{"id":3644,"date":"2021-08-06T19:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T19:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vulvani.com\/warum-haben-wir-regelschmerzen-und-was-ist-normal\/"},"modified":"2022-11-03T07:45:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T07:45:04","slug":"why-do-we-experience-period-pain-and-what-is-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vulvani.com\/en\/why-do-we-experience-period-pain-and-what-is-normal\/","title":{"rendered":"Period pain: Why do we have it? And what is normal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every menstruating person<\/a> experiences their period quite individually<\/a>. But what are this period pain, why do we have it and what can we do about it? In this article I will explain to you which pain is normal and when you should seek medical help.<\/p>

What is period pain (dysmenorrhea)?<\/h3>

The term period problems is used to describe various types of discomfort or pain that can occur during menstruation. While some people have no symptoms at all, others suffer from severe menstrual pain every month. That is why we are going to look at what types of period problems exist, what is normal and why we actually have them. And this can have a very negative effect on the person\u2019s attitude to life and well-being. By the way, the medical term for heavy painful menstrual bleeding<\/a> is \u201cdysmenorrhea\u201d. Because there are different types of period pain:<\/p>

Primary period pain is mostly mild<\/h3>

Menstrual cramps are divided into primary and secondary period pain. Primary period pain is milder and can be relieved naturally with (simple) home remedies<\/a> and a healthy diet<\/a>. Although the pain is unpleasant, it is bearable and usually harmless. The causes of primary period pain are not disease related and are very individual. Reasons for menstrual pain can be, for example, the early onset of the first period<\/a>, low body weight, a long menstrual cycle<\/a> or even genetic predisposition. Ask the menstruating people in your family how they experience or have experienced their period. Maybe your experiences with menstrual problems are similar? The good news is: Statistically speaking, the pain decreases with age<\/a>.<\/p>

Secondary period pain is caused by a disease<\/h3>

Secondary period pain, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying gynecological or organic disease. These can be, for example, endometriosis<\/a>, Uterine fibroids<\/a> (polyps), cancer or inflammation of the reproductive organs. Endometriosis<\/a> is the most common cause of secondary period pain. In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that those affected cannot go about their normal daily lives for several days a month. To relieve secondary period pain, the focus is on the treatment of the underlying disease. It is best to speak directly to your gynecologist if you suffer from severe menstrual pain.<\/p>

Why do we experience period pains?<\/h3>

You may ask yourself: Where does menstrual pain come from? During your period, the uterus <\/a>contracts cramp-like, causing contractions of the uterine muscles. The muscle movements are caused by hormones, for example prostaglandin. Depending on the strength of the contractions, these can cause pain. But why does the uterus contract at all? Every month during the menstrual cycle, new uterus lining forms to prepare for the fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is not needed and is rejected. This consumes a great deal of energy from the body. The muscles of the uterus contract in waves, which can lead to cramping pain. The rhythmic muscle movements also cause the blood circulation within the uterus to be interrupted by the cramps. This can cause a lack of oxygen, which is the reason for additional period pain (ischemic pain).<\/p>

Which period problems are there?<\/h3>

Menstrual problems are very unique and can occur in up to 150 different forms. The complaints can range from an unpleasant feeling in the back to diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps. Dizziness, nausea, a feeling of tension in the breasts or tiredness are also typical. Headaches and abdominal cramps are among the most common complaints during menstruation. Besides physical pain, mood swings<\/a> can also occur.<\/p>

Period pain: What is normal?<\/h3>

The symptoms usually appear a few hours before the start of your period and last for a day or two. Every menstruating person<\/a> can be affected by menstrual cramps. Up to a certain point, period pain is normal, especially at the beginning of your period. But it is difficult to say exactly to what (pain) degree period pain is normal. As long as the monthly menstrual pain is bearable and simple home remedies<\/a> help, everything is probably okay. However, if the symptoms during your period (severely) restrict your everyday life and your own performance, you should make an appointment with your trusted gynaecologist. This is because diseases, such as endometriosis<\/a>, can be the cause of the severe pain. These are then the painful and\/or difficult menstrual periods with great discomfort, which in medicine are called dysmenorrhea.<\/p>

INFO-BOX: Track your period pain<\/h3>\n\n

You might be wondering whether your menstrual symptoms are (still) normal? It often helps to talk with other menstruating people about their own period problems. This will give you a better sense of how others experience their periods. Here are some questions that can help you classify your pain:<\/p>\n\n