Painful periods

Tests to determine the cause of period cramps:

Physical investigations include an internal examination
A non-invasive scan such as an ultrasound to look for abnormalities inside the pelvis
Full blood test to determine the influence of the thyroid on your hormones, full nutrient profile and inflammatory mediators activity.
Salivary test to determine hormonal status (you may find that you are estrogen dominant)

What causes Premenstrual tension (PMT):

Premenstrual tension (PMT) is caused by a hormone imbalance (incorrect
relationship between the two primary female sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen), variations in these hormones have an effect on the menstrual cycle. Painful menstruation cramps are a symptom of hormonal imbalance, not a disease itself. The frequent uterine contractions experienced with cramping are caused by an increased amount of inflammation and decreased blood circulation. Regular menstrual cycles require the reproductive organs,including the ovaries and uterus, to be functioning normally.

Hormonal imbalances may occur due to one or more of the following:

Stress contributes to endocrine dysfunction
Lack of exercise, exercise helps to increase levels of endorphins and thereby improve pain thresholds
Nutritional imbalances - deficiencies of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, B Vitamins
Poor dietary habits - too many salty foods, soft drinks, alcohol, acidic foods, sugar, caffeine and saturated fats
Inadequate sleep
Oral contraceptive pill use
Xenoestrogens (pesticides, plastics, DDT and dioxin)
Alcohol intake
Weight issues
Excess estrogen which is deposited in adipose (fat) tissue
Thyroid conditions
Liver congestion

Medications for PMT

Common pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by a doctor for chronic menstrual

pain are:

Anti-inflammatory drugs
Progesterone
Oral contraceptive pills â€“ to prevent ovulation and the production of prostaglandins which contribute to cramps.
Anti-depressants are used to decrease stress levels and raise pain tolerance levels
Depo-Provera an injection that can be used to temporarily stop ovulation.

Diet tips for PMT

Eating a healthy diet is important for general health and may also help relieve PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, irritability, and headaches
A healthy diet includes eating foods high in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding saturated fats (chocolate, cakes, bakery foods, biscuits, fatty foods and deep fried foods). It may also help to avoid salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, red meat, and dairy products.
Excessive consumption of dietary Arachidonic Acid (AA), found in red meat contribute to dysmenorrhea (due to AA increasing the production of Prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that play a role in activation of the onset of bleeding
Low estrogen diet

Lifestyle factors for PMT

Many women receive great relief using Shiatsu or Acupuncture which may help reduce menstrual pain severity, pain medication use, and anxiety associated with menstruation
Exercise is an important factor for reproductive health. Exercise helps to increase endorphins which are potent anti-inflammatories to reduce the pain associated with PMT

Natural remedies for PMT

Zinc, B Vitamins and Magnesium are the common nutrients which are deficient in women experiencing cramps and menstrual dysfunction. These nutrients are needed for hormonal modulation, muscle relaxation and to reduce inflammation
Fish oil contains omega 3 essential fatty acids, particularly Docosahexenoic acid (DHA) which acts on the inflammatory pathways of Leukotriens and Prostaglandins. A high amount of these inflammatory molecules are implicated in dysmennorhea.
Tienchi Ginseng an anti-haemorrhagic herb, anti-inflammatory to reduce stagnation or congestion of blood in the pelvic reproductive organs and promote healing.
The herb Chastberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is used by many women with great success to balance hormones which contribute to cramping by regulating the levels of estrogen and progesterone
Liver herbs such as Dandelion, Bupleurum, Schizandra, St Marys Thistle and Rheumania are beneficial to support the liver and reduce liver congestion. Chinese Medicine treats the liver to improve reproductive health as they believe that the liver governs the pelvic area and reproductive organs
Flaxseed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (both anti-inflammatory in action)

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