If you are looking for a natural way to control your menstrual pain, you may want to consider supplements containing the polyunsaturated fatty acid omega-3 instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Menstrual cramping and omega-3s<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Many women experience significant pain and cramping during their periods. It is especially true for women who suffer from\u00a0symptoms of uterine fibroids<\/a>. Usually, the preferred method for dealing with this pain is to take anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as ibuprofen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The natural anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 found in fish oils can relieve menstrual pain. This was confirmed in a study in which a group of women with painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) took 1 capsule of omega-3 fish oil or placebo daily for 3 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What are omega-3s?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Omega-3s are responsible for keeping you healthy in a number of essential ways. These include keeping your vision healthy, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, and improving brain function.In addition, a key study indicates that omega-3s might also be effective at controlling menstrual pain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What does a recent study show about the effects of omega-3s on menstrual cramps?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The study, which appeared in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics<\/em>,<\/em> investigated the pain-relieving effects of omega-3s on a group of 95 young women (ages 18-22). One group of 47 women was given a daily omega-3 capsule for 3 months and then a placebo for three months. The other group was given the placebo and omega-3 capsule in reverse. Every participant was allowed to take 400 mg of ibuprofen whenever the cramps were too painful to handle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Importantly, both groups took fewer doses of ibuprofen when they were taking the omega-3 supplements. That is, the supplements appeared to significantly reduce the amount of pain the patients suffered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Why do omega-3s control period pain?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The answer to omega-3s\u2019 effectiveness at relieving period pain may lie in the way that the fatty acid affects the body. In particular, omega-3s reduce inflammation, which may be contributing to pain. In particular, two important omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which were in the supplements given to the study\u2019s participants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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While these acids can be made in the body from omega-6 fatty acids consumed in the diet, the body generally only makes very small amounts of EPA and DHA. A better course of action is to consume it in fatty fish and supplements like fish oil, krill oil, and algae oil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Consult a doctor \u2014 like Viva Eve<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Of course, you should talk with your doctor before starting a supplement. If omega-3s are right for you, you and your doctor may be able to find a dosage that helps to alleviate your menstrual pain, naturally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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However, your period pain may be caused by large\u00a0uterine fibroids or adenomyosis<\/a>. If so, know that the doctors at VIVA EVE have years of experience in the treatment of both. We provide high-quality, personalized care for each and every patient we see. We will partner with you to determine the best way to treat your problematic symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Sources for information referenced in this post<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Linus Pauling Institute. (2014). Retrieved from Essential Fatty Acids<\/a>.<\/li>
Tokuyama, S., & Nakamoto, K. (2011). Unsaturated fatty acids and pain. Biol Pharm Bull, Feb; 34(8): 1174-1178.<\/li>
Rahbar, N., Asgharzadeh, N, & Ghorbani, R. (2012). Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, Apr; 117(1): 45-57.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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