Have you heard that you should drink cranberry juice, but are not sure if it really helps? Someone on the Internet claims that it helps with menstrual cramps. At first glance, this seems strange. But when you remember that this drink can play a role in fighting UTIs, it is not so strange to ask yourself whether it can help with other gynecological issues. Perhaps that is why there is a ton of information on the Internet on this topic.
ContentSo can cranberry juice really help with menstrual pain?Benefit: Cranberry juice supports bladder healthBenefit: Cranberry juice provides antioxidants and nutrientsTreatment options for period pain
WomanEL suggests not guessing and shares with you the opinion of an expert in this field – gynecologist Jillian Lopiano.
So can cranberry juice really help with menstrual pain?
Sorry, but there's no evidence that cranberry juice can relieve period pain. To understand why this happens, you need to learn a little about what causes period pain.
Your body prepares for a possible pregnancy every month by creating a blood- and nutrient-rich lining in your uterus. When pregnancy doesn't occur, the lining dies off. To do this, your body releases hormones called prostaglandins, which cause your uterus to contract. The contractions essentially push the lining out, and your period begins. And they can be a little (okay, sometimes a lot) uncomfortable, hence all those cramps.
Cranberry juice is full of nutrients. But it hasn't been shown to affect prostaglandin production or uterine contractions, says Dr. Lopiano. “So it's unlikely to help relieve the discomfort of cramps,” she adds.
If you’ve been researching nutrition and menstrual symptoms, you may have wondered about magnesium, a mineral that, according to a 2017 review in Magnesium Research, helps manage PMS symptoms like pain. Cranberries do have some magnesium. But the amount is about three milligrams per 8-ounce serving (you need 310 milligrams of magnesium per day).
“While there’s some preliminary evidence that magnesium can potentially help relieve symptoms of menstrual cramps, the amount of magnesium in cranberry juice isn’t significant enough to make a difference,” says Dr. Lopiano.
Noticing that you’re getting your period twice a month? That’s concerning. Here’s what it could be.
Benefit: Cranberry Juice Supports Bladder Health
Cranberry juice won't help with period cramps. But it may help prevent urinary tract infections, especially if you're prone to them during your period. “There's a component in cranberry juice that can potentially prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract,” explains Dr. Lopiano. Your gynecologist can help you decide whether cranberry juice is right for you and how much to drink, especially if you get frequent UTIs.
However, you shouldn't try to treat an existing UTI with cranberry juice, she warns. UTIs should be treated with antibiotics. So tell your doctor about any symptoms of a UTI so you can get the proper treatment needed to rid your body of the bacteria.
Benefits: Cranberry Juice Provides Antioxidants and Nutrients
A glass of cranberry juice will give you a good, big dose of antioxidants. Namely: phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. These, according to a review published in the journal Molecules, fight inflammation and protect against diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. It also contains a decent amount of vitamins, especially vitamins C and E.
A 230 ml glass of juice contains:
- Vitamin C: 26% of the daily value;
- Vitamin E: 20% of the daily value;
- Copper: 15% of the daily value;
- Vitamin K: 11% of the daily value;
- Vitamin B6: 8% of the daily value;
However, it is generally better to get nutrients from whole cranberries rather than cranberry juice. After all, whole fruits containing fiber saturate the body and contribute to stable blood sugar levels.
Pain treatment options during monthly
You have many options to deal with cramps during your period. Instead of cranberry juice, try:
- Heat therapy. Dr. Lopiano says that applying a warm compress or heating pad to your pelvis increases blood flow to the area, which can help ease cramps and discomfort.
- Exercise. Exercising produces mood-boosting chemicals that help block pain. Even gentle movements like walking, swimming, or cycling can help make a difference.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort. But it's best to take them sooner rather than later, when symptoms are just starting to appear.
- General self-care. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and managing stress won’t directly help stop cramps. But taking care of your mind and body during your period can help ease the pain of your symptoms and improve your mood.
- Chamomile tea. Dr. Lopiano sometimes recommends this soothing drink for those looking to manage period cramps naturally. Some research suggests that chamomile tea may be helpful for reducing period pain, according to a review published in the International Journal of Community Based Nursing-Midwifery.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements. Magnesium, along with calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, have limited evidence that they help with your period, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you think the vitamin route might be right for you, discuss it with your doctor, as they can make sure that taking supplements is safe for your health.
Want to delay your period? Is it possible to do it safely? We talked about it here.