menstrual cramps Archives - Hormones Matter

Decreasing Dysmenorrhea: High Dose Vitamin D to Reduce Cramps

Published on August 31, 2017

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Women endure menses for an average of 40 years: once a month for 12 months for four decades—about half of our lives. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)—to varying degrees of discomfort—are also likely to occur in about 50 percent of reproductive-age women. The cramps are caused by contractions that occur in response to elevated levels of prostaglandin (fatty acids made prior to menses) in the uterine lining. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs may alleviate these painful cramps, but why must women tolerate menstrual discomfort? Are menstrual cramps an inevitable fact of life?

Can High Dose Vitamin D Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

It is no surprise that a small medical study published in the Archives of Internal Medicinehas garnered a lot of attention around the virtual globe. Italian researchers at the University of Messina investigated the effect of mega-dose vitamin D₃ on women who had experienced at least four consecutive painful menstrual periods in the previous six months and had low, circulating vitamin D₃levels. The 60 women enrolled in the study were divided into two groups. Five days prior to the anticipated start of their periods, 30 women were administered a single oral dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D₃; the other half received a placebo. On the fifth day of the study, both groups commenced daily supplementation of calcium (1,000 IU) and vitamin D₃ (800 IU). After two months, average pain levels decreased by 41 percent for the women treated with mega-dose vitamin D₃. No difference in pain was reported in the placebo group. The researchers concluded that their data support the use of vitamin D₃to reduce menstrual cramps.

The Italian study itself is remarkable because it is reportedly the first research conducted to understand the effectiveness of a single high dose of vitamin D₃ on menstrual cramps. Moreover, the outcome is logical. Vitamin D₃’s anti-inflammatory functions combined with the fact that the uterine lining contains vitamin D receptors suggest vitamin D₃’s potential use to treat dysmenorrhea. Further, the 41 percent difference in experienced pain between the vitamin D₃ and placebo groups is significant.

Questions Regarding Vitamin D and Menstrual Cramps

Some questions remain. The single mega-dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D₃ is eyebrow-raising. It far exceeds a prescribed weekly dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D₃. The safety of a single administration of 300,000 IU is unknown. Additional research should be conducted to ascertain the upper limits and safety of such a high dose. We also do not know how vitamin D₃ supplementation would improve menstrual cramps in women who maintain adequate levels of circulating vitamin D₃ across the menstrual cycle. Is it simply a matter of maintaining adequate vitamin D₃ that reduces menstrual cramps or is it the high dose? Another question regards the length of time pain reductions would continue with the lone sky-high vitamin D₃ dose. Even with these questions, however, the Italian study is positive and should encourage additional research on the role of vitamin D₃ in treating pain-related conditions in women.

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Editor’s Note: Susan Rex Ryan is the author of the Mom’s Choice Award®-winning book Defend Your Life about the extensive health benefits of vitamin D. For additional information about vitamin D, check out our series of Sue’s articles, and visit her blog at smilinsuepubs.com.

This post was published originally on Hormones Matter on July 30, 2014.

The Instant Menstrual Cycle

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on November 7, 2014

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My uterus decided to end her 6-month vacation yesterday. This is nothing new; I’ve never had regular periods and have tried nearly everything to make my body function on a regular schedule, but it just doesn’t cooperate. Synthetic hormones prescribed by numerous doctors have always made things worse. Acupuncture, when I am working and can afford it, is the only thing that makes them more regular and manageable.

Take a moment to empathize with me – 6 months worth of bloating, fatigue, cramps, blood, etc. in one lousy week. Oh and this would be the second week of a new job – I’m onto you uterus, I’M ONTO YOU!

