten free because I have rice milk occassionally and also corn tortillas every once in a while too. I try not to eat rice anymore because I noticed it makes me bloated and constipated, and I have completely cut out wheat, but these other glutens still slip in here and there. Perhaps I AM experiencing die off symptoms from the diet change and perhaps I do need to get 100% since I really don't need rice milk or tortillas in my life. Also, I DO have troubles sleeping at night and am often taking a xanax or melatonin before residing. I will read the thread you posted on here today and I sincerely appreciate you mentioning these things to me. :)

Well, today is the day I order my new supplements and I am really going to be dosing up on the B vitamins now!! Maybe when I cut out rice and corn 100% that will help too. :) I'm working on it now!! <3

 

[Chu]

Ailen, that is a good question and no, I am not 100% gluten free because I have rice milk occassionally and also corn tortillas every once in a while too. I try not to eat rice anymore because I noticed it makes me bloated and constipated, and I have completely cut out wheat, but these other glutens still slip in here and there. Perhaps I AM experiencing die off symptoms from the diet change and perhaps I do need to get 100% since I really don't need rice milk or tortillas in my life.

Yes to the 100%. The tiniest amount of gluten in your body has an effect for 6 months, so your system is always triggered unless you avoid ALL gluten (and dairy too).

Also, I DO have troubles sleeping at night and am often taking a xanax or melatonin before residing.

And that could well be part of the problem.

I hope you get better!

 

[jaela]

Hi Scarlet!
I was suffering as well from lot of pain 16 years mainly in the beginning of my menstruation. I took painkillers just if it was not possible anymore to fight against the pain. I have 53 kg normally, and lost 2-3 kilos very easily during these days, and than I was putting them up the whole month, what was a very hard work.
But I don´t know about the pain already two years. I did like Hildegarda 9 liver cleanings, than I started to eat lot more fresh fruits and vegetables. I was doing urinoterapy as well. Me personally the combination of these 3 things helped. I can tell you that it is a very good feeling when you don´t have to think anymore about these magic days every month, get better and I hope I helped you a little bit, J

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Hello Jaela and thank you for your thoughtful post! :) What you said does help because it's helping me to see that there might be more value in doing a proper liver detox than I initially thought. I ordered some liver detox pills online today, _http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Liver-Detoxifier-Regenerator-Capsules/dp/B0013OQLGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1295660656&sr=8-1, but maybe the process Hildegarda recommended in the other thread would be more effective. I've never done a coffee enema and am just so turned off to the idea, but my grandmother died of colon cancer and I'm turned off to that idea even more! Best to clean out, perhaps. Hmm, I need to think about it..

 

[D Rusak]

Hi,

I just wanted to note that taking zinc (in combination with a 250mg Niacin once a day the first three days and one day before) seemed like it really made a difference. Actually I started my pd right after I posted here, so didn't get to the store to buy the good stuff- I ended up using only a lousy zinc oxide supplement I had left over. Still this seemed to help.

Another thing I realized I was doing differently was taking a lot more baths- pretty much every day for the last month and a half (shower was messed up and landlord never fixed- really a bath was the only way to bathe without being scalded or frozen to death). When I could I would use epsom salts so that was additional Mg supplementation.

 

[skycsil]

I used to have very intense cramps during my period when I was younger. Ibuprofen helped, but also walking (if the pain woud allow) and having dry heat right in my belly. Also discovered the pain would get worse while being barefoot, even in the summer

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Hi D Rusak and skycsil,

I'm glad you've both found things that work for you and thanks for sharing them on here!! :) :)

Hi,

I just wanted to note that taking zinc (in combination with a 250mg Niacin once a day the first three days and one day before) seemed like it really made a difference. Actually I started my pd right after I posted here, so didn't get to the store to buy the good stuff- I ended up using only a lousy zinc oxide supplement I had left over. Still this seemed to help.

Another thing I realized I was doing differently was taking a lot more baths- pretty much every day for the last month and a half (shower was messed up and landlord never fixed- really a bath was the only way to bathe without being scalded or frozen to death). When I could I would use epsom salts so that was additional Mg supplementation.

