By Dominique Lambright
Unfortunately, period pain is something that most people deal with regularly.
Once a month, the lining of the uterus is squeezed and contracted out by prostaglandin molecules. Hormones and contractions can potentially intensify existing pain and inflammation in the abdominal region.
Period pain from uterine fibroids or endometriosis is somewhat different from ordinary period pain. Measuring, quantifying, and diagnosing pain is difficult since everyone experiences it differently. Period pain, no matter how severe or unpredictable, is common, especially among young individuals. Most people tend to ignore or minimize pelvic pain.
Doctor Megan Orlando of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that people may not know how to deal with their symptoms or how important it is to get treatment.
Reproductive health experts have compiled a list of the most common, potentially alarming symptoms of pain:
1. Irregular Or Very Heavy Bleeding
Most women’s periods last between three and seven days, with the heavier flow occurring in the first two days. A reproductive health problem can be the cause of bleeding that lasts more than eight days or that happens in between periods.
If you’re bleeding more than 80 milliliters every period, it might be a sign of an issue.
University of California, San Francisco complex family planning fellow Dr. Elizabeth Kinsey says that symptoms including heavy bleeding, clot passing, or soaking more than 16 pads or tampons each period might be an indication of this.
Abnormal or excessive bleeding, according to Kinsey, might be a sign of several diseases. Possible causes include endometrial polyps, fibroids, or adenomyosis. Uterine carcinoma is an extremely uncommon symptom that may manifest as heavy or irregular bleeding.
2. Incapacitating Pelvic Pain
Orlando stated that people may go about their normal routines or use over-the-counter pain relievers to keep period pain to a minimum. But if your period pains you to the point that you miss work or school or otherwise diminish your quality of life, then there may be reason for concern. Orlando suggests seeing a doctor if the pain is affecting your day-to-day activities.
If you have painful periods and cramps that come on at the same time every month, it might be a sign of uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, says Kinsey.
If you’re experiencing sudden and severe pain, it might be a sign of a medical emergency, according to Kinsey. This could be due to conditions like ovarian torsion or an ectopic pregnancy, in which the pregnancy implants in an odd place.
3. Noncyclic Pelvic Pain
Pain in the abdomen or pelvis that does not go away after a woman has her period is a sign of noncyclic pelvic pain. Different types of this could emerge. “It could happen every day or be set off by exercise, having sexual relations, or going to the bathroom,” Orlando says.
Lengthy pain from conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis, for example, may cause noncyclic pelvic discomfort if it persists for an extended length of time. The muscles in the pelvic and abdominal walls may react to or spasm in response to the original cause of pain, according to Orlando, which means that they might generate chronic discomfort.
Even in the absence of menstruation, the surrounding nerves could hyperactivate and cause pain. “People may then feel pelvic pain even outside of activities that would normally cause pain,” Orlando noted, following this.
4. Pain With Intercourse, Bowel Movements Or Urination
When women report discomfort while menstruating or using the restroom, Dr. Gabrielle Whitmore of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will likely diagnose endometriosis.
An overactive nervous system, a urinary tract infection, muscle spasms, or constipation might cause these symptoms.
Endometriosis may form on the bladder or even the intestines and rectum in uncommon and severe instances, according to Whitmore.
When In Doubt, Have Your Pain Checked Out
Orlando says that many people, including family, friends, medical professionals, and the media, often tell women and transgender people what to anticipate when it comes to menstruation.
According to her, the majority of these messages only bring up the topic of bleeding and discomfort without addressing the average levels or treatment options. Period pain may not be spoken openly and honestly due to the stigma around menstruation.
Stay vigilant and seek medical attention if you have any doubts about the normalcy of your symptoms. Medication, PT, and surgery are all options that might help alleviate pain and enhance quality of life.
A person should not have to deal with crippling, unusual, or life-altering suffering, according to Whitmore.
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