Very painful periods are NOT NORMAL.
Say it again for the folks in the back.
Many of us had health education growing up that was lacking in true and helpful information. You know in middle school how they tell you that period pain is normal?
Intense period pain is not normal. And you shouldn’t have to suffer during your period (or during any part of your cycle!). If your period pain is messing with your life, then it’s something that needs to be addressed.
What is normal period pain?
Normal symptoms of your period will not interfere with your daily life. At worst, period symptoms will be some mild cramping (like in your pelvis and low back) during the first couple days of your cycle. It’s mild enough that a dose of ibuprofen will help, but you likely wouldn’t need meds to get through it. You can just go about your day as usual!
The science nerd name for this normal, mild pain experience is “primary dysmenorrhea.” You can thank “prostaglandins” (the hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions) for this. So… cramps!
What is severe period pain?
Do you like the science nerd names? This one is “secondary dysmenorrhea.” It’s that stabbing, searing, throbbing pain that really screws up your days. Ibuprofen won’t help, and it can last a lot longer than primary dysmenorrhea (or even pop up between periods—yikes). It’s the kind of pain that makes you stay home from work or school, or even throw up.
What causes severe period pain?
Usually, there is an underlying medical cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. Enter: endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Endometriosis
Endo is so difficult, and I’m so sorry if you’re a part of the 10% of menstruating people who experience it. It’s also a bit of a medical mystery, which makes it even more frustrating. I mean, a whole freaking 5% of the population will have to deal with endo, and the research is SO insufficient.
Basically, what we know is that in folks with endometriosis, inflammatory lesions that are pretty darn similar to the tissue of your endometrium (the lining of your uterus) grow in places outside the uterus. There have even been cases of endometriosis found in the lungs, brain and eyes— quite a ways from the uterus. This inflammatory disease affects the entire body.
And it hurts. The pain can leave you out of commission for days or weeks each cycle, and it’s definitely past the mild cramping that is “normal period pain.” Additional symptoms include bleeding between periods, digestive issues and painful intercourse.
Unfortunately, scientists don’t know enough about endo to fully explain or treat it. As a result, it can take YEARS for a diagnosis. Many people live with terrible periods for a decade before they get a diagnosis; a true diagnosis is hard to get since it comes with exploratory laparoscopic surgery. (BTW— surgery can be a treatment to remove the lesions, which can be amazing pain relief for many people!)
If you suspect you might have endo, start tracking your symptoms. Take note of days you have pain, whether you try medications and how much, additional symptoms, etc. Watch the film Endo What? and start writing down questions to ask a doctor. Some docs will be super supportive, while others may not offer much help or insight. Reminder: It’s okay to “shop around for a doctor” who truly works for you.
Adenomyosis
I totally feel for you, as well, if you have adenomyosis. This is when the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows through the myometrium (muscular wall of the uterus). This can cause awful cramps, pelvic pressure, bloating and heavy periods. It also messes up your normal lifestyle during your period.
It’s another condition for which we do not know the cause. But, diagnosing it has gotten easier over time with the assistance of MRI and transvaginal ultrasounds (at least to get a probable diagnosis). So it’s worth getting an exam if you suspect adenomyosis is possible!
How can I cope with normal pain naturally?
In people without serious conditions (like endometriosis or adenomyosis), lifestyle tweaks and hormone hacks can typically lessen or banish period pain.
Try magnesium or zinc
You know I’m all about magnesium! Magnesium is awesome for both preventing and “treating” period pain. Taking it can reduce prostaglandins (remember, those cramp-causing substances), plus it can help you relax and sleep well.
Zinc also reduces prostaglandins and supports healthy blood flow.
Eat for pain relief
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and works well for pain relief.
Ginger, chamomile and peppermint tea can also feel nice.
During your period, avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, as well as very salty or very fatty foods.
If you’re into seed cycling, this is the time for flaxseed, which can also help with inflammation!
The usual suspects
Oh, you know these… Sleep well, stay hydrated, de-stress and rest when you need it. Period pain can get way worse if you try to “just push through” and go on with a stressful day.
If your period pain doesn’t improve with those tweaks, then check with a doctor to see if you need to dig into the possibilities of endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, a hormone imbalance or something else!
Do you use any hacks to combat period pain?