Dietary supplements during painful periods: for or against?

Back pain, extreme fatigue and stomach cramps—periods can sometimes come with particularly intense and/or unpleasant symptoms. Menstrual disorders and menstrual pain don’t have to be something you just put up with.

So, to cope better, live your period more comfortably and avoid the discomforts that can really ruin your life, several solutions and options are worth exploring. Eating better, doing a bit of exercise, resting, and using gentle, healthy period products (Loulou menstrual panties and menstrual cups are the best!) are already great options.

Louloucup is taking a closer look today at the topic of dietary supplements. They’re being talked about more and more as a way to better manage the menstrual cycle and also to fight dysmenorrhoea (period pain).

Are they really effective during painful periods and period pain? Which supplements should you prioritise? Which supplements can help relieve dysmenorrhoea? Louloucup is here to help you experience your period more calmly and finally stop suffering through it and being in pain! 

Before we go any further, a quick reminder. A dietary supplement is a product that, as the name suggests, supplements our diet—our basic eating habits—by providing specific benefits that we may be lacking.

Today, dietary supplements are extremely varied. They are made from plants, nutrients; they can be natural, organic, or synthetic. You can take them for just about anything: to lose weight, speed up hair growth, boost immunity, reduce stress, improve focus, or enhance circulation.

The packaging, the natural image, or even the form (gummies that look like candy) encourage us to consume them with confidence. However, taking dietary supplements is far from trivial. We advise you to thoroughly inform and educate yourself before starting a course. We also invite you to read the ANSES report: Dietary supplements, the need for informed consumption.

We really recommend choosing and prioritising a natural, organic dietary supplement if possible. Supplement prices can vary a lot. We encourage you to compare products and brands, and always ask your pharmacist for advice.

What about organic **dietary supplements** for periods? Do supplements exist for abdominal cramps, **PMS and period pain**, or iron deficiency, for example?

• Magnesium comes up very often. Very good for muscle tension, magnesium can be used before your period starts to combat PMS, premenstrual syndrome. It’s also helpful for soothing and easing anxiety and stress.
  
  
• Iron is another essential during your period. For women who experience particularly heavy periods, iron deficiency is not surprising. Taking iron supplements is an obvious option to address this.
  
  
• Calcium and vitamin E are also important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

In terms of herbal medicine, we look for plants that act in particular on muscle cramps and on the uterine area. 

• Yarrow is a pretty white wildflower. Thanks to its many benefits, especially its antispasmodic properties, it helps soothe abdominal cramps.
  
  
• Silverweed is another antispasmodic plant, known for helping to combat menstrual pain.
  
  
• Feverfew also comes up very often among supplements aimed at gynaecological pain. 

Before turning to dietary supplements, you need to ask yourself the right questions. Why do I have pain during my period? Several reasons can explain menstrual pain and pre-menstrual pain.

In any case, female health and menstrual health must be taken very seriously. You absolutely need to discuss it with a healthcare professional if your periods are disabling, exhausting, bothersome, too heavy, painful, etc.

The copper IUD is undoubtedly a very practical contraceptive but unfortunately has some drawbacks. The copper IUD makes periods heavier and can also, though not always, make them more painful.

Endometriosis, PCOS, polyps—certain conditions can cause painful periods. It is often possible to relieve this pain with the help of your midwife or gynecologist.

We mentioned this a long time ago, but there are several things you can do to soothe painful periods, menstrual disorders and menstrual pain. Feel free to check out the “Painful periods” tab on the blog. You’ll find lots of tips to calm, ease and relieve period pain.

A hot bath or shower, or a hot water bottle – heat relaxes the muscles that are tensed by repeated contractions in your pelvic floor. Heat soothes, calms and comforts. With warmth, you’re giving yourself real period comfort.

If hormones are giving you slightly odd cravings, a varied and balanced diet helps stack the odds in your favor to avoid intense pain. During your period, it’s best to focus on a **high‑fiber diet**, rich in vitamin C, slow‑release carbs, iron, omega‑3 and calcium. And if possible, **organic**, of course.

These few days of bleeding and discharge can be intense for your body. Slowing down and listening to yourself is an excellent idea. You can meditate, do relaxation exercises or even a bit of yoga or Pilates. The bravest can go for a workout. The endorphins released will do you a world of good. At Louloucup, we’re all about menstrual comfort for all women!

Finally, at Louloucup we can only encourage you to do everything you can to better cope with that time of the month: comfortable clothes, a lighter schedule, but above all hygienic and intimate products that respect your skin and your health.

We’ve developed cups and durable, washable period underwear that are affordable, eco-friendly and very practical to use.

Our Loulou cups are super soft. Made of medical-grade silicone, they are made in France. Their shape is patented and they are very easy to insert. Our two menstrual cup models are suitable for all menstrual flows. We are very proud of them. Plus, their price is very affordable!