Menstrual pain: how to manage, prevent & understand it

Period pain can be a menstrual symptom for many women, although it is not often seen as a symptom. Often normalised, alongside other common symptoms such as PMS, heavy bleeding & breast tenderness, significant menstrual pain can be a sign that something else may be going on at a deeper level. So, let’s dive into what could be going on in your body if you experience menstrual pain.

Understanding menstrual pain

For many women, Primary Dysmenorrhoea or general menstrual pain can be a sign of inflammation in the uterus, as well as hormonal imbalance.

Severe pain, or secondary dysmenorrhoea, around or during menstruation can be a symptom of chronic conditions such as Endometriosis, PCOS or adenomyosis. If you’re regularly experiencing severe pain, it is best to talk to your GP or Naturopath about what steps you can take to investigate your personal experience further.

Prostaglandins are an important contributing factor in understanding menstrual pain. They are compounds released from the endometrium (uterine lining) before & during your menstrual cycle, which help the uterus contract & release menstrual blood. However too many prostaglandins can lead to excess contractions & spasms that lead to pain.

Progesterone is the hormone released in your luteal phase, & at normal levels it helps to balance out the production of prostaglandins. Low progesterone or lack of regular ovulation will allow the prostaglandin levels to rise, which can lead to more contractions & pain.

Supporting your progesterone levels & reducing prostaglandin release can significantly help to reduce any menstrual pain.

Managing menstrual pain

Let’s focus on the two key points above: improving hormonal imbalances & reducing prostaglandin levels.

Improving hormonal imbalances

Supporting progesterone production may help with reducing menstrual pain. One of the biggest contributing factors for women experiencing low progesterone levels is excess cortisol production (stress). Herbs & nutrients can help support your nervous system & allow your body to feel calm. We use herbs that are classed as adaptogens & nervines to achieve this.

Some favourites are Withanina (Ashwagandha), Rhodiola, Rehmannia & Licorice.

There are some wonderful herbs which may help to directly improve progesterone production from the ovaries, such as Vitex Agnes-Castus (Chaste Tree). You can take this herb throughout the month & during your menstrual cycle to support your progesterone production. Chaste Tree is also a herb that supports melatonin production, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep. Quality sleep can do wonders for nervous system function & lowering stress levels.

Reducing prostaglandin levels

Magnesium & zinc are important nutrients when aiming to support hormone production & prostaglandin levels. Magnesium is a spasmolytic – which means it works by reducing muscle spasms & has been found to directly improve prostaglandin levels. Magnesium is also fantastic at supporting excess cortisol production & the nervous system in general.

Zinc is essential for hormone health but can play a major role in reducing prostaglandin levels & supporting the blood flow to the uterus.

Turmeric & Boswellia are incredible anti-inflammatory herbs & often work as an alternative for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) that are commonly taken for pain during menstruation. For menstrual pain, Turmeric & Boswellia can be taken long term to reduce inflammation & acutely to help improve symptoms while experiencing pain.

In summary, improving your progesterone production & reducing prostaglandin levels can help to improve menstrual pain conditions. However it is recommended to consider comprehensive hormonal & cortisol testing if experiencing menstrual cycle issues. Finding out exactly what is going on can make a huge difference in creating a treatment plan that suits you & your body.

You can find me at Flannerys Tewantin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays. For in depth Naturopath consults head to sunshinecoastnaturalhealth.com.au for more information.