Severe Period Cramps? 4 Major Nutrient Deficiencies That May Increase Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps is something that every woman suffers from. However, the reason behind the severity of the pain may differ for each individual.

Period pain and menstrual cramps are never easy. Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Many women have menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods. While it is something that all women experience during their menstrual cycles, the severity can be different for everyone. There can be various reasons that lead to these throbbing pains. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra shared on her Instagram that although period pain is caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, cervical stenosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. However, there is also a high chance that menstrual cramps are unbearable due to certain nutritional deficiencies.

Menstrual Pain: 4 Nutrient Deficiencies

1. Magnesium – Magnesium is a superhero for PMS symptoms, particularly menstrual pain. Taken daily, magnesium can prevent dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). It works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus and reducing the prostaglandins that cause menstrual pain.
2. Vitamin D – Excess production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins can trigger painful periods. Vitamin D is known to reduce the expression of inflammatory compounds, which means it can regulate prostaglandin production and reduce menstrual cramps. So if vitamin D levels are low, we may be less efficient at regulating these prostaglandins and more likely to experience painful periods.
3. Omega 3– Research has shown that women with a low intake of Omega 3 fatty acids (those from flax seeds, chia seeds, ghee and walnuts) have more painful periods than women with a high intake . Taking Omega 3 fatty acids in supplement form can be extremely helpful in treating painful periods.
4. Vitamin E – Taking vitamin E can help reduce cramping, anxiety, and craving symptoms associated with PMS. It can also relieve pain, reduce menstrual blood loss by balancing hormones, and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, an adequate diet, a healthy lifestyle and the induction of these nutrients in our daily diet can help women to easily go through the correct period of menstrual cycles.