Goodbye Period Pain: Discover Relief with Functional Medicine
Does your period pain leave you curled up in bed, missing out on life? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to suffer.
Pelvic pain is a topic close to my heart, and today I want to share insights and solutions to help you if you’re struggling. Did you know that about 50% of women experience severe pelvic pain, while the other half do not? For those in the unlucky half, this pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. In fact, 40% of those women report that their pain prevents them from working, studying, participating in sports, or managing day-to-day responsibilities.
Many women describe this pain as feeling like their insides are being ripped apart or as searing, unrelenting cramps. It can bring nausea, vomiting, dizziness, leg pain, and backaches, disrupting their lives and leaving them bedridden for days.
If this sounds familiar, let me reassure you: period pain is not normal. It’s a misconception that severe period pain is just something you have to endure. I’ve seen firsthand that there are effective ways to address and often resolve it.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Pelvic Pain
In my years of practicing family and functional medicine, I’ve seen countless women find relief from even the most severe pelvic pain. One patient stands out—a young woman suffering from “14 out of 10” pain, as she described it. Despite seeing seven specialists, undergoing normal ultrasounds and laparoscopy, and trying traditional interventions like birth control and painkillers, she was left with no clear answers. Her OB-GYN had even recommended a hysterectomy, though she hadn’t yet had children.
When she came to my office curled up in pain, asking, “What are we going to do now?” I felt a deep sense of responsibility. That moment sparked a journey of discovery for me, delving into supplements and alternative solutions. To my astonishment, after starting a few supplements I’d uncovered in my research, the next cycle brought her an 80% reduction in pain, and by the following cycle, she was pain-free. Since then, I’ve been determined to explore every safe and effective option to help women like her.
This experience taught me that there are effective, non-invasive solutions that address the root causes of pelvic pain—and these solutions are available to everyone.
Becoming One of the “Lucky Ones”
So, what makes some women less prone to period pain? Factors like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and effective detoxification play significant roles. Let’s dive into practical lifestyle and supplement changes you can make to reduce inflammation, improve detoxification, and support your body.
Exercise and Diet
Women who exercise regularly often experience less pelvic pain. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve overall detoxification. Speaking of blood sugar, widely fluctuating levels can increase inflammation and even cause the fallopian tubes to spasm, intensifying pain.
A Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is an excellent choice. For those with severe pain, an autoimmune paleo diet can be particularly effective. Avoiding sugar, dairy (especially in the week leading up to your cycle), and processed foods can significantly reduce pain-causing prostaglandins and inflammation.
Reducing Toxin Exposure
Everyday products—like plastic containers, makeup, deodorants, clothes, and cleaning products—contain endocrine disruptors that burden the liver and promote “bad” estrogens, exacerbating pelvic pain and inflammation. To help your liver detox effectively:
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
- Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles, especially if they’ve been exposed to heat.
- Use clean, toxin-free skincare and household products.
- Opt for organic, grass-fed, or wild-caught meats to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Supplements for Period Pain Relief
Magnesium: The Muscle Soother
Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and inflammation reduction, with 70-80% of women needing more of it. Signs of deficiency include leg cramps, tight muscles, restless legs, constipation, palpitations, migraines, and anxiety. Magnesium glycinate is a gentle, effective form to start with, and most women see significant improvements in both systemic symptoms and period pain.
Vitamin D: The Inflammation Fighter
Vitamin D supports immune health, reduces inflammation, and provides protective effects against breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Aim for blood levels of 70-90 ng/mL for optimal health.
B Vitamins: Detox and Balance
Quality B vitamins, especially B6 and methylated forms of B12 and folate, are vital for liver detoxification and reducing bloating, puffiness, and inflammation. Look for bioavailable options like Restore Me, a supplement that combines these nutrients with zinc and magnesium.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Hormone Harmonizers
Omega-3s, found in fish oil and plant oils like flaxseed and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), help balance hormones and reduce inflammation. They also support overall cardiovascular and hormonal health.
Cell Guardian: The Comprehensive Supporter
This supplement blends anti-inflammatory compounds like turmeric and resveratrol with antioxidants such as CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid. It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supports hormone balance through DIM, and promotes cellular detoxification, making it ideal for those with severe period pain.
Emergency Relief Options
For immediate relief, consider:
- Crampsaway: A liquid supplement designed to provide fast-acting pain relief, often within 30 minutes. Keep it in your bag for emergencies.
- Teas: Herbal teas like ginger and red raspberry can help reduce pain and inflammation. Shepherd’s purse is an option to reduce heavy bleeding but should be used cautiously due to potential medication interactions. Our favorite is Menstrual Medley, which often relieves cramps in less than 30 minutes.
- CBD Suppositories: All-natural CBD suppositories, like Foria's, are designed for vaginal or anal use, that melt and absorb to provide targeted relief from menstrual and pelvic discomfort. These suppositories help ease pain, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles in the pelvic area.
Building a Healthier You
You don’t have to live in pain. Relief is possible, and it starts with understanding your body and giving it the care it needs.
Taking steps to reduce inflammation, improve detoxification, and support your body with the right nutrients can transform your menstrual health. Start with these foundational changes and see how your body responds. Check out our Period Pain Relief bundles to get started today!
If you’d like more guidance, our clinic is here to help you become one of the “lucky ones” who doesn’t suffer from period pain.
References: Available upon request.