Can Fish Oil Relieve Painful Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps can be very painful for anyone. Endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are a few of the many conditions which can cause cramps to be excruciatingly painful. While there are many pain medications which can provide relief, the options can seem limited if you are trying to treat your cramps the all-natural way. Methods like heating pads and warm baths can provide temporary relief, but is there any way to make Aunt Flow's visit more pleasant overall? Find out why fish oil just may be the answer here.

Can Fish Oil Relieve Pain During Menstruation?

The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil offer anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is commonly recommended to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Studies have found that women who took fish oil were less likely to suffer from menstrual cramps than women who were given placebos, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These findings seem hopeful, but it's important to keep in mind that the research in support of fish oil for menstrual cramps is limited.

Fish oil is considered to be "possibly effective" for treating menstrual cramps, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While some women may notice relief during menstruation while they are consuming fish oil, others may find no relief. The method is not currently prescribed by doctors, but many medical experts recommend women who suffer from painful cramps to at least try using fish oil.

What is the Best Source of Fish Oil?

There are a few ways to consume fish oil. One of the best sources is fish which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as herring, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna. Note that you will want to find out how often you can eat each type of fish. Eating certain types of fish too frequently can increase the risk of mercury exposure. Pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and flaxseed are also great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. If you don't like fish or nuts, you're not out of luck, however.

Fish oil supplements are a great way to include Omega-3 fatty acids in your daily diet. If you are planning to take supplements, it's important to keep in mind that not all brands are mercury-free. Be sure to check out the Environmental Defense Fund's Fish Oil Supplements Guide to find out which brands are safe to take.

If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps, it may be ideal to increase your fish oil intake to see if it helps. Although the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may relieve pain from menstrual cramps, more research needs to be done to confirm the link. Before taking fish oil supplements, it's important to consult a doctor. Omega-3 fatty acids are not generally recommended to people who are using blood-thinning medications.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should consult a licensed health care professional.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center
U.S. National Library of Medicine
WebMD