Worsening of symptoms around menstrual period...a potential explanation!

General
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I had a theory about why symptoms might get worse around period time for menstruating women, and after digging through hundreds of abstracts, I've found a few research publications that confirm my suspicions. I have always been interested in chronobiology (cyclic fluctuations in hormones, metabolism, etc), and I had a hunch that PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels might fluctuate. Indeed they do! In menstruating women, there is a rise in PTH three days after ovulation, as well as correlating markers of bone resorption following this rise.

The idea that I would really like to explore as soon as I have access to research resources is that the ossification of the stylohyoid chain "stiffens" and "softens" (for lack of better terms) in these cases. Bone resorption/remodeling is constantly in flux, so the length/diameter/density of SHC structures could fluctuate, as well.

This could apply to many conditions, including PMS, fibromyalgia, lupus, dystonias...any condition involving calcium metabolism that worsens and diminishes over the course of the menstrual cycle. But I don't want to get ahead of myself! Still lots and lots to do before I can even begin that research.

While this might seem to apply only to this particular demographic, I believe it holds many answers for everyone, because it could unearth the true etiology, as well as point to preventive measures (ie: post-trauma) and treatment.

Also, MAGNESIUM, MAGNESIUM, and more MAGNESIUM...my sister has been using topical magnesium chloride "oil" with significant improvement. She's also incorporating green smoothies into her daily routine. We prefer to steer clear of calcium supplements to avoid throwing ANY mineral off balance, instead consuming mineral-dense dark leafy greens and avoiding mineral-robbers like soft drinks, coffee, antacids, etc. (I'm following the same protocol for my post-menopausal osteoporosis symptoms.)

I welcome your feedback!

:)

Jeanette

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I’m especially interested in your mention of magnesium. I’ve been using a product called CALM, a magnesium based supplement, to help with restless leg issues and have discovered an improvement in my stiff neck as well as improved digestive issues. I’m so glad to know someone entering the medical field is so interested in ES!

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Interesting research indeed! I'm also interested in your mention of magnesium. How are you using the oil?

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Magnesium oil applied topically is wonderful…I’ve seen it make my sister’s migraines disappear in ten minutes flat, my nighttime foot cramps vanish in moments, and even my brother-in-law’s depression lift. It can be massaged into tight muscles and temples, poured into a warm bath, or just applied to the thin skin of the inner arm/wrist daily. It will sting if applied to cracked or abraded skin, but actually helps the skin to heal. Many people have difficulty absorbing oral magnesium, but it is well absorbed transdermally. Magnesium deficiency is extremely common due to depleted soils and water purification systems.

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I too love mag oil spray! I put it on my areas of pain (I have fibro and DDD in my neck and lower back) and it DOES help!! I too was mag, D and K deficient for years with a high PTH. I have hypothyroidism too. I too think all of this is connected.

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I'm going to try that on my neck, so glad for this forum!

My understanding is that the use of mag supplements is safe, am I correct there?

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Thank you so much for the information! I've been looking into anything other than drugs or surgery that might help. Sounds like magnesium oil is definitely something worth trying!

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Magnesium is considered very safe. Excess magnesium is excreted by the kidneys...however, if you have impaired kidney function, or very low blood pressure, you should avoid oral mag supplements. I am hesitant to take any isolated mineral orally, because it can throw the mineral balance off, but I have used CALM occasionally for cramps. Most forms of supplemental mag are not easily absorbed, so they may draw water into the intestines and cause loose bowel movements. (Some people use magnesium for exactly that effect!) Magnesium chloride in its liquid state ("oil" feel, but not actually an oil, so feel free to dilute if it irritates your skin) is quite safe and effective...it will work into the underlying tissues and relax the muscles there, then slowly absorb into the bloodstream. It is very relaxing, so if taking SSRIs or antianxiety drugs, be aware that their combined effects might make you feel drowsy!

Grandma knew SOMETHING was magical about epsom salt foot baths for every ailment...although I prefer mag chloride, mag sulfate or Epsom salt baths/soaks are also great. Both forms are generally very inexpensive. Don't bother with pricey mag oil...LifeFlo brand is naturally-sourced from Zechstein sea bed deposits, and an 8oz bottle that will last forever at 5 to 10 pumps (spray) per day is only around $12.

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Thank you for all of the information, JJ! Right now I consider drugs and surgery as a last resort, so if something natural will help, I'm all for it! I ordered a magnesium lotion, so I will try it and let you know if it makes any kind of difference.


JJ said:

Magnesium is considered very safe. Excess magnesium is excreted by the kidneys...however, if you have impaired kidney function, or very low blood pressure, you should avoid oral mag supplements. I am hesitant to take any isolated mineral orally, because it can throw the mineral balance off, but I have used CALM occasionally for cramps. Most forms of supplemental mag are not easily absorbed, so they may draw water into the intestines and cause loose bowel movements. (Some people use magnesium for exactly that effect!) Magnesium chloride in its liquid state ("oil" feel, but not actually an oil, so feel free to dilute if it irritates your skin) is quite safe and effective...it will work into the underlying tissues and relax the muscles there, then slowly absorb into the bloodstream. It is very relaxing, so if taking SSRIs or antianxiety drugs, be aware that their combined effects might make you feel drowsy!

Grandma knew SOMETHING was magical about epsom salt foot baths for every ailment...although I prefer mag chloride, mag sulfate or Epsom salt baths/soaks are also great. Both forms are generally very inexpensive. Don't bother with pricey mag oil...LifeFlo brand is naturally-sourced from Zechstein sea bed deposits, and an 8oz bottle that will last forever at 5 to 10 pumps (spray) per day is only around $12.

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This is so great because I have certainly noticed I will have very little to no pain at all and then during my period/ after ovulation (I have intense hormonal fluctuations during my period) it will get more sensitive and I will notice it more. I assumed it was due to inflammation but this seems more scientific.

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Going to go buy some of this. Thanks everyone for the heads up. Certainly worth a shot.

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WOW! I think this is one of the threads I haven’t read yet. After all my years on this forum, I’m still pecking away at reading the older threads some of which were posted when I took time off from here in 2015.

Great info about the magnesium. I’ve used a topical gel on the bottoms of my feet which made them tingle & was kind of messy to use. I currently take oral mag glycinate but the spray sounds like the perfect solution. WOO HOO for people who do their homework!

I love how much I continue to learn from being a part of this forum!!

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