Painful Periods: What Your Body Might Be Trying to Tell You
By: Dr. Jess Nazareth ND
Many people are told that painful periods are “normal.” But while mild cramping can be common, severe period pain that is impacting your functioning is not something you should have to live with.
Painful periods also known as dysmenorrhea affect a large number of people who menstruate and is a common reason individuals miss school, work, or daily activities.
For some, the pain is caused by natural uterine contractions during menstruation. But for others, period pain may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Understanding what might be causing painful periods is an important step toward finding the right treatment.
What Causes Period Pain?
During menstruation, the uterus releases compounds called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions to help shed the uterine lining. This can lead to mild cramping.
Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause stronger contractions and increased inflammation, which may lead to cramping, nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
This type of pain is known as primary dysmenorrhea and typically begins within a few years of getting your first period.
However, not all period pain is caused by prostaglandins.
When pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be due to secondary dysmenorrhea, meaning an underlying condition is contributing to the pain.
Common Causes of Painful Periods
Several conditions can contribute to severe menstrual pain.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, nerve irritation, and scarring. It is one of the most common causes of severe period pain, but can take up to 10 years to be diagnosed.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This can cause heavy, painful periods and pelvic pressure.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and prolonged periods.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infection and inflammation of reproductive organs can also contribute to pelvic pain and painful menstruation.
Ovarian cysts
Certain types of ovarian cysts may cause pelvic pain that worsens at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms That Suggest Period Pain May Not Be “Normal”
While cramps are common, some symptoms suggest that period pain may warrant further assessment.
These include:
pain that prevents you from going to school, work or prior commitments
pelvic pain outside of your period
severe pain that worsens over time
pain during sex or after orgasm
pain with bowel movements or urination during menstruation
nausea, vomiting, or fainting during your period
heavy bleeding or large clots
pain shooting down your leg
pain waking you up at night or preventing you from sleeping
If these symptoms are present, it is worth getting properly assessed.
Why Period Pain Is Often Dismissed
Despite how common painful periods are, many people experience years of delayed diagnosis before receiving answers.
Research suggests that individuals with endometriosis often experience diagnostic delays of several years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.
Several factors contribute to this delay, including normalization of menstrual pain, lack of awareness, and symptoms that overlap with other conditions like appendicitis, UTIs, IBS etc.
Naturopathic Support for Dysmenorrhea
If you are navigating severe period pain, pelvic pain, or suspected endometriosis, working with a provider who understands the complexity of menstrual health can make a meaningful difference.
Dr. Jessica Nazareth, ND provides care focused on hormones, pelvic health, and reproductive wellness in Vancouver at The Den Wellness Collective.
Virtual appointments are also available for patients across British Columbia, allowing individuals throughout BC to access personalized support for painful periods and hormone health
Book a discovery call to learn more about working together here.
