Unfortunately, with menstrual cramps, the message is inappropriate. The symptoms can begin before the period, often the first day or two of bleeding, or sometimes they wait to happen until day three or four of the cycle. Many women who have a prostaglandin imbalance also may have other symptoms such as acne, muscle and joint aches, low backache, breast swelling and tenderness, irritability and mood swings that are cyclical. When these symptoms occur along with the cramps, then we can be fairly certain that the cause is hormonal. No woman should feel like she has to put up with these symptoms.
Help is available.
Modern medicine offers us anti-prostaglandins in the form especially if they are taken before most of the cramps and nausea begin. I often recommend using these for temporary relief but along with supplements and dietary and lifestyle changes. At the time of the cramps alcohol can be a uterine relaxant and may help, but only momentarily. EFA's don't balance the prostaglandins by themselves. We need adequate amounts of B Vitamins, Vitamin E, calcium and magnesium and zinc.