Question For The Ladies

[GFreeMO]

I am wondering if this happens to anyone else. When you get glutened, soyed, corned, caseined, etc. during the month, do you find that your period that month is more painful and heavy. When I haven't had any reactions to my offending foods, my periods are much better.

Thanks!

Also, what works best for the pain?

[Simona19]

I am wondering if this happens to anyone else. When you get glutened, soyed, corned, caseined, etc. during the month, do you find that your period that month is more painful and heavy. When I haven't had any reactions to my offending foods, my periods are much better.

Thanks!

Also, what works best for the pain?

I think it

[abaker521]

I was on birth control for 4 years and about the same time I was diagnosed with celiac I stopped taking it (because by husband and I want to TTC eventually and my insurance no longer covered by birth control). My periods have been 35-40 days ever since and are super heavy and painful. Despite going strict gluten-free.. I still have some odd symptoms that lead me to believe I might be intolerant to other foods I don't know about yet? Either way I definitely notice a difference in that department. I'm becoming more regular (fortunately) because I'm finally putting on weight.. but man, I would die if I didn't have advil around that time of the month!

[Simona19]

When I was looking around, I found this:

Excessive levels of prostaglandins cause the pain that women experience when they suffer from uterine cramps and muscle contractions of the stomach. Prostaglandins are to blame for painful periods?

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Omega 3 fatty acids seem to lower prostaglandin levels. Read more:

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List of essential fatty acids:

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I already bought 1200mg Omega-3 - Fish oil. I hope, it will help to ease cramps and pain.

[Aly1]

I am wondering if this happens to anyone else. When you get glutened, soyed, corned, caseined, etc. during the month, do you find that your period that month is more painful and heavy. When I haven't had any reactions to my offending foods, my periods are much better.

Thanks!

Also, what works best for the pain?

One of my sensitivities is gums like guar gum and xanthan gum. I did not know this and for a month straight was regularly eating a couple of new gluten-free products that contained them; a week before my period I swear my breasts swelled up over a cup size and were incredibly tender (I had to sleep in my bra!) and was bloated and crampy and uncomfortable during my period. This was in sharp contrast to the several months before where I was gluten free and experiencing minimal symptoms. So in answer to your question, a resounding yes!

As for how to deal with the discomfort? I use Aleve for cramps (always on a full stomach, it can chew it up in there if your stomach is empty). I start with 2, per label instructions, then follow up with one at the appropriate interval (can't remember if it's 6 or 8 hrs). That's what works best for me.

[Adalaide]

I have noticed my periods have been closer together since going gluten free, which is not thrilling me at all. I went from every 27-29 days to every 21-25 days. So far that is the only change. My doctor said that caffeine will intensify pain, and after testing that over several months noticed that I do in fact feel much worse when I drink caffeine during the first few days of my period. I take Midol complete which was gluten free when I checked and on really bad months I take lortab. Cinnamon can help also, which I have always gotten a lot of during my period by consuming obscene amounts of homemade snickerdoodles. I'm still working on a gluten free recipe that doesn't suck. I prefer the "natural" remedies since I am now completely medication free other than the few days after I have dental work done.

[Simona19]

I just want to report that this period I was taking fish oil 1200mg omega-3 two times per day and Advil every 5-6 even 8 hours for about 4 days. I had just little pain. I stocked up on heating pads, but I didn

[Takala]

Magnesium supplements help

[Simona19]

Magnesium supplements help

I'm taking 400mg of magnesium daily for almost two years now. Only this time I had very short and almost painless period. I don't know why. The only different was omega-3. I will try it next month again. So far it worked for me.

[JNBunnie1]

I've been taking cod liver oil a long time. I've tried magnesium, my body sincerely dislikes it, so that's not an option. I saw no change in my cycle, either length, pain, or flow when I went gluten free. I've seen some minor changes as I get older, not in relation to any diet change. I use the advil/heating pad regimen. Anyone else had any luck with any other remedies? Apparently, my prostaglandins are in overdrive. My cramps extend from navel to knee. Hits some pretty sensitive places in between..... ! Definitely go caffeine free a few days before the period hits though, that makes it worse if I don't.

[dilettantesteph]

My periods and PMS symptoms are worse when glutened. From not noticeable to quite bad.

[Simona19]

I've been taking cod liver oil a long time. I've tried magnesium, my body sincerely dislikes it, so that's not an option. I saw no change in my cycle, either length, pain, or flow when I went gluten free. I've seen some minor changes as I get older, not in relation to any diet change. I use the advil/heating pad regimen. Anyone else had any luck with any other remedies? Apparently, my prostaglandins are in overdrive. My cramps extend from navel to knee. Hits some pretty sensitive places in between..... ! Definitely go caffeine free a few days before the period hits though, that makes it worse if I don't.

Open Original Shared LinkYou might have endometriosis, if you have pain even in your legs. I had it for 6 years before going gluten free. I couldn't stand the pain. I cried for 3-5 hours. I was taking just Tylenol every 4 hours, placed 2 heating pads on my belly, drank 1/2 gallon of mild black tee, and rolled heating blanket around my midsection. Nothing helped. I was 4 times on ER. Doctor gave me a shot to stop the pain, but even strong narcotic didn't stop it. Pain went from level 10 to level 4 (reference 0-10). Now, almost two years gluten free, I had a very short and almost painful period. I don't know why. I just know that I suffered enough. All family was on alert when I had my period. They made me tea, gave me medicine, and ice when I felt like I will faint any second from so much pain.

Maybe I don't have endometriosis anymore, or I stopped the inflammation in my body somehow. Maybe omega-3 helped, or I my hormones changed. I just hope that it will last longer.

[mommyto2kids]

Hyster sisters web site and forum would help you. They have lots of articles on all menstral issues. It really helped me. There is info for people that don't want a hysterectamy, that just want to learn and not have pain.

[deb445]

I too have had this experience.

I also am finding that I am especially

sensitive just prior to my cycle.

I am SUPER vigilant the week before I'm

due.

[birdie22]

Since going gluten-free I've had much more mild periods...less aches and pains. Last month I did a 7day gluten challenge and by the last half of my cycle my breasts were so sore. They haven't felt that sore since I was pregnant years ago.