Learn how a proper diet can ease menstrual trouble

Many women experience discomfort or temporary disability from the severe cramps and nausea that can precede their periods. We'll go over some tips and dietary advice that can make your period more bearable.

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are most common among young women who have never been pregnant. In most cases there's no underlying health problem, and symptoms often ease somewhat after pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives.
• Herbal teas may help ease your pain. Raspberry leaf tea contains a substance that's thought to relax the uterus and ease cramping, and chamomile tea also has antispasmodic action. Drink the tea while relaxing in a warm bath or lying down with a heating pad over your abdomen to relieve muscle cramps and tension.
• Take an anti-inflammatory. Research has found that prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions, play a part in causing menstrual cramps. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can block prostaglandin production and alleviate menstrual cramps. Use these drugs with care, because they can cause stomach irritation and bleeding problems.
• In some instances, painful periods are related to other conditions, such as fibroid tumours (benign uterine growths) or endometriosis (the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus). These conditions require the attention of a gynecologist.

• Menstrual bleeding tends to be heavy and irregular at the beginning and end of a woman's reproductive years.
• Experiencing heavy periods? Eat lots of iron-rich foods. Although it can be inconvenient, heavy bleeding is rarely the signal of a more serious condition. However, excessive blood flow may result in a greater loss of iron, with a risk of anemia.
• An adult woman needs 18 milligrams of iron daily. Good sources are red meat, legumes, fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits. To help the body to better absorb iron, a food rich in vitamin C should be eaten with the iron-rich meal.
• If you're experiencing persistently heavy or irregular periods, see your gynecologist to determine if there's a problem, or to obtain information about menopause if you're nearing middle age.

• The most likely reason for a missed period is pregnancy. However, the menstrual cycle may also be interrupted by hormonal imbalances related to obesity or diabetes, thyroid disease, a change in contraceptive pills, or an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa.
• Women involved in high-level athletic training are prone to menstrual problems, because they lack the critical amount of body fat to maintain adequate estrogen levels. A systematic meal plan can provide the nutrition essential to maintain top athletic performance while guarding against excess weight.
• If you're experiencing irregular menstruation, head over to your doctor for a checkup.

There's no reason you should be in agony every month. Use these tips and speak with your doctor to try and alleviate excessively painful or heavy periods.