Is Period Pain Normal? Here's What It Could Mean
Period pain also known as dysmenorrhea is common and often considered a normal part of menstruation, especially in teenagers and young adults. It typically occurs due to the contraction of the uterus to shed its lining, triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. However, while mild to moderate cramps are generally normal, severe or worsening pain can sometimes signal underlying health issues. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease may cause intense menstrual pain and require medical attention. In this article, we discuss some common causes behind period pain.
This is the most common cause of period pain and is not linked to any underlying medical condition. It usually starts within a year or two of the first menstruation and is caused by high levels of prostaglandins, which make the uterus contract more forcefully. These contractions can cut off blood supply to the uterine muscle, causing cramping and discomfort, especially in the lower abdomen and back.
2. Endometriosis
In this condition, the tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. These tissues thicken and bleed during the menstrual cycle just like the uterus, leading to severe pain, inflammation, and even scar tissue. The pain from endometriosis often intensifies over time and may also occur between periods or during sex.
3. Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or on the uterus that can lead to heavier and more painful periods. Their presence can distort the shape of the uterus, increase cramping, and even pressure nearby organs. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can also lead to prolonged bleeding and bloating during menstruation.
4. Adenomyosis
This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It causes the uterus to become enlarged and tender, resulting in intense menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and pelvic pressure. Adenomyosis often develops in women who have had children or are in their 30s or 40s.
5. Ovarian cysts
Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries can lead to sharp or aching pelvic pain during menstruation. Some cysts resolve on their own, while others may persist and grow, causing more discomfort. In certain cases, they can rupture or twist (ovarian torsion), leading to severe, sudden pain that requires emergency care.
6. Cervical stenosis
In some women, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is very narrow or closed, a condition known as cervical stenosis. This limits menstrual flow, causing pressure to build inside the uterus, which results in painful cramping. This condition may be congenital or develop after surgeries or infections.
7. Hormonal imbalances
Irregularities in oestrogen and progesterone levels can affect how the uterus sheds its lining, often leading to more intense or irregular cramps. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can lead to hormone imbalances that worsen menstrual discomfort.
In conclusion, although some discomfort during periods is expected, persistent or unusually severe pain should not be ignored, as it could point to different underlying causes.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Why PCOS Isn't Just A 'Hormonal Issue', It Wrecks Your Mental Health Too
Keeping up with the ebb and flow of your hormones is already a challenge. Add a bit of stress and a poor lifestyle, and you have a cocktail of problems. One possible consequence is PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, primarily causing irregular periods. For some, not having a period for a few months might seem like a relief until you know it's not good news. It can be worse when accompanied by weight gain, hair thinning, and unexplained fatigue. It's rarely just about missed periods. It's often the beginning of an internal war, with impacts that stretch far beyond physical problems - it affects your mental health too. Advertisement - Scroll to continue PCOS And Mental Health PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the weight of the condition is not just carried in the body but in the mind as well. While irregular periods are often the first red flag, many are unaware that mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue, can also be signs of PCOS. Kanan Verma, a 21-year-old college student, thought something was going on in her body when she started noticing the subtle changes. Sometimes, it was a missed period, and other times, a sharp pain in her right leg that made her uncomfortable. She consulted a doctor, and the ultrasound revealed that she had PCOS. Kanan was 19 at that time. What followed was a wave of unexpected changes in her body and mental health, such as facial hair, mood swings, constant fatigue, and aching joints. 'I didn't feel like doing anything. I just felt sad all the time,' she recalls. 37-year-old corporate professional Namita Narula Gandhi was diagnosed with PCOS during a routine check-up for a UTI. While she was already battling burnout from work and her condition, Namita found herself spiraling deeper when she experienced an ectopic pregnancy post her marriage. "I felt like I lost the battle," she recalls. Editor and marketing professional, Rumela Sen was too young when she was first diagnosed with PCOS. She was asked to take medications to manage the symptoms, but consistency wasn't easy amid a new city, academic stress, and a disrupted lifestyle. What followed was stress and anxiety. 'I'd gone from XS (size Extra Small) to L (Large) and didn't pause to question why. I thought I was just stressed or overworked. There were times I would get anxious over the smallest things,' she says. In the years since her diagnosis, she lost a close family member and tested positive for the BRCA 2 gene - an inherited mutation linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The lines between grief and chronic illnesses blurred, "I can't tell if PCOS impacted my mental health or if the grief did. But I know that stress makes PCOS worse and the corporate world doesn't exactly make stress optional.' The one thing common among all the women was the less talked about side-effects of PCOS - on mental health. Dr Payal Choudhary, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospital tells NDTV, "PCOS can significantly impact a person's mental health. Hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and symptoms like acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth can lead to low self-esteem and body image issues. Irregular periods and fertility concerns often cause emotional distress. Many women with PCOS experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and mood swings due to both physiological and psychological factors. The chronic nature of the condition adds to the emotional burden." How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health If You Have PCOS Eat A Healthy Diet: While there is limited data to support a specific diet that helps improve mental health in people with PCOS, studies have found that eating healthy can help you deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental effects of PCOS. