MAGNESIUM AND MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Updated: 24 hours ago
Someone close to me tried magnesium for bad cramps, and it worked great for her. It may help with PMS too.
A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
The products I recommend are listed at the bottom of this post for easy shopping.
WHAT TO KNOW
- Magnesium may ease cramps by helping the uterus relax and lowering prostaglandins, the chemicals behind period pain and inflammation.
- Taking it every day seems to work better than only when cramps start. Starting before your period may help, and some people notice a difference within one or two cycles.
- Paired with vitamin B6, magnesium may also help PMS symptoms like bloating, mood swings and irritability.
- It may help mild to moderate cramps. Severe pain deserves a visit with your doctor to check for other causes, like endometriosis.
- Talk with your doctor first, especially if you have kidney problems.
WHICH MAGNESIUM?
Magnesium glycinate is a popular choice and is often gentler on the stomach, which makes sense when your body is already dealing with cramps. Citrate can loosen stools at higher amounts, and oxide isn't absorbed as well. I personally love magnesium combination products, so I get the benefits of the different forms. You can also find magnesium glycinate on its own if you prefer.
Learn about the different forms of magnesium:
FIND THE PRODUCTS
Anyone can get 25% off when signed up under the Rise Above Lyme Fullscript discount:
Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations:
OptiMag 125 by Xymogen (a combination with glycinate and malate):
RESEARCH
A 2024 study gave magnesium or a placebo to 60 college students with painful periods. Both magnesium groups had milder period symptoms, and the higher amount helped more:
A 2020 review of 16 studies found magnesium, calcium, zinc and boron all helped with period pain, though more studies are needed:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Menstrual cycles and the effects on POTS:
Hormone effects in Lyme:
Lyme in women:
Magnesium and its connection to vitamin D:
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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