Why do joints hurt during menstruation. How does inflammation affect period symptoms. What are the signs of excessive inflammation during menstrual cycles. How can women manage period-related joint pain effectively.

Understanding the Link Between Menstruation and Joint Pain

Many women experience joint pain during their menstrual cycle, a phenomenon that can be both uncomfortable and perplexing. This connection between menstruation and joint discomfort is not uncommon, yet it’s often overlooked in discussions about menstrual symptoms. The root cause of this pain is frequently linked to inflammation, which can intensify during the menstrual period.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the menstrual process, but when it becomes excessive, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including joint pain. Dr. Jessica Vaught, a gynecologist at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, explains, “Inflammation can make menstrual cycle symptoms seem much more significant and more severe.” This increase in inflammation can affect not only the reproductive organs but also other parts of the body, including the joints.

The Role of Hormones in Menstrual Joint Pain

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle significantly influence the body’s inflammatory response. Estrogen, in particular, plays a vital role in regulating inflammation. Dr. Felice Gersh, a gynecologist specializing in hormonal health, notes that estrogen levels are lowest during the second half of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) and during menstruation itself. This drop in estrogen can lead to increased inflammation throughout the body, potentially exacerbating joint pain.

The relationship between hormones and joint pain is complex. Estrogen generally has anti-inflammatory properties, so when levels decrease, the body may become more susceptible to inflammation. This can result in joint discomfort, especially in women who may already have underlying conditions such as arthritis or previous injuries.

7 Signs of Excessive Inflammation During Menstruation

Recognizing the signs of excessive inflammation during menstruation can help women seek appropriate care and management strategies. Here are seven key indicators:

1. Breakouts: Frequent acne flare-ups, especially during the luteal phase and menstruation, can indicate gut inflammation related to hormonal changes.
2. Heavy Flow: Excessive bleeding, characterized by the need to change a soaked pad or tampon more frequently than every two hours, may signal increased inflammation.
3. Muscle and Joint Pain: Heightened discomfort in muscles and joints, particularly in areas with previous injuries or arthritis, can be exacerbated by inflammatory markers released during menstruation.
4. Digestive Issues: Diarrhea and nausea are common manifestations of excess inflammation in the gastrointestinal system during menstruation.
5. Pelvic Pain: Pain that feels different from typical menstrual cramps, possibly indicating conditions like endometriosis, which is highly inflammatory.
6. Mood Swings: Pronounced changes in mood that are difficult to control may be linked to inflammatory processes affecting mental well-being.
7. Dizziness and Headaches: These symptoms can result from increased cortisol levels associated with inflammation.

The Impact of Inflammation on Overall Menstrual Health

Inflammation during menstruation doesn’t just affect the joints; it can have wide-ranging impacts on a woman’s overall health and well-being. Dr. Vaught emphasizes, “If PMS becomes severe, it can have many effects on a woman’s life. Pain can impact her ability to work, ability to take care of her family responsibilities, and ability to take care of herself.”

The inflammatory response can exacerbate existing health conditions and create new challenges. For instance, women with autoimmune disorders may experience flare-ups during their menstrual periods due to the increased inflammation. Additionally, the stress of dealing with severe menstrual symptoms can itself contribute to further inflammation, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.

How Inflammation Affects Different Body Systems During Menstruation

• Musculoskeletal System: Increased joint and muscle pain, reduced flexibility
• Digestive System: Gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, changes in bowel habits
• Nervous System: Heightened pain sensitivity, mood changes, headaches
• Immune System: Potential flare-ups of autoimmune conditions, increased susceptibility to infections
• Endocrine System: Disruption of normal hormonal balance, potentially affecting other bodily functions

Managing Joint Pain and Inflammation During Menstruation

While joint pain and inflammation during menstruation can be challenging, there are several strategies women can employ to manage these symptoms effectively:

