Painful Periods

For some women periods are an easy peasy monthly. For other women, periods are a major source of dread as result of debilitating cramps and heavy bleeding. These cramps can make women run to the medicine cabinet for over-the-counter pain relief in the form of NSAIDS. Many will cancel plans or be nervous around travel resigning themselves to a few days lying on the couch. Sometimes menstrual cramps can be so intense that they cause nausea and vomiting. Painful periods also known as dysmenorrhea and ovulation cramping (mittelschmerz) are often managed by gynecologists with hormonal birth control. For women looking to become pregnant or want to avoid side effects associated with hormonal birth control, this is not an option for managing their painful periods. It is important to note that in some cases painful periods may be due to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or uterine fibroids so these underlying conditions must be addressed in order to achieve pain relief.

Natural Ways To Treat Painful Menstruation

Menstrual cramps occur due to contractions (tightening) in the uterus by a chemical called prostaglandin in order to shed the endometrial lining. Though having some mild cramping is completely normal, if the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. It is this loss of oxygen supply that causes painful cramps. In most cases this is due hormonal imbalances particularly estrogen dominance, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. These three factors along with naturopathic remedies for cramp relief comprises a comprehensive natural approach to painful periods.

Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance)

A woman will have excess estrogen either because of over production or decreased clearance of estrogen or she is not producing enough progesterone to balance estrogen typically due to not ovulating. Over production or abundance of estrogen is largely due to dietary sources and personal care products containing xenoestrogens such as BPA and dioxin. These chemical accumulate the body and act like estrogen. The liver plays a big role in the detoxification and excretion of all hormones from all sources, including estrogen (via urine and bile). Estrogen dominance can indicate that the liver is not functioning properly or has to work extra hard to metabolize and clear other toxins such as alcohol. By addressing all the factors that have lead to estrogen dominance, a woman will notice that her periods will become less and less painful

Inflammation

Because prostaglandins are responsible for cramps, it is important that they are not produced in excess. When prostaglandins are derived primarily from omega-6 fatty acids, they become pro-inflammatory. Unfortunately omega-6 fatty acids are found abundantly in our modern industrialized diet not just from the arachadonic acid found commonly in non-pasture raised red meat but in processed foods and cheap cooking oils. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids from fish and algae (vegan), creates less inflammation and less pain.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies can result in painful periods. The main key nutrients include calcium and magnesium, and the vitamins essential for absorption and utilization of these minerals, including vitamins A, C, and D. Calcium plays a role in blood coagulation and the equilibrium of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Magnesium is antispasmodic, especially to smooth muscle. 

Naturopathic Remedies

Cramp Bark (Viburnum sp)

The name says it all, cramp bark is the ideal herb for painful periods. It is a spasmolytic meaning that it reduces spasms by decreasing prostaglandins. Cramp bark also has sedative action specific to the uterus. For women with very painful periods, I have found it works best when started a day or two before menstruation and dosed frequently along with ginger or cinnamon.

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)

Like cramp bark, Jamaican dogwood is anti-spasmotic but it is also anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxes nerves. It is specifically indicated as a nerve sedative to overcome nervous excitability and relieves pain and general distress. An added benefit it can help with sleep which can be difficult with menstrual associated insomnia.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

Ginger can be effective as a natural alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which block an enzyme that causes the synthesis of the prostaglandins. The anti-spasmodic effects of ginger are due to its ability to block cyclooxygenase as well as 5-lipoxygenase. Studies have shown that ginger can provide the same level of pain relief for menstrual cramps as NSAIDS. Unlike NSAIDS however, ginger is actually good for digestion.

Homeopathy for Menstrual Cramps

Acute prescribing of homeopathic remedies can be effective in relieving menstrual cramps especially for women on blood thinners. Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses the principle of “like cures like” and the presenting symptoms of the patient determine the remedy. The most common remedies include belladonna, magnesia phosphoricum (often as Mag Phos cell salts) and pulsatilla.


Ready to get a handle on your menstrual cramps naturally? Then schedule a naturopathic appointment with Dr Ivy.

Is Naturopathic Telemedicine effective for Painful Periods?

Absolutely! Even before the pandemic Dr Ivy has offered virtual appointments to patients for various reasons including international and out-of-state patients, patients with small children, patients with mobility or transportation issues and patients preferring the convenience of having their appointments from their home or office.  These patients have been able to achieve the same results as Dr Ivy’s in-office patients as Dr Ivy uses:

  • A HIPAA compliant electronic medical records system called CHARM

    • Patients can upload past diagnostic and blood work as well as recommend additional testing including the DUTCH test for review.

    • Uses a private and secure version of Zoom.

  • An online Dispensary for patients to easily order physician grade herbs and nutrients that are quickly delivered to the patient.