I’ve tried diet changes, more exercise, less exercise, meditation, medications, channeling my inner moon goddess – everything. I’m finally learning to accept that this is the way my body functions. I don’t like it, but I accept it. What I can’t accept is that we put a man on the moon 45 years ago, but we can’t figure out how to give women some relief. Women have been in science for some time now. Marie Curie won the Nobel prize for Chemistry in 1911. You’d think we could help ourselves, but the most we have advanced in menstrual related relief and technology is OTC pain relievers marketed in pink boxes with a different name and wads of cotton so toxic to our bodies that they can kill us! Don’t you think we need entire labs dedicated solely to easing the pain of menstruation and child bearing. The women scientists can wear brightly colored lab coats and eat an endless supply of chocolate while figuring out new ways to deal with age old biological functions.

Yesterday, I couldn’t leave the couch. I was supposed to go to a barbecue with friends, do all the chores I can’t do during the work-week, and hit up the grocery store, but I was couch-ridden with a heating pad, smelly Chinese herbs, red raspberry leaf tea, and a book. I’m afraid that my friends thought I was lying to get out of the social gathering (I tend to be reclusive), and more than one male employer has given me that “uh-huh, sure” tone when I’ve called in sick over womanly problems. Thankfully, I’m a generally healthy person so that’s the only time I call in sick (and I’m extremely thankful for my health). Take a minute to imagine being in the military and having to tell a male superior that you can’t go out to the field for an exercise because of earth-shattering cramps and excessive bleeding. Then going to a male doctor at sick bay to get a ‘chit’ as proof you weren’t lying.

And I’m supposed to channel my inner moon goddess and be thankful that I’m a woman and can bring life into this world? I’m going to channel my moon goddess alright, channel her and beat her. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a woman and everything that entails, but in the name of science and entrepreneurial spirit – don’t you think it’s about time we figured out a way to ease the pain and suffering that women have to endure monthly?

In an essay originally published in the Boston Phoenix in 1990 and republished posthumously in a collection of essays titled, The Merry Recluse in 2002, Caroline Knapp, wrote, “What Women Really Need from Science.” Here is an excerpt that I think of EVERY time I have an earth-shattering, couch-ridden period, like today:

“So now women can have babies at the age of 90. Big whoop. Roll out the Pampers and Geritol. Open a Cribs ‘n’ Canes shop. And thank you, thank you, thank you, modern medicine.

Something is very wrong here. While a teensy-weensy proportion of women over the age of 75 might welcome the opportunity to procreate in their golden years, and while this development might help ease the pressure some women feel as their biological clocks tick away, most of us shudder at the news. Babies when we’re 90? Postmenopausal midnight feedings?

This news also seems to indicate a slight problem modern science has with focus. What about the here and now? What about the daily realities women face in our younger years?
Any doctor or scientist who truly understood the lives of modern women would be looking in an entirely different direction for ways to ease our burdens and make our lives more manageable. Forget about extending our childbearing years. Forget about finding new and medically thrilling was to complicate our later lives. We need help now! Here, for ambitious doctors everywhere, are a few suggestions.

The Instant Menstrual Cycle

Consider how much simpler life would be if scientists could develop a way to enable women to menstruate in a mere five minutes. No more messy, five- to seven-day bouts of bleeding. No consecutive nights curled on the couch with heating pads to ease the lower back pain. And no more worrying: Will you run out of tampons? Leak? Bleed on his sheets? The five minute menstrual cycle would pack all that discomfort and inconvenience into much more manageable form. One huge cramp. One enormous mood swing. A single flood of tears, and then – whoosh – a single rush of blood into a single, extremely absorbent tampon. If science can come up with an instant coffee, instant breakfast, and instant cameras, instant menstruation couldn’t be that hard.”

Amen sister. She goes on to list other brilliant scientific ideas for some, young scientist to snatch up and make our lives easier including: egg-laying capabilities, clones for working mothers, anti-gravity skin enhancers, and more.

Someone, somewhere, PLEASE hear my plead: We can genetically modify animals to create spider goats and jellyfish pigs, we can travel to space, we can harness the power of nuclear fusion to create electricity and bombs – so why can’t we make advancements in women’s health that would bring relief to half of the world’s population? It’s past time for the Instant Menstrual Cycle – it’s time for a revolution, ladies!

