menstrual cramps

CRAMPS! WTF! & WTF TO DO!

CRAMPS! WTF! Period pain is one of those really hard symptoms to figure out. For some, it’s a simple tweak (ex: cut out coffee), for many of us, it’s a long and windy journey.

Below, we’ll break down 4 of the most common reasons for painful cramps and simple solutions that can make a huge difference.

 

  1. Too many prostaglandins

Before menstruation starts, the cells that form the lining of the uterus begin to break down during menstruation and release large amounts of inflammatory prostaglandins. These chemicals constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and make the muscle layer contract which can cause painful cramps. The amount of Inflammation in your body determines which kind and how many Prostaglandins are released.

 

 

  1. High Inflammation

Inflammation can be caused by a million and one factors and can also be hereditary. As your body enters menstruation, inflammation levels rise, but some bodies are more sensitive to this and experience a much greater increase in inflammation. Starting off with high inflammation levels in your pelvis before your period starts means you might have more pain.

 

There are a few key ways to keep inflammation at bay.

YOUR DIET. Avoiding foods that create inflammation throughout your cycle (but especially in the week leading up to your period) can make a big difference. Sugar, dairy, caffeine, fried food, and partially hydrogenated oils are some of the big culprits.

 

YOUR SUPPLEMENTS. Magnesium,  found in OVA MOON is also an amazing anti-inflammatory and can also help with mood regulation. B6, zinc, and Mag together are an anti-inflammatory trifecta- all found in our supplement

 

 

 

3. Endometriosis

 

is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. With endometriosis, the tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the intestines. The most common symptoms are pain and menstrual irregularities. 10% of women have endometriosis.  An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle including lowered stress and exercise is step one if you think this may be you. Again, Magnesium is an incredible ally as well as Vitamin D which reduces inflammatory cytokines (a signaling molecule that is secreted from immune cells that promotes inflammation), both found in Ova Moon Hormone + Cycle Balancing Multivitamin & Prenatal Multivitamin

 

 

3. Tipped uterus

 

is not as commonly talked about, but can lead to discomfort. Our uterus is a floating organ, held in by the muscles in the pelvic region like the psoas. If these muscles are tighter on one side, or if there is movement that shifts the uterus, it can tip to one side or the other. Finding a massage therapist who can locate the uterus and move it back is the way to go here.

 

4. Estrogen Dominance

 

This can be a BIG reason for menstrual issues and cramps in particular. Several lines of evidence support the theory that estrogen increases prostaglandins. Estrogen dominance occurs when the estrogen in the body does not get excreted, mainly through pooping. Unexcreted estrogen is then reabsorbed into the body and can lead to weight gain and inflammation. This inflammation, as we learned, is what leads to the creation of prostaglandins and cramps! Tip No.1 POOP!!!! OVA MOON ingredients promote detoxification in your body and act directly as scavengers for free radicals (a toxic byproduct of oxygen metabolism that can cause damage to cells in the form of "oxidative stress"). It is also an anti-inflammatory!


Leave a comment