What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, for many women represents incapacitating period pains, cramps, general symptoms of sickness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and severe general discomfort for one-to-two days each month.  Varying in intensity and length from woman to woman, hormonal imbalance during perimenopause and menopause often may exacerbate the menstrual cramp symptoms.

Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions leading to the shedding of the lining of the uterus. This is a normal occurrence that creates a clean uterus in preparation for the next month when the endometrium, the lining of the uterus grows to ready the uterus for the postential implantation by a fertilized ovum, should the woman get pregnant.

During the process of shedding of the endometrial lining which is what we know as menstruation, some women experience a slight discomfort, while others are bedridden by extreme abdominal pain. Endometriosis, a condition that causes inflammation and presence of segments of the endometrium outside the uterus is common and presents with more severe cramps. At the end of the shedding, however, everything goes back to normal and the pain is gone and the woman is ready for the next cycle.

The Role of Hormones

Not unlike symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, hormonal imbalance is often the root cause of menstrual cramps.  The fluctuation of estrogen and decreased levels and poor quality of progesterone may cause fluid retention, and abdominal bloating resulting in cramps that are out of proportion with the extent of the problem.

Effective Treatment

Researchers have found the combination of exercise, nutritional supplements and progesterone support through bioidentical hormones replacement therapy to be the best course of action for helping most women afflicted with sever menstrual symptoms.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with natural hormones provides a gentle, safe and effective way to restore hormonal balance, relieving many of the symptoms associated with aging and resulting in the recovery of youth and vitality.

Proper nutritional supplementation, such as progesterone cream can also play an important role in relieving menstrual cramps and overall health and prevention.

To assess your symptoms and to learn more about how bioidentical hormones and the other safe and effective tools of Age Management medicine can lead to hormonal balance, lessen menstrual cramps and improve overall well-being, contact a certified RestoreMD bioidentical hormone doctor in your area.