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to Relieve Menstrual Pain

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on August 21, 2014

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My alarm goes off at 0600 every morning. I groggily put on my sports bra and tennis shoes and start one of my many work-out DVDs to start my day. I do push ups, pull ups, lunges and squats all in order to build lean muscle tissue. The science behind this equation is easy – use your muscles to build muscle. But how can you tone muscles in your body that can’t be toned with weights or treadmills? The muscle I’m talking about is the uterus. The uterus or womb is lined with muscles that are primarily designed for childbearing which as we all know gives way to that monthly visitor that brings a suitcase full of cramps, bloating, heavy cycles and more. What if I told you that there is an all natural remedy with no side effects that also helps regulate menstrual cycles, treat cramps, aid in fertility, even lessen the chance of miscarriage, and help labor? Interested?

While there have been very few studies on the effects of red raspberry leaf tea (tea made from the leaves of the raspberry plant), it has been used for thousands of years to tone the uterus for fertility and menstrual problems. Studies have concluded that there are no side effects of this natural remedy. Raspberry leaf tea is full of nutrients including iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium, vitamins B1, B3, C, and E.

In the past, I have tried synthetic hormone treatments to deal with irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and cramps. I suffered through severe side effects including heavy bleeding in between cycles, severe depression and of course, cramps. I decided to try raspberry leaf tea because it had no side effects, could be bought at the grocery store or online, and even if it didn’t work for my specific problems it was still very nutritious. After drinking 1-2 cups a day for about two months I noticed a significant change in the regularity and severity of my cycles.

While I can tone my arms, legs and abdominal muscles through weight and cardio routines, I continue to use red raspberry leaf tea to tone my uterus and reproductive system. Does anyone have other experiences with raspberry leaf tea to share? Any successful fertility stories through this ancient elixir?

Bonus: For an all natural beauty product try applying cold tea or tea bags to your face as an astringent to tone your skin and treat acne.

Endometriosis in Teenagers

by Center for Endometriosis Care

Published on March 1, 2013

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The endometriosis patient who elicits from me the greatest form of empathy and compassion is the patient whose pain begins in her teenaged years or even earlier. This young woman has doubts and fears when she thinks her incapacitating symptoms are the norm. She believes that everyone feels as bad as she does during her period (or apart from menses, if her symptoms are not confined to her periods), and so she concludes that other girls handle things better.

She starts to wonder, “Am I a wimp? Do I have to live like this for the rest of my life?”

These feelings of inadequacy are deepened by often well-meaning but uninformed people including coaches (“Working out will make your cramps better”), parents (“Your sisters never complained like you do about this”), and girlfriends (“Don’t be such a baby! It’s just your period!”). Many times the afflicted teenager grits her teeth and tries to tough it out.

When her symptoms do not improve, or when they worsen, the teenager may finally be taken to a doctor, where she may experience her very first pelvic exam. If this examination is not very carefully performed, the experience can be both humiliating and painful. After the exam, the patient may be told, “Everything appears normal.” The message is, “There’s nothing wrong with you. Why do you complain so much?”

If her symptoms are felt to be severe enough, the teenager may be initiated into the world of analgesics (pain medications). Repeated visits to the physician may result in numerous different analgesics.

If symptoms persist, the patient is given ovarian suppressants in the form of birth control pills. The result is that an otherwise healthy and normal young woman is now functioning only with the help of her drugs.

Our society in general frowns on drugs, and teenagers today have especially been inundated with the message, “Just Say No!” This concept contrasts with the young woman’s drug dependency (not drug addiction) and can contribute to a gradual loss of self esteem.

She may think, “I shouldn’t take drugs, but I can’t function without them, therefore I am weak or helpless or worthless or bad.”

