L-arginine is a classified semi-essential amino acid found in the diet that helps produce nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a critical substance that allows your body to function normally, playing an important role in the cardiovascular system because it allows the blood vessels to relax.
L-arginine is often used as a dietary supplement, sometimes in people whose bodies are unable to produce a sufficient amount, or in athletes in order to provide efficient and healthy cardiovascular function.
Dietary supplementation of l-arginine is common in aging adults, as the creation of this amino acid begins to lessen with age. It is also necessary for the discharge of certain hormones, such as the growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin.
Taking l-arginine supplements can have a variety of effects, particularly on women, that range from fertility advantages, better immune system performance, and enhanced exercise effectiveness.
There have also been reports by women on the effects of l-arginine on their menstrual cycles due to its function in improving blood circulation.
L-Arginine Effects on Menstrual Cycle
Healthy menstrual flows are supported by proper blood circulation to the uterus. Since l-arginine helps increase production of nitric oxide, which is an important agent in the female reproductive processes, such as ovulation and implantation, it can increase circulation and menstrual flow.
Using l-arginine as a dietary supplement will essentially allow for a healthier menstrual flow in women who experience irregular or abnormal flows, but it can also cause period cycles prolonged more than normal because of the increased blood circulation.
Generally, women may take l-arginine supplements if they are suffering from some sort of menstrual condition that causes abnormal or light period cycles, in order to help improve the functioning of their reproductive system.
L-arginine is especially useful for women with a thin uterine lining. The uterus has three layers, in which the innermost layer, the endometrium, is shed during the menstrual cycle.
This layer is important because it thickens in preparation for fertilized egg implantation and helps aid in the pregnancy process by providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the production of the placenta.
Thin uterine linings are often caused by insufficient blood supply to the endometrial lining. A thin uterine lining can affect the menstrual period and increase chances of miscarriage during pregnancy, and is often characterized by inadequate blood flow and light or abnormal periods.
L-arginine supplementation has been shown to facilitate endometrial secretions [1], which helps produce the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy, as well as improve blood flow during menstruation. Thick uterine linings are essential for a women’s healthy reproductive body system.
Since l-arginine increases uterine blood flow, many women who have a thin uterine lining and menstrual conditions, such as amenorrhea, may consider taking these supplements to improve blood circulation. L-arginine is known to thicken the endometrium, as well as increase blood circulation, leading to a healthier menstrual flow.
L-arginine has plenty of benefits for women, including fertility advantages [2]. This amino acid is also often used to treat erectile dysfunction, and can also be used to remedy sexual conditions women may face. L-arginine supplementation helps the body create sperm, and so taking l-arginine can improve the sterility of men [1] and improve chances of pregnancy.
Effects of L-Arginine on Menopause
L-arginine can serve as a treatment option for women dealing with negative symptoms of menopause. Ensuring that the body has a sufficient amount of l-arginine helps to improve blood vessel elasticity in the body, and is thus able to decrease the amount and severity of the hot flashes that many women experience during menopause [3].
Apart from being beneficial for the reproductive system, l-arginine is helpful in ridding the body of waste, and can boost protection from colds, heart failure, dementia, migraines, and high blood pressure, in turn boosting the immune system and improving general performance of bodily functions. L-arginine is also useful in improving the vascular system and promoting healthy heart function [4].
You can take l-arginine as a dietary supplement if your body does not produce enough to maintain healthy functioning systems, but l-arginine can also be found in foods that contain protein, such as meats, nuts, and dairy products. L-arginine is also available in creams.
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References
- https://www.pullingdownthemoon.com/blog/2016/10/l-arginine-a-supplement-for-thin-lining-and-low-sperm-count/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23523236
- https://www.aminoacid-studies.com/areas-of-use/menopause.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5599867/
