Hormone Imbalance Causing Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps, referred to as dysmenorrhea, can induce lower back or thigh pain, bring on nausea and vomiting, loosen stool, and produce sweating and dizziness. Most women will experience menstrual cramps during their monthly cycle, however, some women will experience intense bouts of cramps, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Women who suffer from intense cramps are said to be suffering from a hormone imbalance, causing them more pain than necessary.
 
Menstrual cramps are classified as primary or secondary dysmenorrhea.  Primary dysmenorrhea involves no physical abnormality and usually begins six months to a year after you begin menstruating and may continue through your 20s or until you have a baby. Secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying physical cause and may start or return later in life, but can begin anytime after you begin menstruating.
 
Women looking to prevent intense bouts of cramps should do the following:

• Exercise regularly to release endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. 
• Get adequate rest to make your body less vulnerable to pain. 
• Participate in a stress-reliving activity, i.e., a massage, acupuncture, yoga or meditation to help alleviate pain.

 
While these techniques may help reduce menstrual cramps due to a hormonal imbalance, some woman may be poised to try herbal formula that featured various phyto-compounds, such as Dong Quai, a plant with phytosterols that helps reduce the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.  Dong quai can also promote blood flow to the reproductive organs, relieving menstrual cramps.  Angelica root, cramp bark, kava kava, and red raspberry have antispasmodic properties and may alleviate cramps as well