Can Cranberry Juice Help Relieve Menstrual Pain? Obstetrician-Gynecologist Involved

DDoes cranberry juice help with cramps? On the surface it sounds like a completely random Q. But considering what role this drink plays in preventing urinary tract infections, it’s not that unusual to wonder if it might also help with other gynecological-related things. That may be why there is so much information online dealing with this very subject.

So we thought we’d ask the experts and get the definitive answer. Here, Dr. Jillian Lopiano, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Miami, Florida and chief health officer at Wisp, weighs in on the cranberry juice cramps debate. Additionally, there are other things you can do to deal with discomfort around your period.

So can cranberry juice actually relieve cramps?

Sorry to bring you bad news, but there is no evidence that cranberry juice relieves menstrual pain.

To understand why, it helps to have some background information on why cramps occur around your period in the first place. Each month, your body prepares for a possible pregnancy by building a blood- and nutrient-rich lining inside your uterus. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining sloughs off. Your body does this by releasing hormones called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract. Basically, contractions push the lining out, causing menstruation. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can be a little (well, sometimes a lot) uncomfortable and therefore make you cramp up all over.

Although cranberry juice contains many beneficial compounds, it has not been shown to affect prostaglandin production or uterine contractions, Dr. Lopiano says. “Therefore, it is unlikely to reduce discomfort during cramps,” she added.

If you’ve researched nutrition and menstrual symptoms, you may be wondering about magnesium. According to a 2017 review of magnesium research, it’s a mineral that has been shown to help with PMS-related symptoms such as pain. Cranberries contain some magnesium, the equivalent of about 3 mg per 8 ounces (for reference, you need 310 mg per day).

“There is some early data suggesting that magnesium may reduce symptoms of menstrual cramps, but the amount of magnesium in cranberry juice is not significant enough to make a difference,” Dr. Lopiano says.

Other benefits of cranberry juice

So…what is cranberry juice good for? Let’s talk about the real perks of this tart sipper.

Supports bladder health

Cranberry juice is not very effective for menstrual pain. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says it may help prevent UTIs, especially if you’re prone to them. “Cranberry juice contains compounds that potentially prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract,” explains Dr. Lopiano. Your gynecologist can help you determine whether cranberry juice is a good option for you and how much you should drink, especially if you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections.

However, she warns that you shouldn’t try to treat an existing urinary tract infection with cranberry juice. According to ACOG, urinary tract infections should be treated with antibiotics. Therefore, if you think you may have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, let your health care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate treatment you need to rid your body of the bacteria.

Provides antioxidants and nutrients

Drinking a glass of cranberry juice will provide you with a large amount of antioxidants. Phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids are thought to help fight inflammation and protect against health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers, according to a review published in the journal Molecular.

It is also rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and E. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an 8-ounce glass provides:

Vitamin C: 26% of the daily intake Vitamin E: 20% of the daily intake Copper: 15% of the daily intake Vitamin K: 11% of the daily intake Vitamin B6: Daily intake 8% of quantity

However, it’s more common to get nutrients from whole cranberries rather than cranberry juice because the fiber content of whole cranberries can help you feel full and help stabilize blood sugar levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment options for menstrual pain

There are many options for dealing with period pain when your period approaches. Instead of cranberry juice, try:

Heat therapy: Placing a warm compress or heating pad over your pelvis can help increase blood flow to the area, relieving cramps and discomfort, says Dr. Lopiano. Exercise: According to ACOG, exercise produces feel-good chemicals that help block pain. Even gentle movements like walking, swimming, and biking can make a difference. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Options such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) can help reduce discomfort. But according to ACOG, it’s best to take it sooner rather than later, when symptoms first worsen. General self-care: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and keeping stress levels in check won’t directly stop cramps. But according to ACOG, taking care of your mind and body during your period can help ease the pain of your symptoms. Chamomile tea: Dr. Lopiano often recommends this soothing drink to people looking to manage menstrual pain with natural remedies. According to a review published in the International Journal of Community Based Nursing-Midwifery, some studies show chamomile tea can help reduce menstrual pain. Vitamin and mineral supplements: Magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 all have limited evidence to help with period pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you think taking vitamin supplements is right for you, talk to your health care provider. Your health care provider is best placed to ensure that supplements are safe for your health needs.

When to call your health care provider about seizures

It’s common to experience mild abdominal pain at the beginning of your period. However, if you have difficulty relieving your symptoms with home remedies, or if your cramps are interfering with your daily life, you should let your gynecologist know. Together we can determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed and decide on treatments to help relieve your cramps.