As endometriosis progresses in these young women, most eventually end up on the operating table for diagnostic procedures. The endometriosis is diagnosed (sometimes) and staged (sometimes). If the physician believes that there is no cure for this devastating disease, he or she may offer only analgesics or medical forms of therapy (Danocrine, Lupron, Synarel or Zoladex) which stabilize the process at great monetary expense and side effects that can be as bad as the disease itself.

The ultimate result here is that, in addition to all the other physical and psychological impacts of this type of treatment, it takes away the teenager’s hope that she will ever be pain-free to live a normal life. There is nothing I know that has a greater impact on our lives than the loss of hope. It is a primary form of torture used on prisoners of war. Is it any wonder that we find many of these young women have become angry, depressed, and totally confused?

What Can Be Done?

Thankfully, we have much to offer a young woman with endometriosis.

Make the Diagnosis Early

Young women who do not respond to simple mild analgesics and who have any suggestive findings on physical examination should be laparoscoped. Endometriosis should be considered as a possible diagnosis at any point after a girl has her first period (menarche).

Don’t be Drug-happy

If she has symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of endometriosis, it is crucial that the diagnosis be proved before subjecting a young woman to prolonged bouts of powerful drugs. Sometimes physical abnormalities can cause painful symptoms. Such abnormalities can be corrected surgically and are not helped at all by medications.

Believe the Patient

A young woman’s support group (parents, siblings, schoolmates, teachers, partners, boyfriends and girlfriends, etc.) should believe her when she reports pain and other symptoms. It is really very unusual for a well adjusted child to suddenly begin using complaints of pain to get attention.

Enlist an Expert

Facing a first pelvic examination is a little intimidating for even the most relaxed woman. Imagine, then, how frightening it can be for a young woman, in pain and worried. Find a physician who is interested in treating the entire person: not just a collection of pelvic organs.

Know These Facts!

We are now finding that well-trained surgeons skilled in recognizing all visual manifestations of endometriosis can keep recurrence rates under 20% by completely excising all disease. In the overwhelming majority of cases, surgeons knowledgeable in advanced laparoscopic techniques do not need to make large incisions during surgery. Most patients go home the same day they have surgery.

Certainly, menstrual cramps may persist, and some women will have pain around ovulation. Overall, though, I have found the ability to relieve the pain of endometriosis sufferers is one of the most gratifying things I have ever done.

When chronic pain is relieved, you will see the return of a healthy state of mind. These young women can resume their lives as they ought to be. One young woman’s parents wrote, “Thanks for giving us our daughter back.”

We think the teen-aged years are hard enough without endometriosis making them worse, and are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity for significant and long-lasting pain relief.

About the author: Robert B. Albee, MD, FACOG, ACGE is the Founder of the Center for Endometriosis Care, a COEMIG-designated center of excellence in the treatment of the disease.

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this web site is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy see Terms of Use.

Is it Endometriosis or Something Else?

by Center for Endometriosis Care

Published on February 10, 2013

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Endometriosis is an often misunderstood disorder affecting an estimated 176 million women and adolescents around the world, during what should be the “prime years of their lives” (Hummelshoj). Commonly characterized by symptoms that may be so severe as to interrupt one’s daily routine, whether with periods or at any time during the month, endometriosis accounts for the leading cause of pelvic pain in women of all ages.

Girls and women who suffer primarily during menses only may think, “Of course everyone’s periods are super painful – that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?” This is actually incorrect. Endometriosis is among the most common of diagnoses in adolescents and women with pelvic pain. Unfortunately, due to widespread lack of awareness and disease education, early symptoms are often dismissed as pelvic inflammatory disease or infection, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, IBS, Interstitial Cystitis, “normal” pain, or worse, an “in your head” diagnosis. This contributes to a near-decade delay in proper diagnosis and intervention. The good news is, accurate diagnoses are increasing as doctors and patients alike become better at recognizing the signs of endometriosis, particularly in younger women and girls. Early intervention combining timely diagnosis with proper treatment is essential towards preventing symptom progression and development of infertility (Sanfilippo et al.).