1. Anti-inflammatory Diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber can help reduce overall inflammation in the body.
2. Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate joint pain.
3. Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation.
4. Adequate Sleep: Ensuring sufficient, quality sleep is crucial for managing inflammation and supporting overall health.
5. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out inflammatory toxins and support joint health.
6. Heat Therapy: Applying heat to painful joints can improve circulation and provide relief.
7. Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation when used as directed.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Menstrual Joint Pain

While some degree of discomfort during menstruation is common, severe or persistent joint pain warrants medical attention. Dr. Roohi Jeelani, FACOG, advises, “If joint pain significantly impacts daily activities or persists beyond the menstrual period, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.” This is particularly crucial if the pain is accompanied by other severe symptoms or if there’s a suspicion of underlying conditions such as endometriosis or autoimmune disorders.

Healthcare providers can offer a range of treatments, from hormonal therapies to manage menstrual symptoms to specific interventions for joint health. They can also help rule out other potential causes of joint pain and ensure that women receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

The Future of Menstrual Health Research and Joint Pain Management

As awareness grows about the complex interplay between menstruation, inflammation, and joint pain, researchers are exploring new avenues for understanding and treating these interconnected issues. Emerging areas of study include:

• The role of the gut microbiome in menstrual inflammation and joint health
• Personalized medicine approaches to managing menstrual symptoms based on individual hormonal profiles
• The potential of anti-inflammatory supplements and natural remedies in alleviating menstrual joint pain
• Advanced imaging techniques to better understand the mechanisms of menstrual-related joint inflammation

These ongoing research efforts promise to shed light on more effective strategies for managing menstrual joint pain and improving overall quality of life for women experiencing these symptoms.

Empowering Women Through Education and Self-Care

Understanding the connection between menstruation, inflammation, and joint pain empowers women to take proactive steps in managing their health. By recognizing the signs of excessive inflammation and implementing targeted self-care strategies, women can significantly improve their menstrual experiences and overall well-being.

It’s crucial for women to listen to their bodies, track their symptoms, and communicate openly with healthcare providers about their menstrual health concerns. This collaborative approach to menstrual health management can lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing quality of life and reducing the impact of menstrual symptoms on daily activities.

As research continues to advance our understanding of menstrual health and its wide-ranging effects on the body, women can look forward to more comprehensive and tailored approaches to managing menstrual joint pain and related symptoms. By staying informed and engaged in their health care, women can navigate the challenges of menstruation with greater confidence and comfort.

7 Signs You Have Too Much Inflammation During Your Period

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7 Signs You Have Too Much Inflammation During Your Period

November 28, 2018

Denis Val/Shutterstock

Menstrual symptoms are already painful enough as they are, but when your body is inflamed, everything can feel much worse. It can be hard to pinpoint the source of your period woes, but sometimes the root of these issues is excess inflammation. There are a number of signs that indicate you have too much inflammation during your period, and recognizing these symptoms can help you make the right choices to help make your period a bit more comfortable.

“Inflammation can make menstrual cycle symptoms seem much more significant and more severe,” gynecologist Jessica Vaught, MD of the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, tells Bustle. “If PMS becomes severe, it can have many effects on a women’s life. Pain can impact her ability to work, ability to take care of her family responsibilities, and ability to take care of herself.”

Inflammation can occur for a number of reasons, including diet, lack of sleep, stress, etc., so managing your habits may be able to help bring down inflammation and alleviate some of your unwanted symptoms. Engaging in stress-reducing habits and managing your blood sugar are just two ways you can help combat inflammation, and make your period — and the time before your period — less painful and distressing. Here are seven signs you might have too much inflammation during your period, according to experts.

1

Breakouts

Ashley Batz/Bustle

Frequent breakouts are often a telltale sign your body is inflamed. Acne can indicate gut inflammation, as a result of nutrient deficiencies or diet, gynecologist Felice Gersh, MD, tells Bustle. “We know that hormones have a great impact on the gut microbiome, and of course the hormones are shifting throughout the cycle,” she says. “Estrogen is especially beneficial to the gut microbiome, and the levels are lowest during the second half of the cycle (the luteal phase) and during the period itself. Acne breakouts tend to occur at those times, more than at ovulation or just prior, when estrogen levels are peaking.”

