Period Problems

Periods aren’t exactly the most fun time of the month for those who get them. Everyone’s period is different – super light, heavy af, 3 days, maybe 8. Pain is not uncommon, but extreme pain could reveal an underlying condition. We approached some common questions about periods, and what you can do to alleviate any misery you may be experiencing.

Potential conditions

Painful menstruation is also known as dysmenorrhoea. It can be characterized by painful symptoms, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen area, and accompanied by back pain, diarrhea, or nausea.
is a painful, chronic disorder that affects over 6 million menstruators in the U.S., and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) grows outside your uterus. This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period, causing painful scar tissue. If you have signs or symptoms that may indicate endometriosis, see your doctor for treatment.
Symptoms may also include:
- heavy bleeding during and between periods
- pain during sex
- infertility
- painful urination/bowel movements during menstruation
Source: Healthline
Uterine fibroids are another condition associated with painful periods. Fibroids are noncancerous growths of muscle tissue of the uterus that range in number and size. As many as 70-80% of all women have fibroids by age 50.
In addition to cramping and pain during your period, symptoms for fibroids may also include:
- heavier bleeding, sometimes with blood clots
- longer or more frequent menstruation
- spotting between periods
- pressure on the bladder or rectum
- frequent urination
- constipation and/or rectal pain
- lower back and/or abdominal pain
Source: womenshealth.gov
PCOS is a condition characterized by an imbalance of hormones, including androgens, insulin, and progesterone. It affects about 10 million women worldwide. It is a leading cause of female infertility. Contrary to what the name suggests, not all people with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term issues.
Symptoms include:
- irregular/missed periods due to not ovulating
- weight gain
- fatigue
- unwanted hair growth (generally on the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen)
- thinning hair on the scalp
- infertility
- acne and/or darkened patches of skin
- mood changes
- pelvic pain
- headaches
- poor sleep and/or insomnia
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

For more on chronic pain conditions, check out Pain & Dysfunction 101. If you are experiencing symptoms, please see your doctor to discuss treatment options.