Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, might be common, but it’s not normal. Whilst 80% of women say they face period pain at some point in their life - and a couple of cramps on Day 1 of your cycle is no cause for concern - extreme period pain is not something you should ignore. It could be your body's way of signalling something more serious is going on. 

Here’s a breakdown of six reasons you could be experiencing painful periods, to help you advocate for yourself and get the support you need. 

Key Takeaways

• Extreme period pain should never be accepted or ignored and you should always seek medical advice.
• You could be dealing with an underlying health condition like endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids.
• There could also be issues like STIs or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease at play, 
• In some rare cases, painful periods can be a sign of gynaecological cancer.
  
  
  
  

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts growing outside the uterus. The condition is often misdiagnosed but as many as 1 in 10 women are living with it. Endometriosis can cause not only painful, heavy periods, but a whole host of other health concerns including pain during sex, bloating (known as endo belly) and problems with fertility. You can learn more about Endo here.

Our Myoovi Kit is loved by the endo community, as it helps to significantly reduce pelvic pain - but it’s only a short-term solution. Whilst there is no cure for endometriosis currently, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can make a huge difference as can taking supplements with natural anti-inflammatories in them like our MyEndo formula.  

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is similar to endometriosis in many ways - but there are a few important differences. Mainly, with adenomyosis the tissues similar to the endometrium grow in the muscle of the womb rather than around the uterus itself. This can lead to the womb becoming enlarged or ‘bulky’ and can cause a lot of pelvic pain and swelling.  

Much like with endo, period pain is a common symptom of adenomyosis but it’s not the only one. Adeno is also impacted by chronic inflammation and this can cause secondary symptoms including fatigue and issues with gut health. You can read more about adenomyosis here.  

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They vary in size, from tiny cyst-like growths to large masses that can enlarge your uterus and make it bulky and misshapen. Some of the biggest fibroids can end up the size of melons! While some women with fibroids have no symptoms for many years, others experience painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pressure in the pelvic area. You can learn more about fibroids here. 

Managing fibroids is not easy - and if they are impacting your quality of life, surgery may be the best option. You can also try to manage your symptoms with natural remedies including herbal remedies and avoid toxins like alcohol and harmful chemicals that can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and encourage them to grow larger.  

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are usually easily treated, but if left undiagnosed they can cause painful symptoms and even more serious health conditions like infertility. It is possible that painful periods could be a sign of an underlying STI, but it’s likely that they will be combined with other symptoms such as unusual discharge, painful sex and a burning feeling when you go to the toilet. 

Safe sex is the best way to protect yourself from STIs (and that means using a barrier method like a condom, not just taking birth control!) and regular screening can help you stay on top of your sexual health. Learn more about where you can get checked for free (and access treatment if you need it) in your local area here. 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a serious infection that is often caused by undiagnosed or untreated STIs that start in your vagina and eventually make their way into your abdomen. Once the infection reaches your uterus and ovaries it can not only be incredibly painful on a day-to-day basis but can also impact how your uterus sheds its lining - making periods more painful. You might also experience increased pain due to inflammation where the body is trying to fight off the infection! Other symptoms of PID include unusual discharge, pain during sex and irregular bleeding. 

If you think you may have PID  you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible - if left untreated it can lead to serious issues with fertility.

Gynaecological Cancers

The chances that your period pain is a sign of cancer are pretty rare - but not impossible. Gynaecological cancers, like ovarian or uterine cancer, can cause general pain in your pelvic area and can make your period cramps more intense than usual. Heavier or longer periods can also be a sign of cervical cancer. 

If you have noticed a change in your period, alongside other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, bleeding between periods or a change in your bowel movements, we would recommend seeking advice from your healthcare provider ASAP.  Early detection is crucial, as these cancers often don’t present noticeable symptoms until they are in advanced stages, so always attend any screenings you are invited to - like the regular cervical smear tests we have access to in the UK.

Period pain is never something you should have to put up with - or face in silence. Make sure you are doing everything you can to support your menstrual health holistically but never hesitate in seeking medical advice if you think something isn’t right - you know your body best!