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that eating a diet rich in vegetables and legumes, dairy products, and eggs, seems to have a positive effect on the mental health of women with PCOS. "Diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS. Diets low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, and rich in fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve hormonal balance and support ovulation," recommends Dr Choudhary. This, in turn, may help you manage mental health symptoms as well. Exercise Regularly: A study published in the journal BMC Women's Health found that physical activity reduces the chances of depression in women with PCOS. Another study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that exercise may help improve the physical as well as mental well-being of women with PCOS. "Walking is one of the best exercises for managing PCOS. Combining it with strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga can offer more comprehensive results. The goal is consistency and enjoyment, making walking a great starting point. Overall, it's not the only exercise for PCOS, but it is a highly effective and sustainable choice for many," recommends Dr Choudhary. Try Complementary And Alternate Therapies: A strong support system and cognitive behavioural therapy may also help people with PCOS feel less anxious or stressed. "Mental health support is just as important as physical treatment in PCOS management, and early intervention with counseling, support groups, or therapy can greatly improve overall well-being," signs off Dr Choudhary. Share
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Study finds 17.4% prevalence of PCOS in Delhi's college-going women
A study of 1,164 college-going women in the age group 18-25 years in Delhi shows a 17.4% prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the second-highest in the country. Partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the study was published recently in the peer-reviewed journal, BMC Health. It comprised a cross-sectional survey, and a systematic review which analysed similar studies from 2010 to 2024 across India in similar age groups. The study notes that PCOS, the endocrinologic disorder affecting females in the reproductive age, characterised by menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity, is 'prevalent yet under-researched'. It states that the pooled prevalence of previous studies in similar age groups, using the same criteria, across various regions in India, stood at 8.41%. In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology had stated that India has a PCOS prevalence of 3.70%-22.50%. The prevalence of PCOS can vary between rural and urban areas, socio-cultural settings, and age groups. In previous studies, Lucknow reported the lowest prevalence of 3.70%, while Mumbai reported a prevalence of 22.50%. Another study found that the prevalence can go up to 36% in adolescents. Higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas A higher prevalence of PCOS has been noted in urban areas with heterogeneous populations, with many women moving for academic opportunities and work, the study notes. 'This displacement causes psychological stress, disrupted sleep routine, and poor dietary habits resulting from competition for education and jobs, and juggling responsibilities of home and work, that could possibly be associated with rising rates of PCOS,' the researchers stated. The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University; and Dr. Yamini Swarwal, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. 'There are few studies focusing on this age group in India. We took ethical clearances from Delhi University to conduct the field work, which took us about two years,' Prof. Saraswathy said. She added that the majority of women sampled had already been diagnosed, while the researchers had arranged for undiagnosed women experiencing symptoms to undergo ultrasound testing. Of the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.30% had already been diagnosed, while 29.70% were newly diagnosed during the study. Socio-demographic factors Women from the upper class, and upper middle class, according to the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale on socio-economic status, are at an increased risk, the study found. It notes that higher disposable incomes had contributed to a 'nutrition transition', with increased consumption of fats, oils, processed foods, mixed carbohydrates and sugar, as well as eating out, becoming integral to urban Indian culture. 'Increased access to labour-saving devices and cars has reduced physical activity, leading to rising prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity, which are all associated with PCOS pathogenesis,' the study adds. The study also found that the highest prevalence of PCOS is seen among the Scheduled Tribes (21.40%), followed by the General Category (19.90%), in comparison with Other Backward Classes (OBC) and the Scheduled Castes. It noted that this finding might reflect 'broader societal disparities and variations in access to healthcare and resources among caste groups', underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Yoga expert shares 4 simple asanas to reduce chronic fatigue and inflammation
Staying on top of the game, grinding, hustling at work, and upskilling, may have become the norm in a fast-paced world that romanticises hustle culture, but your health is silently screaming for help. Sadly, sometimes the modern lifestyle leaves little to no room for proper self-care. What happens is your daily exhaustion piles up, which you so conveniently shove under the carpet, slowly building up to chronic fatigue. In turn, fatigue increases inflammation, and as a chain reaction, inflammation raises the chances of chronic diseases. This is why setting time aside for self-care to wind down with yoga is essential for maintaining long-term health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga expert and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared how yoga can help beat fatigue and inflammation from the fast-paced lifestyle of today. He said, 'The health index of a society is a direct reflection of lifestyle. Most diseases that the world is currently suffering from are autoimmune diseases, which are predominantly lifestyle disorders. With extended work hours, digital exposure, and a sedentary lifestyle, dedicating time for self-care has become a challenge, leading to burnout and fatigue. Yoga provides a holistic approach to overcoming these challenges through simple yet powerful practices." Benefits: Stretches the spine, reduces backache, promotes hip flexibility, reduces fatigue, relieves tension and calms the mind. Benefits: Improves back flexibility, restores spine health, releases tension from the neck, promotes good posture and stimulates abdominal organs reducing inflammation. Benefits: Cleanses the channels and stimulates energy towards the skull. An uplifting practice that activates the nervous system, enhancing mental agility. How to do: Benefits: It is an extremely powerful practice for conscious relaxation and recovery of the organs. It increases awareness of the entire body and helps in mindful observation as well as rejuvenation of all systems. Regular practice of Yoganidra reduces blood pressure, regulates heartbeat, improves sleep quality, enhances emotional health and builds mental strength. While stress is mainly viewed as mental, the body holds a lot of stress, and Yoganidra helps in recognising and consciously releasing the accumulated stress. ALSO READ: Yoga coach shares 7 asanas women suffering from PCOS, PCOD should practise daily for 20 minutes Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
