As we know, research on female health issues has been limited (thanks, medical misogyny), and there’s still so much we don’t understand about some of our most common conditions. However, for the last 20 years, researchers have been studying dysmenorrhea. In the search for holistic ways to manage period pain, scientists have recently begun investigating the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidants. Their findings suggest that tackling oxidative stress could be the key to easier, pain-free periods!
But what exactly is oxidative stress, and how can you fight it? Don’t worry—this article covers all that and more!
What is oxidative stress?
OS happens when there’s too much of certain harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body and not enough defense to neutralize them. ROS are produced naturally during normal cell processes and can play important roles, like helping with cell communication. However, things like pollution, UV rays, radiation, and certain medications can increase ROS levels, leading to cell and tissue damage. While OS is often seen as harmful, some substances, like vitamin E and certain plant compounds, are thought to help fight it. Interestingly, OS can also be used as a treatment in some cases, such as cancer therapy, with some success.
How does Oxidative stress affect my period and fertility?
A study found higher levels of oxidative stress in women with primary dysmenorrhea and women with other disorders such as PCOS, endometriosis etc. The same study described inflammation and OS as “inseparably interrelated,” meaning one usually doesn’t occur without the other. This finding suggests that reducing oxidative stress could help lessen inflammation and, in turn, reduce menstrual pain!
And the best part? You might be able to ease your period pain through food! Prioritizing finding foods high in antioxidants could help alleviate or even treat common reproductive disorders.
In Conclusion:
And the best part? You might be able to ease your period pain through food! Prioritizing finding foods high in antioxidants could help alleviate or even treat common reproductive disorders.
In women, antioxidants are especially significant for reproductive health, as they play a key role during processes like fertilization and egg maturation. If there’s an imbalance between too many ROS and not enough antioxidants, it could negatively impact fertility. One way to improve female fertility is by reducing oxidative stress and creating a healthy environment for reproduction—this can be done through a balanced lifestyle and by adding antioxidants to your diet or supplements.
sources
Vašková, Janka et al. “The Importance of Natural Antioxidants in Female Reproduction.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,4 907. 11 Apr. 2023, doi:10.3390/antiox12040907
Szmidt, Maria Karolina et al. “Primary Dysmenorrhea in Relation to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,10 994. 15 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/antiox9100994
Pizzino, Gabriele et al. “Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity vol. 2017 (2017): 8416763. doi:10.1155/2017/8416763
