Diet Contributes to Menstrual Pain in Teens

Diet may be a key contributor to menstrual cramps in teens, specifically diets high in inflammatory foods and beverages such as meat, oil, sugar, salt, and coffee, according to a poster presentation by Serah Sannoh at the 2022 North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting held October 12 to 15 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Researching the effects of diet on menstrual pain started as a search to remedy the pain I personally experienced; I wanted to understand the science behind the association. Learning about different foods that increase and decrease inflammation, which subsequently increase or reduce menstrual pain, revealed that diet is one of the many contributors to health outcomes that is often overlooked. I am hopeful that this research can help those who menstruate reduce the pain they experience and shed light on the importance of holistic treatment options,” says Serah Sannoh, lead author of the poster presentation from Rutgers University.

Approximately 90% of adolescent girls experience menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). Although this pain is the leading cause of school absences for adolescent girls, few seek treatment, according to Sannoh.

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Sannoh conducted a literature review to identify studies that examined dietary patterns linked to menstrual pain.

Key Findings

Sannoh found that diets high in animal meats, oil, sugars, salts, and coffee contribute to an increased risk of dysmenorrhea. The analysis also suggested that diets…