Got Painful Periods? Here’s What Might Be Causing Them

For some people, getting their period is a mere annoyance.

It might mean some cramping, not being able to wear certain clothing, and embarrassing stains.

For others, it’s a lot worse.

Periods can come with debilitating pain, which can make the simplest tasks seem impossible.

Today we will take a closer look at painful periods, and why you might be experiencing them.

If you need help managing period pain, you can always talk to a naturopathic doctor for naturopathic treatment for hormonal issues – which is at the root of many menstrual problems.

What Is Dysmenorrhea?

Painful periods are also called dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is pain which occurs prior to, and during, menstruation.

This is often in the form of painful cramps in the lower abdomen.

When a person develops painful periods later in life, this is secondary dysmenorrhea.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is often due to a condition such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Dysmenorrhea?

There are certain factors and circumstances which can put you at greater risk for experiencing painful periods. Some of these factors include:

• Having experienced your first period before the age of 11
• Having heavy menstrual periods
• Never having been pregnant
• Being a smoker
• Abusing alcohol
• Being overweight or obese
• Family history

What Are The Potential Root Causes Of Dysmenorrhea?

There are a number of conditions which can lead to dysmenorrhea.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these.

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells, which normally line the uterus, attach to other organs including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel and the surface of the uterus.

Also possible, but less common are these cells attaching to the cervix, bladder, and vagina.

In addition to painful menstrual cramps, endometriosis can lead to:

• Back pain
• Leg pain
• Pelvic pain
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful intercourse
• Infertility

2. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

You’ve likely heard of PMS before – it is extremely common, and affects nearly 90% of people who menstruate.

Symptoms typically start five to eleven days before menstruation begins.

Its causes are unknown – however, it’s believed to be linked to changes in levels of hormones and serotonin.

Increases in estrogen and progesterone, which occur prior to menstruation, can lead to irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when there is an infection to the fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries, and uterus.

The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates there are approximately 100,000 cases of PID annually in Canada and that 10-15% of people who get periods of reproductive age have had PID at least once.

PID can be caused by a number of types of bacterial infection, including those which cause gonorrhea and chlamydia, and for this reason, it is sometimes classified as sexually transmitted infection.

Risk factors include having sex with multiple partners and having sex without a condom.

4. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors which grow inside the uterus, on the walls or lining.

They are very common, however typically those with uterine fibroids don’t have any symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Low back pain
• Dull pressure on the pelvis
• Abdominal swelling and bloating
• Frequent urination

5. Hormonal Imbalance

Prostaglandins are hormones which stimulate the uterine muscles to contract and help to shed the uterine lining, causing menstruation to occur.

Higher levels of prostaglandins can result in more intense and painful contractions.

Other symptoms linked to painful periods, including fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, and vomiting, may also be linked to high levels of prostaglandins.

Book An Appointment With Dr. Sheila

Do you suffer from painful periods?

Is debilitating pain causing you to miss work or school?

Are over-the-counter pain meds not strong enough to manage your symptoms?

I’m Dr. Sheila Dyer, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and I want to help.

I’ll work to uncover the cause of your painful periods and offer natural solutions to manage your symptoms and help to heal your body.

Contact Dr. Sheila today, and take your life back from painful cramps.

Next week, we’ll talk about what some of those natural solutions for period pain might look like.