2

Heavy Flow

Andrew Zaeh for Bustle

Heavy bleeding is another sign that something is amiss. “There is no absolute way for the average woman to measure blood loss,” says Dr. Gersh. “That said, how many pads or tampons are soaked during the day is a good guide. If changing a soaked pad or tampon more often then every two hours is needed, there is excessive blood loss. If the heaviest days of a period last more than two days, that is excessive bleeding.”

3

Muscle & Joint Pain

Andrew Zaeh for Bustle

“Oftentimes this symptom is experienced by women who are suffering underlying pain caused by arthritis or previous injuries,” gynecologist Roohi Jeelani, MD, FACOG, tells Bustle. “Most days they can tolerate this, but during and right before their period, the inflammatory markers which help release the menstrual blood may cause a flare in these symptoms.”

4

Diarrhea Or Nausea

Aaron Amat/Shutterstock

Another common marker of too much inflammation is digestive issues. Since our gastrointestinal organs are anatomically close to our reproductive organs, they can be affected by our cycle changes. “The most common way an excess amount of inflammation manifests itself in our GI system is usually diarrhea and possibly nausea,” Dr. Vaught says.

5

Pelvic Pain

N U S A R A/Shutterstock

Pain that extends beyond your typical cramps can also be an indication of inflammation — and possibly endometriosis. “Women may have pain that feels different than menstrual cramps,” Dr. Vaught says. “If a woman has a condition called endometriosis, she can feel pain that is exaggerated during her cycle. Endometriosis is a very inflammatory condition where there are implants of endometrial tissue within the pelvis.” If your period cramps are severe and debilitating, be sure to speak to your doctor.

6

Mood Swings

Stock-Asso/shutterstock.jpg

Inflammation can even affect your mental state. “When our hormonal levels shift to allow our body to have our menstrual cycle, women can experience mood swings,” Dr. Vaught says. “Sometimes, these mood swings are subtle and can be controlled, but in other patients, they can be very pronounced and might even require intervention if a women feels she cannot control her behavior during this time.”

7

Dizziness and Headaches

AstroStar/Shutterstock

If you have a tendency to feel lightheaded and faint during your period, inflammation may be to blame. “Inflammation can lead to increased cortisol levels that can give a woman a variety of symptoms, including sugar cravings, headache, dizziness, and fatigue,” Dr. Vaught says.

To help with inflammation during your period, try to maintain healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress. And if symptoms still persist, talk to your doctor about them.

You asked, we answered: Why do I get body aches before my period?

YAWA:

Why does everything hurt (my whole body) right before my period? Not just cramps but sore muscles, joints, headache. Everything. It happens every time and goes away a couple days in. Is this normal?

Answered by Karen Carlson, MD, OB-GYN:

It is estimated that up to 90% of women have reported some form of premenstrual symptoms, also known as PMS, before their period. The most common symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, cramping, mood changes, headache and constipation. Some women, especially younger ones, may even experience flu-like symptoms, like fatigue and body aches.

What causes PMS?

While the exact cause is not certain, PMS appears to result from the body’s reaction to a rise in the hormone progesterone after your monthly ovulation occurs. Fluctuations in the response to the brain chemical serotonin may also play a role, especially regarding mood changes, fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.

Premenstrual symptoms usually start seven to 12 days before menstrual bleeding begins, when progesterone levels are highest. Symptoms typically go away within four days after the start of the period. Cramping and pain are usually more common during bleeding (blood can be red, brown or pink) and may be related to the contraction of the blood vessels and uterus as they push out the lining (period tissue) of the uterus.

PMS high-risk factors

Women at highest risk for PMS include those who are obese and have chronic health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or metabolic syndrome (a combination of conditions including elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and high cholesterol or triglyceride levels). Women who have more PMS may also have an abnormality in how their brain regulates serotonin.

