Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis of Cramps (menstrual)
Menstrual cramps are throbbing or cramping pains felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis before or during menstruation. They are caused by the contraction of the uterus, which tightens to help shed its lining. These contractions are driven by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins lead to stronger, more painful contractions and, therefore, more severe cramps.
Most menstrual cramps are considered primary dysmenorrhea — occurring without an underlying medical condition. However, secondary dysmenorrhea may result from conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to more intense and persistent pain.
Cramps may start 1–2 days before menstruation, peak within the first 24–48 hours, and typically ease after a few days. They often come with symptoms like lower back pain, nausea, headaches, or fatigue.
Types of Menstrual Cramps:
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Primary Dysmenorrhea: Normal, hormone-related cramps without underlying disease.
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Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Cramps caused by reproductive system disorders.
Common Causes:
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Elevated prostaglandin levels causing stronger uterine contractions
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Hormonal imbalances (estrogen dominance, low progesterone)
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Endometriosis or uterine fibroids (for secondary dysmenorrhea)
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Inflammatory conditions affecting pelvic organs
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Stress and poor circulation can intensify symptoms
Severity Factors:
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Stronger prostaglandin activity = more severe pain
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Underlying medical conditions can cause pain not relieved by typical methods
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Cramps that worsen with age or do not improve with conventional treatments suggest secondary causes
When to See a Doctor:
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Cramps are severe and disabling
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Pain lasts longer than 2–3 days after the start of your period
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Over-the-counter pain relievers do not help
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Heavy bleeding accompanies severe cramping
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Symptoms started later in life (after age 25)
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Other concerning symptoms (e.g., infertility, pain during intercourse)
Natural remedies for Cramps (menstrual)
Warm compresses or heating pads: Relax uterine muscles and improve blood flow.
Gentle exercise: Activities like yoga or walking can reduce cramp intensity.
Herbal teas: Chamomile, ginger, and raspberry leaf teas soothe cramps and inflammation.
Abdominal massage: Clockwise massage around the abdomen with gentle pressure.
Dietary adjustments: Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s.
Magnesium-rich foods: Help muscle relaxation and reduce spasm severity.
Stress reduction techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and acupuncture may ease hormonal tension.
Proper hydration: Reduces bloating and muscle cramping.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Cramps (menstrual)
aloe vera
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
calcium
chlorella
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
potassium
quercetin
resveratrol
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
dodder
queen of the meadow
trace minerals
African Ginger
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Aromatic acid (unspecified)
Agnuside
Anise
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Brandy
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Black Haw
Bioflavonoids (mixture)
Bethroot
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
black salt
Brassica (unspecified)
Blackhaw
bitartrate
Curcuma wenyujin
Clary sage
Calcium Magnesium Citrate
Cnidium
Cayenne Pepper
Chinese mugwort
Cardamom
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Calcium
Cyperus rotundus
Capsaicinoids
Calcium
Chinese peony
Capsaicinoid
Cowslip
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Citrus reticulata
Ceylon Ginger
Citrus Unspecified
Capsaisin
Celosia
English Chamomile
European Pennyroyal
European peony
Flavonoid glycosides
False Unicorn Root
Fruit (unspecified)
Five-leaf Chastetree
False Unicorn
Fennel
Goldenrod
Gingerol
GTCP
Ginger oleoresin
Gravel root
Ginger
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Ligusticum (Unspecified)
Licorice (various)
Motherwort
Moringa
Magnesium Malate
Magnesiium
Magnesium carbonate
Magnesium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Magnesium
Magnesium tartrate
Magnesium Stearate
Meadowsweet
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate malate
Magnesium
Magnesium citrate laurate
Magnesium stearate
Nutmeg & Mace
onion
Pennyroyal
Pulsatilla
Pennyroyal (unspecified)
Pepper (unspecified)
Paeonia moutan
Peony (unspecified)
phenolics (various)
Roman Chamomile
Sicklepod
Stinging Nettle
Shogaol
Squaw Vine
Taraxacin
Tea (not specified)
Three-leaf akebia
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
Viburnum (unspecified)
Vitamin B6 (not specified)
Vitamin B6 (various)
Wild Yam
Western Mugwort
Wine (unspecified)
Yerba buena
