Painful periods? This is what really helps

Having painful periods is an everyday occurrence for many people, which is why they simply settle for popping one or more painkillers every month and cursing being a woman for a few days. If you are one of those people, then you will find some helpful tips in this article. Because you don’t have to experience painful periods!

Some people experience painful periods since their first menstruation, while for others they only appear after a few years, after stopping the pill, or after giving birth. The reasons are therefore varied. In addition to hormonal reasons, there are also physical reasons for the recurring pain. In specialist jargon, period pain has the name “dysmenorrhea” and a distinction is made between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

 

Primary dysmenorrhea:

Occurs frequently in young people and sometimes subsides in the first few years after menarche (the first bleeding), unless hormonal contraceptives are used to interfere with the natural cycle during this time. In this case, there is no disease and the hormonal system is only adjusting to the monthly fertile and infertile phases. The body is learning to bleed, so to speak. In this case, the so-called prostaglandins are primarily responsible for the pain. These are hormones that promote the contraction of the uterine muscles and support the loosening of the uterine lining. If too many prostaglandins are produced, this can lead to more severe pain. Painkillers target exactly this and inhibit the production of these hormones. However, it is also possible to reduce the release of prostaglandins by means of a targeted diet or similar measures. 

 

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Occurs more often in people over 25 years of age and is associated with diseases of the uterus or an unbalanced hormonal system. Often these people had no complaints during menstruation for a long time, which then suddenly changes. There are many causes for this. Diseases such as endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, inflammation, the IUD or other physical changes can be a reason. For some, it is also due to a change in the hormonal system, which can show itself, for example, in a change in the duration of the cycle or bleeding or the color or quantity of the blood. It is therefore advisable to track your cycle in detail in order to be able to notice changes quickly. Changes in the hormonal system can also occur as a result of drastic life events or strong changes in your lifestyle, for example when dieting, fasting or changing your diet. 

Period pain is unfortunately very common. However, this means that just because it is the norm, it is not naturally intended. The reasons for severe period pain can be many and varied. In addition, not every menstrual period automatically has to be accompanied by pain. Pain is always a sign that something is wrong and out of balance. The fact that many doctors now say that period pain is normal and that you just have to live with it shows how little people with period pain are taken seriously and how much research and money should still be put into the field of gynecology and women’s health. The fact that almost every second woman experiences period pain at least once in her life should give us as a society something to think about. If you experience painful periods, you should know on the one hand that you are not alone, but not let this get you down and try to find a solution. Period pain is not something you have to endure. 

As understandable as it is that you don’t want to endure this pain, the use of hormonal contraception should still be treated with caution. Interfering with the sensitive cycle with artificial hormones may relieve the pain in the short term, but it also leads to the absence of ovulation, which actually suspends the entire cycle and puts the ovaries into a kind of deep sleep. Thus, the problem of period pain is not actually solved but only postponed until later. There are conditions where intervening in the cycle, as with the pill, brings great benefits, but it should not be administered lightly and without prior thought to any person experiencing pain.

First of all, yes, it is completely normal not to experience pain during your period. More than that, it’s even a positive sign. In fact, unusual, severe cramping or pain can be a sign of a serious health problem. Many women have health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids that can cause pain and cramping during periods. However, if a person assumes that painful periods are completely normal, this person is naturally more inclined to ignore these problems. Women are not aware of these problems, suffer in silence and think that although the pain is terrible, it is actually normal and healthy. 

First of all, it is important to clarify whether it is primary or secondary period pain. It is best to do this with a gynecologist you trust, with whom you really feel comfortable, and who dares to ask questions. The better you know your own cycle and the more closely you observe it, the clearer the questions you can ask when you visit the doctor. Don’t be satisfied with answers such as “Period pain is normal” or “The only thing that helps is the pill”. 

In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, your gynecologist will probably suggest different approaches to treating the condition. In these cases, it is always good to get a second opinion and find out if there are medications or even alternative medical options besides invasive interventions and, most importantly, how quickly to respond.

Once all physical health aspects are clarified and it is, indeed, primary dysmenorrhea, then different approaches can be taken. First of all, it’s important to know that you don’t have to endure anything. If the pain is too severe and you have had good experiences with painkillers so far, then there is nothing to stop you from continuing to take them and trying new things at the same time. 

With natural methods of pain relief, it should always be mentioned that they do not work as quickly as taking painkillers. If you want to do this the natural way, you should pay attention to your cycle and start preparing for the next bleeding right after your period. This is because remedies like teas don’t work immediately, but only develop their effect after you take them regularly. This also applies to many other approaches mentioned here.

To relieve your period pain naturally, you can choose different methods:

 

External applications

 

These are things like heat applications through hot water bottles, heat pads or a hot bath. Heat promotes blood circulation, relaxes muscles and relieves pain, which is why it can help with cramps quickly. Vaginal steam baths are also suitable for this purpose, which are done during the cycle and bring relaxation to the pelvic floor. Massages are another way to achieve relaxation and pain relief through external application. For example, massages with essential oils are suitable for this purpose but also wraps with castor oil. External applications that involve professionals and can be equally helpful are osteopathy, shiatsu or acupuncture. 

 

Internal applications

 

What you eat has a big impact on your hormonal balance. Things that can support your cycle are for example teas with herbs like lady’s mantle, yarrow, raspberry leaves, nettle. You can also support your body with supplements like omega3, magnesium and iron. Alcohol, coffee, dairy products and sugar can have a negative effect on hormone production and promote the release of prostaglandins, so it is worth consuming these in moderation or leaving them out for a longer period of time. 

 

Lifestyle & Mindset

 

Do you allow your body to rest during menstruation or do you ignore this need and push yourself beyond your limits? Your monthly bleed is a natural break that we should use to rest, reflect and recover. Getting enough sleep, eating warming and nourishing foods, taking a break from competitive sports, and taking a minimum amount of time to take breaks can all have a positive impact on your cycle. Stress is a big factor in period pain. It’s okay to not have the same amount of energy every day and to not be productive at times.

 

Menstrual hygiene products

The choice of products you use for menstruation can affect your pain. Tampons have a ‘drying effect’ for many people and inhibit the natural flow of your blood. Switching to a cup is better, but it too can cause a lot of tension in the pelvic floor due to negative pressure. Switching to (washable) pads or period underwear not only allows blood to flow naturally again, it can also help to reduce pain and helps people get in touch with their own bleeding and develop a healthy way of dealing with it. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could enjoy their period as a pain-free experience? Hopefully, this article will help you do that. Happy Bleeding!