Have you seen the recent commercial that states quite plainly, "There's a reason they call it the curse!"?  For most women, menstruation can seem just like that - a curse or punishment put upon us for a sin we haven't committed.  Every month we deal with the cramps, bloating, fatigue, aching muscles, headaches, digestive problems, and an entire list of other ailments simply because we're a normal healthy adult woman that is not pregnant.  You would think that there would be an easier way for a woman to actually experience menstruation but unfortunately it seems as if most women will need to take matters into their own hands and proactively address the pain and discomfort of this problem on their own.

In order to do that effectively it can help to understand a bit about why there is usually so much pain and discomfort with menstruation in the first place.  Much of this has to do with the surge of female hormones that the body produces in order to properly perform this function.  Hormones affect the body in a variety of ways, and what many women don't understand is their affect on the digestive system.  Many women complain of gas, diarrhea, and other digestive disorders during their time of the month.  This is simply the hormones and is only temporary.  Other problems and pains during this time of the month are typically caused by dehydration.  The body needs to produce extra blood during this cycle and blood is made mostly from water.  When there isn't enough water in the system to do this, the body will pull it from the muscles and organs.  This is usually why women get headaches and muscle aches during this time.  These areas of the body are being leeched of moisture.  Many stomach cramps that one gets during menstruation are also caused by dehydration. 

Most women hesitate to drink water during their cycle and even limit the amount of water they drink because they are often bloated; they figure that since the body is retaining water then they should drink less of it.  This is actually the worst thing you can do during this time of the month, and usually the body retains water when it doesn't get enough of it in the first place.  Drinking plenty of fluids will not only help with the cramps but it should reduce the bloating as well.

Regular physical exercise is imperative for women to avoid a lot of the pain they would normally feel during this time of the month.  Exercise keeps the muscles loose and limber and so they won't cramp or ache as badly during this time.  Some women also report more pain when they eat a lot of meat or chocolate; you need to be aware of how certain foods affect you during menstruation just as someone with allergies would need to be aware of this as well.

Most women feel that the discomfort of menstruation is a small price to pay for the privilege of bearing children, and if you're proactive and take good care of yourself you may be able to lessen any pain you feel during this time as well.

Soy Isoflavones may ease menopause symptoms for without creating estrogen related problems and may help regulate hormone levels in premenopausal woman.

Calcium is needed to counteract the effects of mineralization of the bone.

Vitamin B taken together as B-Complex work together as a team to perform vital biological processes including energy production and efficient metabolic function.

Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection.  It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue.  It also aids in the production of anti stress hormones.

Flaxseed Oil benefits include relieving menopausal hot flashes.

Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.