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What causes menstrual cramps?

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What causes menstrual cramps?

Introduction: Why Menstrual Cramps Need a New Approach

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, affect a significant number of women every month, causing discomfort, pain, and distress. At Patients Medical in New York City, we believe in treating menstrual cramps at their root cause, rather than simply masking the symptoms. Through our integrative approach, we combine conventional, holistic, and functional medicine to understand the factors contributing to menstrual pain and help alleviate it naturally.

We focus on the whole person, not just the pain, by addressing lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, and other underlying conditions that may be contributing to the cramps.

What Are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are sharp or dull pains in the lower abdomen that occur just before or during menstruation. The pain arises from the uterus contracting to help shed its lining. These contractions are caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances. While cramps are common, excessive pain can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Types of Menstrual Cramps:

  • Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pain caused by normal menstrual processes, usually in younger women or those with heavy periods.
  • Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Pain that is related to underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Common Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps

Many women experience menstrual cramps as part of their monthly cycle, but the severity can vary. Common symptoms include:

  • Lower abdominal pain (sharp, throbbing, or dull)
  • Back pain (especially in the lower back)
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue or general malaise
  • Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation

If your cramps interfere with your daily activities or seem unusually painful, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Menstrual Cramps?

Functional medicine helps us identify the root causes of menstrual cramps, going beyond just the symptoms to address the factors that trigger or worsen the pain. Common underlying causes include:

  • Hormonal Imbalances: High levels of prostaglandins can lead to stronger, more painful uterine contractions. Estrogen dominance or insufficient progesterone can contribute to this imbalance.
  • Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, causing inflammation and severe pain.
  • Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and bloating.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
  • Stress: High levels of cortisol can exacerbate menstrual cramps, leading to increased pain and discomfort.
  • Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and low in nutrients can trigger inflammation and increase pain levels.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand the root cause of your menstrual cramps, we use a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

Hormonal Panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid)

Pelvic Ultrasound to detect fibroids or cysts

Laparoscopy (if endometriosis is suspected)

C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess inflammation

Stool and Gut Health Testing (to detect systemic inflammation and gut-related issues)

Cortisol Testing to assess stress levels

Integrative Treatments for Menstrual Cramps

Nutritional Therapy

We provide personalized nutritional recommendations that focus on reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and supporting overall reproductive health. This may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and turmeric
  • Magnesium-rich foods to help relax muscles and alleviate cramps
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities (e.g., gluten, dairy)
  • Low-glycemic diets to support hormone balance

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Our approach includes targeted herbal and nutraceutical treatments to relieve menstrual cramps naturally. Some of the recommended supplements may include:

  • Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
  • Ginger (pain relief and anti-nausea)
  • Chasteberry (supports hormone balance)
  • Magnesium (muscle relaxation)
  • Vitamin E (reduces cramp intensity)

These supplements are dosed and monitored by a physician based on individual needs.

Hormone Balancing

We address hormonal imbalances that contribute to menstrual cramps through bioidentical hormone therapy and natural supplementation, including:

  • Progesterone creams to balance estrogen dominance
  • Thyroid optimization to support overall hormone health
  • Testosterone regulation to manage excessive androgens (e.g., in PCOS)

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can worsen menstrual cramps by increasing cortisol levels and triggering inflammation. We use:

  • Meditation and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve hormonal balance
  • Acupuncture to help regulate stress hormones
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha to support adrenal health

Acupuncture & Acupressure

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve pain and improve blood flow to the uterus. We offer acupuncture sessions designed to reduce cramping and improve overall reproductive health.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Relief

Sarah, 30, came to us with severe menstrual cramps that prevented her from participating in daily activities. After extensive testing, we found hormonal imbalances and early signs of endometriosis.

We developed a customized treatment plan for Sarah, which included:

  • Dietary changes to reduce inflammation
  • Magnesium and turmeric supplementation for pain relief
  • Hormone balancing therapy to address estrogen dominance
  • Acupuncture sessions to promote relaxation and blood flow

Three months later, Sarah reported a significant reduction in her menstrual cramps, better energy levels, and improved overall well-being.

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Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Relief

Testimonials

“I’ve struggled with cramps for years, but after working with Patients Medical, I’ve seen incredible improvement. I’m finally able to function during my period!”
– L.M., 35New York
“After trying everything for my menstrual pain, the integrative approach at Patients Medical gave me relief. I’m so grateful!”
– K.P., 28Brooklyn
“I never realized how much my diet was affecting my menstrual pain. With the guidance I received, my cramps are now manageable.”
– R.B., 41Queens
“The acupuncture sessions really helped ease the pain. I feel like I’ve regained control of my body.”
– C.S., 29Manhattan
“I was skeptical at first, but after a few months of natural treatments, my cramps have drastically decreased. I’m feeling better than ever.”
– M.T., 33Staten Island

Explore Our Blog For More Insights

  1. Natural Remedies for Severe Menstrual Cramps
  2. How to Balance Hormones and Relieve Menstrual Pain
  3. Endometriosis vs. Regular Menstrual Cramps: How to Tell the Difference
  4. The Role of Diet in Managing Menstrual Cramps
  5. How Stress Affects Your Period and What You Can Do About It

Frequently Asked Questions

Menstrual cramps are often caused by prostaglandins, but underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and hormonal imbalances can exacerbate the pain.

Yes, primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without any underlying condition) is common and occurs due to natural uterine contractions.

Cramps typically last 2-3 days at the start of your period. Prolonged pain may indicate an underlying issue and should be evaluated.

Yes, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can intensify menstrual cramps by triggering inflammation and muscle tension.

Natural treatments include anti-inflammatory foods, herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger, magnesium, and acupuncture.

If your cramps are severe, last longer than usual, or are accompanied by heavy bleeding or other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.

Yes, an imbalance in estrogen or progesterone can worsen cramps, especially if there is estrogen dominance.

While cramps can’t always be prevented, adopting a healthy diet, managing stress, and balancing hormones can reduce their intensity.

For some women, cramps may become more intense with age, particularly if they develop conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.

Managing cramps naturally involves lifestyle changes, nutritional therapy, stress reduction, and herbal supplements to address inflammation and hormonal balance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

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Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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