Primary dysmenorrhea generally occurs within a couple of years of the first menstrual period. The pain tends to decrease with age and very often resolves after childbirth. Secondary dysmenorrhea is commonly a result of endometriosis, starts later in life, and tends to increase in intensity over time. 3 Relaxation techniques have been used with some success to alleviate dysmenorrhea in some young women. According to one study, the symptoms of menstrual cramps, nausea, irritability, and poor concentration greatly improved after twenty-minute relaxation sessions twice per week.
Alcohol can also interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize hormones.
In theory, this might result in elevated estrogen levels, increased fluid and salt retention, and heavier menstrual flow. Since these two preliminary studies were published many years ago, no further research has explored the relationship between niacin and dysmenorrhea. The effect of niacin may not be effective unless taken for seven to ten days before the onset of menstrual flow. In theory, calcium may help prevent menstrual cramps by maintaining normal muscle tone. Muscles that are calcium-deficient tend to be hyperactive and therefore might be more likely to cramp.