How to reduce PMS

While there is no magic cure for premenstrual symptoms, practicing healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, eating healthy, keeping a normal body mass index, and stress management are the best ways to reduce PMS naturally.

Can birth control pills help with PMS?

For women with premenstrual symptoms, birth control pills may be a helpful treatment. Birth control pills with both estrogen and progesterone and ones that have fewer pills, or placebo pills (four instead of seven), may be particularly helpful in treating premenstrual syndrome. Some of the birth control pills with newer forms of progesterone may also be helpful. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or antidepressants, which increase serotonin levels, have also been effective in reducing symptoms in some women. These can be taken for two weeks before your period or even on an everyday basis.

In the most severe cases, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, or GnRH, medications may be prescribed. These turn off the ovaries and put your body into menopause. The lack of hormonal cycling and menstrual periods that result from the GnRH agonist medications may help treat more severe premenstrual symptoms, but they are only recommended for use for a short period of time.

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All about pre menstrual syndrome – signs, symptoms, who treats

What needs to be done to diagnose the causes of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a gynecologist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

• Ultrasound of the small pelvis in women.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the name given to symptoms that women may experience in the weeks leading up to their period.

Symptoms of PMS

Most women will experience PMS at some point, but the symptoms are different for each patient and can change from month to month. The most common signs of premenstrual syndrome include:

• mood swings
• Feeling upset, restless or irritable
• fatigue or trouble sleeping
• bloating or abdominal pain
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• mottled leather
• greasy hair
• changes in appetite and sexual desire.

Causes of PMS

It’s not entirely clear why women experience premenstrual syndrome, but it’s believed that the condition can trigger changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

A small number of women may experience more severe PMS symptoms known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are similar to PMS, but they are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on daily activities and quality of life:

• physical symptoms such as cramps, headaches, joint and muscle pain behavioral symptoms such as overeating and sleep problems0016
• Mental and emotional symptoms such as feelings of intense anxiety, anger, depression or, in some cases, even suicidal ideation.

The exact causes of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are not known, but they are associated with sensitivity to hormone changes or certain genetic variations (differences in genes) that can be inherited from one’s parents.

How a doctor diagnoses premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

This condition is diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist. To exclude tumor causes of painful periods, the doctor may prescribe a pelvic ultrasound in women.

How a doctor treats premenstrual syndrome

At home, a woman can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by doing the following:

• exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet – frequent small meals (every 2-3 hours)
• get enough sleep – 7 to 8 hours of sleep is recommended
• reduce stress by doing yoga or meditation
• take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain
• no smoking
• do not drink too much alcohol.

If the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome interfere with daily life, the gynecologist may recommend the following treatments:0016

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Scientific sources:

1. Aganezova, N.V. Premenstrual syndrome: biological and psychosocial predictors of pathogenesis, clinic, rationale for complex therapy: author. dis. doc. honey. Sciences. – St. Petersburg, 2011. – 41 S.
2. Balan V.E., Ilyina L.M. A modern view on the pathogenesis and principles of treatment of premenstrual syndrome// Gynecology. -2013.- T. 15., No. 6. – S. 7-10.
3. Bulanov M.N. Ultrasonic diagnostics in gynecological practice. CD. Moscow: Iskra Medical Corporation, 2002.
4. Kuznetsova, M.N. Clinic, pathogenesis and treatment of premenstrual syndrome: dis. doc. honey. Sciences. – M., 1971.-441 S.
5. Moore, D., Crawford P. Diagnosis and treatment in gynecology. Problem approach / Ed. V.N. Prilepskaya. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2010. – 312 S.

Useful information

Delayed menstruation

What needs to be done to diagnose the causes of delayed menstruation? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a gynecologist.

After the initial examination, the orthopedist may additionally prescribe:

consultation with an endocrinologist
blood test for hormones
pelvic ultrasound
MRI of the pelvis.