A healthy period can also be painful – but just how much? Fortunately, along with the pain, other symptoms can help distinguish between "normal" and pathological menstruation.
How much does it hurt? It seems like a simple question, yet the answer is often not entirely clear, as the sensation of pain is subjective and depends largely on our own biological sensitivity. This dilemma can also be a problem when it comes to menstruation: we don't know how much others are in pain or what level of pain is "normal." Consequently, many women suffer for years before finally receiving adequate help.
What is certain is that most women experience some degree of pain or discomfort during their period. This is because when the uterine lining sheds, various molecules are released into the uterine cavity, such as prostaglandins, which also play a role in inflammatory reactions. The unpleasant sensation—the intensity of which can vary—is caused by these molecules potentially irritating nerve endings.
But the muscle contractions that accompany menstruation can also cause pain (the contracting muscle squeezes the small blood vessels that nourish it, preventing it from getting enough oxygen, and it begins to produce molecules similar to those released during muscle soreness).
Although, as mentioned, pain is subjective, there are certain signs that we can look out for to determine relatively effectively whether our menstrual pain is normal or if we should suspect some kind of gynecological issue.
What is normal menstrual pain like?
In the case of healthy menstruation, the pain:
- occurs in the lower abdomen, is cramp-like, and is most intense at the beginning of the period,
- does not last longer than 3 days,
- improves with pain relievers,
- is not associated with other unusual symptoms,
- does not disrupt daily life (we are able to work or go to school).
It is acceptable to prefer lying on the couch due to cramps, and it is also normal to take an occasional antispasmodic on a particularly difficult day during your period.
However, it may be worth consulting a doctor and exploring the background of the problem if we experience the following:
- the menstrual pain lasts longer than 4-5 days,
- the period is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, dizziness, or fainting,
- the bleeding is very heavy (requiring a change of pad or tampon every hour),
- we experience painful intercourse,
- we encounter bloody stool,
- the menstrual pain is so severe that it hinders our daily life,
- the symptoms worsen as the years pass.
As a general rule of thumb, if menstrual pain is excruciating, is accompanied by other symptoms, and prevents us from performing everyday activities, it is not okay. At the same time, this does not necessarily indicate a gynecological disease: primary dysmenorrhea can involve severe cramps and other unpleasant symptoms (such as nausea or weakness), but there is no specific disease behind it. If the symptoms are caused by an organic abnormality or dysfunction, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea.
Regardless of which case it is, it is important to be aware that help is available and there is absolutely no need to endure paralyzing pain.