Though many women and girls may experience some discomfort during menstruation, “killer cramps” are NOT normal – despite what the media, friends and even well-intentioned loved ones may tell us. Pain is the body’s way of saying something is wrong. Symptoms that get in the way of school, work, sports, extracurricular or social life are an indication something is awry, as are persistent symptoms at any time of the month.

So What’s Normal?

minor period discomfort that may even require over the counter medication
occasional irregular or absent periods, particularly if athletic
“functional” ovarian cysts
pain during ovulation

What’s Not Normal?

severe and incapacitating period pain or pelvic pain at any time of the cycle that interrupts normal routine
GI discomfort, often but not necessarily around the time of menstruation
bladder pain or discomfort, during your period or apart from menses
chronic heavy bleeding and long cycles
if active, pain with sexual activity (especially upon penetration)
“chocolate” cysts known as “endometriomas”
subsequent allergies, food insensitivities or intolerances, chemical sensitivities, fatigue, or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease may also be present in some women and girls with the disease

Time to See a Doctor

Any ongoing, worsening pain that has no obvious explanation should be evaluated further. “The younger the patient, the more valuable the early evaluation.” (Robert B. Albee, Jr., MD).

Sound Familiar?

you have pelvic pain during your period or at any time of the month that causes you to miss school, work or activities
you experience chronic stomach upset such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation
you have painful urination in absence of infection
if sexually active, intercourse or sexual activity are painful
you have family members who have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, talk to a trusted nurse or doctor about endometriosis.

Endometriosis is NOT…

An infection or sexually transmitted disease (“STD”)
Contagious or preventable
Caused by abortion
Caused by backflow periods and thus cured by hysterectomy
Untreatable!

You cannot “catch” endometriosis, and it isn’t an infection of any sort. You can’t “give” it to anyone else, and there is no absolute prevention. There are treatments that can help, however; and many women and girls live quite well in spite of the disease and are able to control their symptoms long-term through different options. The cornerstone of any effective treatment regimen is quality surgery; most notably, Laparoendoscopic Excision (LAPEX).

Being aware of signs of endometriosis can help get early diagnosis and treatment – critical to effective management. Pain – menstrual or otherwise – that interrupts one’s life is never normal – being aware of abdominopelvic pain, GI and/or urinary distress, and/or pain with sexual activity are significant indicators of endometriosis. The most important step a young woman can take is not trivializing her body’s signals. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right.

Societal taboos and a culture of menstrual misinformation may lead women and girls to think their pain is “in their head”, or they may even be told by others that they are “faking it” to get out of work or class – or that crippling period cramps are “totally normal” and “part of being a female”, but these outdated notions simply aren’t true. If you are experiencing pain or symptoms that get in the way of your life, see your doctor.

About the Authors: The Center for Endometriosis Care is a COEMIG-Designated Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery which was founded over two decades ago by renowned laparoscopic excision (LAPEX) pioneer Robert B. Albee, Jr., MD, FACOG, ACGE. The Center is run under the leadership of Medical Director Ken R. Sinervo, MD, FRCSC, ACGE along with a caring, compassionate staff. We continue our efforts as architects of the legacy in gold standard endometriosis care.

Medical Disclaimer: All material on this web site is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy see Terms of Use.

My Battle with Endometriosis and Migraines

by Angela Wice

Published on October 31, 2012

8165 views

Twenty-Five Years for the Correct Diagnosis: Endometriosis

My name is Angela Wice and I am 35 years old. I had one child with natural birth in 2003 and was diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis June 2006. My Journey has been long, depressing and still not over 25 years later. Here is my story.

Early Childhood and Early Troubles

I was a very busy active, athletic, child growing up. I would say besides being born with jaundice, I was healthy until I turned 7 years old. I was rushed to the hospital because I started bleeding rectally. I was operated on within hours of being at the hospital for intestinal volvulus and appendectomy. They sewed my bowel to the pelvic wall so it wouldn’t happen again.

