Dysmenorrhea, what supplement do you recommend?
Dear Rosa,
I often recommend the product Omegor TwinEFA in cases of dysmenorrhea because the combination of omega-3 EPA and DHA (in triglyceride form from fish oil) and omega-6 GLA from borage oil is particularly useful in relieving menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory effect. In fact, menstrual cramps are associated with a release of arachidonic acid as a result of the reduction of progesterone induced by menstruation: the release of arachidonic acid triggers a flux of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2) and leukotrienes to the uterus, which cause vasoconstriction and contractions of the myometrium, which are the basis of the cramps.
Why is this association useful? The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil compete with arachidonic acid in the production of less inflammatory prostaglandins and may therefore reduce the pain component typical of dysmenorrhea. The presence of omega-6 GLA from borage oil is able to increase the anti-inflammatory potential of the formulation.
As you correctly noted, borage oil contains phytoestrogens but does not thereby promote the appearance of ovarian cysts-in fact, it is also highly recommended in the presence of ovarian cysts to promote their reabsorption. The dosage for Omegor TwinEFA is 2 capsules per day to be taken near a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) continuously for a period of at least 2 months. However, if you would like to avoid taking borage oil, I recommend, instead of Omegor TwinEFA, the product Omegor Krill at a dosage of 2-3 capsules per day to be taken during the first part of the day (breakfast or lunch).
Krill oil in the product is always a source of omega-3 EPA and DHA but derived from the crustacean Krill and in the form of phospholipids very well absorbed by the cells of our body. In several studies krill oil has been found to be as effective as fish oil in controlling abdominal pain by reducing the use of anti-inflammatory/anti-pain medications while it has been more effective than fish oil in controlling emotional symptoms such as irritability, typical of the phase before menstruation. I hope you can find benefit from the proposed supplements. I invite you to contact me again for further needs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and pharmaceutical chemist
