Period Pains

Introduction.

Most commonly referred to as period pains the correct term for women experiencing pain before the onset of a period or during their menstrual cycle is dysmenorrhoea. When the pain is experienced before a period begins another common term is applied to it that of premenstrual syndrome, often abbreviated to PMS. Period pains can begin shortly after a women begins having her periods but will typically diminished around the age of 25 or after the birth of a first child. However, for a significant minority of women period pains can continue on into middle-age, causing much discomfort for many years.

How supplements can help with period pains.

Some experts believe that period pains arise from a hormone imbalance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone following ovulation. The health supplement Vitex (also known as Chaste Tree and Chasteberry) and will help to restore a natural balance between these two hormones. Vitex acts on the pituitary gland, which is responsible for controlling the production of estrogen and progesterone. Take a 200mg extract of Chaste Tree three times a day. The effectiveness of Vitex can be enhanced by also using the health supplement black cohosh. Alternatively taking a small dose of vitamin B₆ once a day, typically 50mg, is known to help the liver process estrogen and increase levels of progesterone. Some studies have shown that women with premenstrual syndrome often have a Magnesium deficiency, so 200Mg of a Magnesium supplement taken twice a day with meals can also help. Evening Primrose oil and St John’s wort are well known health supplements for the treatment of period pains. Recommended dosages are 1000mg of Evening Primrose oil three times a day or 300mg of St John’s wort extract three times a day – making sure it is standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.

Other period pain information.

As with all health supplements – check with your physician before taking them as it could be that your PMS is actually symptomatic of another illness like an under active thyroid gland. If your premenstrual syndrome features considerable breast pains you should also see your physician, or if you are abnormally depressed during your periods, avoid taking St John’s wort and see your physician. Physical exercise can alleviate period pains for some women as too can avoiding caffeine, alcohol and salt.