Help, Caffine Is Not The Answer For Menstrual Cramps?

Posted by Cathy on

mestrual cramp relief I want to scream.. and it’s not because I have PMS.    I just saw an ad at this pharmacy promoting its Menstrual Relief / Menstrual Complete product.   Come on, it’s acetaminophen and caffeine packaged in a box of pills with the name “Menstrual Relief”.  The box says it temporary relieves cramps, bloating, fatigue, backache and headache.

Oh,  and it’s “pharmacists recommended”,  in case you were wondering about that! 

Are you serious, this is the best you can do?

Wake up and smell the caffeine.. this not an answer for menstrual cramps. 

Caffeine has diuretic effects, so it may help a little with water weight gain, but I think they add it to give you a little boost of energy so you have the perception of feeling better.

Acetaminophen is as temporary pain reliever most of us are familiar with.  It’s also the number one cause of liver damage.  UCLA, Univ. of Cal. Los Angeles researchers report on acetaminophen is here.  Take a look.

Here’s the CVS brand list of ingredients on the box:

Active Ingredients (in each Caplet): Acetaminophen (500 mg), Caffeine (60 mg), Pyrilamine Maleate (15 mg). Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Polydextrose, Polyethylene Glycol, Silica Gel, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Triacetin.

Included in the product is Titanium Dioxide, which in case you haven’t keep up to date on carcinogenic chemicals, that one is on the list.  But it’s definitely not a chemical you want to ingest. Since it’s an “Inactive Ingredient” according to the label why even add it?  (hint, they need it to help the capsule machines from getting to sticky.)

Polyethylene Glycol, “like all medicines, has side effects”,  according the to FDA. The most common side effects of this chemical are bloating, nausea, rectal irritation, stomach fullness or cramps and vomiting.  This chemical is actually a laxative.  Why not just drink some prune juice if you are looking for a laxative? You’ll certain avoid the side effects.  Additionally, they didn’t disclose the dosage of polyethylene glycol?  “High doses have proven to produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency”. Here’s the link for more adverse reactions.    http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=14585

Somebody please tell them that Chinese Medicine has been treating women’s cramps for centuries. Natural Chinese herbs work incredibly well for menstrual cramps and PMS. Generations of people have been using herbs and the studies  show proven benefits.  Don’t poison your body with chemicals when all you’re looking for is a little relief.