How much zinc do you take and are you still taking it every day or just during this time? :D

 

[D Rusak]

I only took 1 250mg tab of zinc (zinc oxide) for the first day before and then when I got my pd for a few days. I would take another one along with some extra Mg if I got increased pains, I think this happened twice? I am not taking the extra zinc now. I bet it would be even more effective with a better form of zinc but I'm quasi broke now, decided not to put my money into it this time. I am thinking about taking a zinc supplement more regularly in the future, once I move where-ever I am going to end up moving in the next week or two. (long story recounted elsewhere...)

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Thanks for the zinc info, D Rusak! I think I might try it out this time around.

Well, my period came again after 26 days, and it came after 26 days the time before that when it came two days early. This time I didn't even notice I was PMSing until it arrived on the 12th. I had pain and took some pain killers, but it wasn't that bad. Then on the evening of the 13th I began to get waves of intense pain, but they weren't as intense as before. I felt nauseated, and it definitely was not good, but this sick feeling was also less intense and I did not vomit!! :D I feel as though this is an achievement and I want to post what I've been doing differently:

The following is a list of supplements I've added that were suggested in the book my mother gave me, which interestingly my yoga teacher also just recommended!

1. 100mg of the B-complex in capsule form three times a day (_http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z8WXTS/ref=oss_product)
2. 1000mcg of B12 (_http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G7QTRY/ref=oss_product)
3. 1000mg of B5 (_http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZDN2Y/ref=oss_product) - WOW, check out the reviews on Amazon if you have acne! My acne has actually gotten better recently, but I don't know if it's related.
4. Liver Detox Pill (_http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013OQLGE/ref=oss_product) - I plan to do this for 30 days.

I also used progesterone cream from about 14 days after the first day of my last period until I started spotting on the 10th. I consumed bananas here and there since that's something I used to eat all the time, but had cut out around the time these new symptoms developed. So, I'm not sure what has helped, but maybe everything has. This time I'm going to go without the progesterone cream, finish up the liver detox pills, and maybe dabble with something new.

Also, just to note, I was re-diagnosed with hypothyroidism after I had a blood test with my new doctor. My hands and feet are almost always cold. Even now they feel so cold that they are a little numb. The joints in my hands ache sometimes (I've been diagnosed with arthritis), but I didn't think I had hypothyroidism. I thought the doctor I saw a year ago had misdiagnosed me when I was first diagnosed with it, hmm. Well, I don't know if I am being off-topic or if it relates, but I felt it worthy of mentioning. And if it's not one thing, it's most certainly another, isn't it? ;)

 

[foxey]

Hi Scarlet, I had extremely painful periods for many years. First of all when you have really extreme cramping and pain you may be having
contractions which are similar to childbirth contractions and they do hurt like heck. When doctors are trying to slow down or stop a woman's
contractions for some reason, they sometimes will give her intravenous alcohol. A friend told me this and an alcoholic drink does help BUT
there are situations of course where it is not possible.

In some of my searching for help with the pain I found out about an herb which was truly a miracle to me. It is called Vitex agnus-castus
or chasteberry. There is much information on the web about this herb. Following is an excerpt from the link which I have provided.

German researchers suggest the berries increase production of luteinizing hormone and prolactin. Another study adds the increase of the hormone progesterone to the list. The benefits of chaste berry stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland. Chaste berry keeps prolactin secretion in check. The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some women with breast tenderness associated with PMS. Chaste berry may also be helpful in menopause and cyclic mastalgia. New research indicates that certain compounds in chasteberry may have activity similar to the brain chemical dopamine.

_http://herbal-powers.com/vichbe.html

It may take a couple of weeks to be fully effective so it needs to be started it several weeks ahead of your period. This herb made a huge difference
in my period and I kicked myself for not finding out about it earlier. Of course you need to study this for yourself and/or get help from an herbalist.

Good luck,
foxey

 

[Niall]

Hi foxey,

Thanks for sharing that information :)

Just noticed that you recently arrived here. Would you like to introduce yourself on the Newbies board? It doesn't need to be a detailed biography, just something about yourself and how you found yourself signing up to this forum.

Thanks!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Thanks for the tips, foxey, and welcome to this forum! :D

So now you have suggested progesterone cream, Laura suggested it in this thread AND it is also suggested in the book that my mother purchased for me. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't be going without the cream this time around after all. I think I'll keep using it as directed (starting 12 days after the 1st day of my period and stopping just before the date it's scheduled to begin). I will also be researching this herb you've mentioned and congratulations on finding something that's worked for you!