Period pain is something many women experience every month, but it’s not something that should be dismissed as just a normal part of being a woman. While some degree of discomfort is common during menstruation, severe pain and other symptoms can indicate more serious underlying conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s important to take period pain seriously and seek treatment when necessary.
Understanding When Your Painful Periods aren’t Normal…
Mild to moderate cramping or discomfort is a common experience for many women during their periods. This type of pain usually occurs just before or during the first few days of menstruation and typically doesn’t interfere with daily activities. However, it’s important to recognise that not all pain is the same, and what’s normal for one person may not be normal for another.
Severe period pain that feels like throbbing, burning, stabbing, or searing is not normal and should not be ignored. Other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or fainting can also be warning signs of a more serious underlying condition. These symptoms may be indicative of conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis, which can cause significant pain and affect a woman’s quality of life.
So, What Actually Causes Painful Periods?
Painful periods stem from the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that play a vital role in stimulating the uterus and releasing its lining during menstruation. While prostaglandins are essential for our well-being, acting as protectors and facilitators of the healing process by inducing inflammation and pain at sites of tissue damage or infection, an excess of them can pose challenges. When inflammation persists, it triggers an overproduction of prostaglandins, leading to intensified menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Here are some things, you can do to help reduce the inflammation caused from those increased prostaglandins.
1. Reduce your consumption of industrial seed oils – Diets with a high seed oil content have been linked to inflammatory responses in the body. While Omega-6 is a necessary fatty acid, its balance with Omega-3 is pivotal. An imbalance in this ratio can foster a state of prolonged inflammation. To mitigate such risks, it’s crucial to steer clear of industrial seed oils, some of which include;
Canola oil, Corn oil, Cottonseed oil, Grapeseed oil, Rice bran oil, Safflower oil, Soy oil, Sunflower oil, Vegetable oil
2. Reduce inflammatory foods – Foods like wheat, sugar, and cow’s dairy can actually make inflammation worse in your body. Not cool, right? But wait, there’s more. These foods can also crank up your histamine levels, which in turn can make your ovaries pump out more estrogen. More estrogen can mean more period pain, so it’s kind of a vicious cycle.
Foods that are high in histamine, like fermented foods, alcohol, bananas, chocolate, and citrus fruits, could be making your period pain worse. Cutting back on these could help give you some relief.
3. Tackle those endocrine disruptors – Ever heard of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)? They’re like the sneaky villains of our everyday life, messing with our hormonal system and wreaking havoc on our bodies. These chemicals can mess with how our body metabolises estrogen, leading to a buildup of this hormone. And we all know what that means—hello, period problems!
But here’s the kicker—these EDC’s are everywhere! They’re in cosmetics, cleaning products, food containers, furniture…the list goes on. Basically, they’re lurking around every corner, just waiting to mess with our hormones.
I have a whole blog here about EDCs, what they’re about and how to reduce them from your environment.
Period pain should never be dismissed as just “something women deal with.” Severe pain and other symptoms can be warning signs of underlying conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis. If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention and explore treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don’t suffer in silence – there are people who can help.
Wishing you balanced hormones & baby dust
Helpful resources
Download my FREE Preconception guide here 👉 Download the Guide
Join my exclusive TTC Community here 👉 Join the community
Book a free 30-minute Fertility Chat here 👉 Book a free chat
Connect with Hannah
Instagram 📱- @Thebodybluprint_
Facebook 🥳 @TheBodyBluprint
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions about fertility tracking, the blog, or just want to share your own experiences, please don’t hesitate to reach out below ❤️
Email ✉️ Hannah@thebodybluprint.com.au
If you’d like to learn more about achieving pregnancy with FAM, check out my signature program Transform Your Cycle here, or head to the programs page for an overview of all the supports available.