By the age of 10, I started to get chronic headaches and was told to stay away from chocolate, peanuts and cheese.

The Pain of Endometriosis

I got my first period when I was 13. The second time I got my period is when the pain started. I had the worst cramps ever, my legs would go numb, I was nauseated, I was bloated, and I was in so much pain I would vomit. I remember them saying that you should only bleed 1 TBSP a period and I was like “Are you kidding me, I do that in an hour!!”

My mother took me to the doctor the same year. The doctor did an ultrasound and a transvaginal one as well. The pain was so bad on the left side when she inserted it inside me but other than that nothing showed up but she did say that I possibly had endometriosis. That was at 14 years old, nothing was done about it. I was given Naproxen and that was that.

Endometriosis and Migraines

My first migraine happened when I was working at around 16 years old. My whole right side went numb including my tongue. I went to the hospital and they said it was an Aura Migraine.

By 17, I was far beyond constipated and the rectal pain I had was so severe and sporadic. To be honest, I never really put two and two together because I could just be driving and all of the sudden it felt like was being stabbed with a knife in my rectum. That never went away. It was constant.

I knew I was getting my period because I would, all of the sudden, not have constipation and I mean literally evacuate all my bowels at one time. That was my sign to start taking the Advil, and by the next morning or the middle of the night there it was. Sometimes if I didn’t take the Advil in time it was too late, nothing would work. I would pump my system with so much of it until my period was over. During my period I could not have a BM at all until my period ended. It was excruciating. I got fed up went to see a gastrologist. I had a colonoscopy and was told it was IBS, which I did not believe. That was the first of over 40+ doctors/specialist I was to see until I was diagnosed.

Endless Misdiagnosis

For the next 15 years it became a blur. I was depressed, angry, frustrated, disappointed, rejected and in so much pain that never seemed to end. I went to doctor after doctor only to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless legs syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, cluster migraines, complicated migraines, neuropathic pain syndrome, overactive bladder, depression, anxiety and I developed an eating disorder (Bulimia).

I was at the end of my rope in 2006 and had another ultrasound only to find out my results were misplaced until I called 3 months later to find out that I had a 10cm complex cyst. I was sent to an oncologist who took blood work CA125 to see if I had cancer. The first test done was 37 on my period and 78 when I was ovulating. He felt positive it was endometriosis and sent me to a local gynecologist who told me nothing could be done about the Endo and to take Lupron. I refused, as I had done my research. She then put me on Marvelon21 and sent me on my way. One thing changed for sure right away from taking the birth control pill and that was the chronic nausea was gone within a week, acne cleared up and my mind was right. I really felt like I got a new lease on life.

The Power of Patient Groups

I ended up on Medhelp and found a great group of women that to this day we still talk. We have a private group of about 20 women on Facebook called the BBBC (Bulge Battling Battalion Cysters). Some of the women had cancer, some were in remission, some had Endo etc. They were my support and still are, without them I would have surely not been here today.

I did my research and found the best Endo doctor in Ontario. It took 3 minutes for him to find the rectovaginal cyst that had caused me so much pain all of these years. I was in tears, tears of relief that finally, finally someone knew what was going on. He couldn’t do the surgery because I had previous bowel surgery so he sent me to his protégé and he operated on me a month later.

My story continues. More next week.

menstrual cramps

Can High Dose Vitamin D Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

Questions Regarding Vitamin D and Menstrual Cramps

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So What’s Normal?

What’s Not Normal?

Time to See a Doctor

Sound Familiar?

Endometriosis is NOT…

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Twenty-Five Years for the Correct Diagnosis: Endometriosis

Early Childhood and Early Troubles

The Pain of Endometriosis

Endometriosis and Migraines

Endless Misdiagnosis

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