Period Pain Isn’t ''Just Part of Being a Woman'' — Let’s Talk About It
Minal Patel - Naturopath & Food Scientist | Bhimble Wellness
I used to believe period pain was something I just had to push through. I’d grit my teeth, pop some painkillers and carry on because that’s what we’re taught, right? That period pain is normal.
But here’s the truth: period pain is common, not normal and you don’t have to suffer through it.
Why is this happening to me?
Whether you’re in your 20s or heading into perimenopause, painful periods can make life feel harder than it needs to. During perimenopause (time before menopause), things can get especially unpredictable. You might experience heavier bleeding, stronger cramps and surprise symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere.
So let’s break it down a bit.
The Two Types of Period Pain
Yes, there’s more than one kind so understanding the difference can really help you figure out what’s going on.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea (aka Typical Period Pain)
This is the kind of period pain that starts a day or two before your period. You may experience cramping, achy lower belly and sometimes back pain. This pain usually eases off after a day or two of your period. This happens because of high levels of prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals) that cause your uterus to contract.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea (aka Severe Period Pain)
This period pain can feel sharper, more intense and lasts longer. Sometimes this period pain starts days before your period and during your period. It might even feel stabbing, burning or like pelvic pressure. Often, there’s an underlying cause like:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Thyroid issues
- Hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause
If your pain is stopping you from working, sleeping, exercising or just living your life, that is your body waving a big red flag. Don’t ignore it. This is where support and proper investigation matters. I would recommend seeing your doctor or healthcare practitioner to start the process of getting to the bottom of it. This is where I can help you.
So… What Do Hormones Have to Do With It?
Everything.
During perimenopause, your hormones can behave like they’re on a roller coaster. Some of the main culprits:
- Too much estrogen compared to progesterone which can cause heavy, painful periods and even fibroids.
- Low progesterone may increase cramping and mood swings.
- Androgen imbalance may cause mid-cycle pain, inflammation and cycle chaos.
And guess what? It’s not just your reproductive system at play here. Your nervous system, adrenal glands, thyroid, gut and liver all work behind the scenes to keep your hormones balanced.
A Few Simple Solutions You Can Implement to Reduce Your Period Pain Today
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life overnight.
Try starting with these small gentle shifts:
- Prioritise Sleep: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep and switch off your screens 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
- Cut Back on Alcohol: Alcohol can mess with your gut health and your gut is key to hormone balance.
- Reduce Sugary Foods: Sugar feeds unhelpful gut bacteria which can worsen inflammation and cramps.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress disrupts your gut health and your hormones. Relaxing activities such as 5 minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can help.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Out of Balance
Pain is your body’s way of speaking to you. Whether you’re experiencing heavy periods, mood swings, hot flushes or exhaustion.
Your body isn’t betraying you, it’s asking for help.
I’m here to support you.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You don’t have to go to war with your hormones. With the right support and a natural, holistic approach. You can feel more balanced, more energised and more like yourself again.
Let’s chat. Book in your complimentary Hormonal Wellness Discovery Call.
With love and understanding,
Minal