Period Pain
What you need to know about period pain, inflammation, the microbiome and LPS.
Period Pain Linked to Microbiome Imbalances & Bacterial LPS
As a Naturopath I am committed to finding the root cause of my client’s period pain. I have walked my own journey with period pain myself as a teenager and young woman, so deeply understand the impacts period pain has on a woman’s quality of life.
After treating my own gut microbiome and many other client’s gut microbiome, I noticed my period pain significantly reduce and I also noticed the same thing happen to my clients – even if we were originally treating other health concerns, there period pain almost always got better or resolved after treating their gut microbiome.
It became obvious to me that there was a large gut-uterus connection with the interplay of the microbiome, inflammation, and the reproductive system.
This link is between LPS production (from bacteria) and increased inflammation and pain.
LPS & Period Pain
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are molecules found in the cell walls of certain bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria.
Small amounts are fine in the body. However, an overgrowth of certain bacterial species in the gut or uterus can lead to an excess production of LPS. Excessive LPS levels increase inflammation in the body and uterine lining, which intensifies uterine cramps and period pain.
The Importance of a Healthy Microbiome
Research now shows that the gut and uterus have their own microbiomes. A healthy microbiome ensures good gut health, immunity and hormonal health. An imbalanced microbiome called ‘dysbiosis’ can lead to excessive LPS production.
LPS & Inflammation
Inflammatory signals called Prostaglandins, play a large role in our periods. They help start a bleed, by stimulating the uterine wall to shed, but excessive Prostaglandins cause intense spasming and period pain. LPS increases levels of inflammation and excessive Prostaglandins, leading to excessive cramping and period pain.
How I can help you treat your period pain
Whilst there is always still so much to learn about period pain, it is obvious from my clinical experience, my personal experience (and now research) that there is a clear link between microbiome imbalances, LPS, inflammation and period pain via the gut-uterus connection.
I work with my clients to test and treat their gut microbiome imbalances – in order to reduce inflammation in their body, reduce Prostaglandins and therefore their period pain.
If you would like help for your period pain, please reach out to me – I’d love to help you experience less painful periods - (it’s possible!).