According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 50 percent of menstruating women suffer from dysmenorrhea or painful periods. The pain experienced right before menstruation or during the first week of menses is usually mild, however, sometimes this pain can be so bad that a woman has to refrain from her normal activities. There are medications and procedures available to reduce the pain, but for women who do not want to take these options, using vitamins may be a viable alternative.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin known for its antioxidant and skin health benefits, has added benefits when it comes to the menstrual cycle. Painful periods can be treated with vitamin E in a supplemented dose of 150 to 800 IU a day. According to Obgyn.net, a study was conducted on women who suffer with dysmenorrhea and found that after giving these women vitamin E supplements, 70 percent of the women tested experienced improvement in menstrual cramping after two cycles.
Calcium
Calcium can be beneficial in protecting and building bones and teeth, helping with muscle relaxation and cramping, and controlling lining nerve impulses and hormone secretion. Calcium also helps to regulate blood pressure. The recommended daily allowance of calcium intake is 1,200 mg; to relieve cramps, 800 to 100 mg a day may be taken as a supplement. Foods that contain calcium include dairy products, salmon, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, kale, spinach and Swiss chard. According to Harvard Medical School, adults only absorb up to 30 percent of the calcium they ingest.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3 converts food into energy and is also essential in maintaining healthy skin, blood cells, brain and nervous system. Vitamin B3 can also be helpful in combating menstrual cramps if taken every two to three hours when cramps begin. In a study stated on OBGYN.net, 88 percent of women noticed a decrease in menstrual cramping when taking this supplement. The recommended dose is 100 mg twice per day throughout the month, and 100 mg every two to three hours when experiencing menstrual cramps.
