Many women experience menstrual pain every month. So, should you take vitamin E to relieve menstrual pain?
Menstrual pain is experienced by many women before or during menstruation. Also called dysmenorrhea, it refers to severe pain felt in the lower abdomen. It may also spread to the lower back and thighs. What’s worse is that the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Women often use heat pills or pop pills to relieve menstrual pain. It has been found that vitamin E supplements may also help relieve menstrual pain. Read below to find out if vitamin E can reduce menstrual pain.
What is menstrual pain?
Menstrual cramps are the body’s response to the uterus contracting to shed the lining when a woman is down, says senior gynecologist, obstetrician and robotic surgeon Dr. Aruna Kalra. These menstrual pains are caused by hormonal changes and the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions during menstruation, and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Painful periods, known medically as dysmenorrhea, are primarily caused by contractions of the uterus that cause the lining to shed during menstruation. These contractions are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which promote inflammation and pain. Imbalances in other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can also make cramps worse. Menstrual cramps are a natural part of the menstrual cycle, but their severity and duration can be managed with a variety of treatments and lifestyle changes, experts say.
How can vitamin E supplements help with menstrual pain?
In a 2022 analysis published in the Clinical Nutrition ESPEN journal,
Researchers have found that vitamin E supplements may reduce menstrual pain, especially after taking them for two months.
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According to Dr. Kalra, vitamin E supplements may help reduce menstrual pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of the uterine muscles. Vitamin E may also regulate hormone levels, contributing to a more balanced menstrual cycle and potentially reducing the severity of cramps.
What are the side effects of vitamin E supplements for menstrual pain?
Experts say that vitamin E intake should generally not exceed 1,000 milligrams per day to avoid potential side effects. Potential side effects include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps.
In some cases, taking too much vitamin E can lead to blurred vision, headaches, or increased risk of bleeding. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting a supplement regimen, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking medications.
What medicines should not be mixed with vitamin E supplements?
Do not mix vitamin E supplements with the following medicines:
- Mixing vitamin E with anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding due to the potential for additive blood thinning effects.
- Vitamin E supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs.
- Statin drugs are taken to lower cholesterol levels. However, it may be less effective when mixed with vitamin E supplements.
- Vitamin E supplements can interact with and alter the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
- Vitamin E supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
Can foods rich in vitamin E help relieve menstrual pain?
Foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals, may contribute to overall health, and their anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce menstrual pain, Dr. Kalra says. say. However, relying solely on dietary sources of vitamin E may not provide enough vitamin E to have a significant impact on cramps.
What are other ways to relieve menstrual pain?
To get rid of menstrual pain, you can do the following:
- Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath will relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramps.
- Gentle physical activity, such as walking or yoga, promotes the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers.
- Consume foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol to minimize discomfort.
- Habits like mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation can help manage stress, which can make period pain worse.
- Some herbs, such as ginger, cinnamon, and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken as teas or supplements.
For more comprehensive relief from menstrual pain, you can take vitamin E supplements along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, but don’t rely on them alone.
