Dysmenorrhea is severe pain associated with the menstrual cycle. Dysmenorrhea is considered to be primary when there is no other pathology affecting the reproductive system. It is considered secondary if it is due to pathology, like endometriosis. The pain in primary dysmeorrhea is believed to be caused by the uterus contracting and from lack of oxygen in the area. Pain is usually perceived as cramps, but may be a dull, constant ache. Symptoms usually begin shortly before or during menses (bleeding), and may include nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, depression or mood swings, or breast tenderness. There are some natural approaches that are helpful to women who suffer from PMS or dysmenorrhea.
A double-blind, crossover study that appeared in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Volume 117, Issue 1 , Pages 45-47, April 2012), looked at 95 female subjects between the ages of 18 and 22, all with primary dysmenorrhea. They were divided into two groups. One group was given and omega-3 fatty acid supplement for three months, and after a washout period, was given a placebo for another three months. The second group was given the placebo for the first three months and the omega-3 supplement for the second three months. The women were allowed to take 400 mg of ibuprofen for relief of severe menstrual pain. Women taking omega-3 fatty acids required less ibuprofen than those who were taking the placebo.
