What causes period pain?

[4cupsofcoffee]

Im having a painful period today 😔 just sat here thinking to myself what actually causes the pain... ?

For me it feels like the blood clots are trying to squeeze through a tiny hole. That’s how I would describe the pain along with a burning, stinging pain.

Then I thought what if it is literally like contractions because my uterus is cramping up.. So is the pain caused by the bleeding? Like a cut or an open wound? Or is it like muscular spasms? Like labour is when you have contractions?

My mind is wondering away with me tonight 🤣

[Greenandcabbagelooking]

The pain is because when the muscles contract, they cut off the blood supply to the cells. The cells then release chemicals which trigger and pain response.

[AndromedaPerseus]

The old feminax was the wonder drug for period pain

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

If men got periods they’d be figured out how to make the chemicals happy ones. Imagine going around with a big grin on your face for 5 days a month!

[MaybeitsMaybelline]

Feminax is exactly the same drug as Tesco own brand migraine tablets. The migraine tablets were half the price and eased my debilitating period pains for years.

[Ohyesiam]

Yes it’s both those things op, the cramping uterus which deprives cells of oxygen as pp said, and the bits of uterus lining being forced through the opening of the cervix.

[Bluewavescrashing]

Uterus contracting and cervix opening slightly.

If men had period pain they'd have found a cure decades ago plus introduced free sick days for period pain.

[4cupsofcoffee]

Our bodies are fascinating. I must admit, I’ve had some awful period pain. Years ago I remember it was so bad I had to stay in bed and force myself to try and sleep through it because that was the only way it would stop temporarily. Now obviously I get pain quite badly still but it only really lasts for one day. So hopefully that’s a good sign.

I had a hot shower today after work and the hot water on my tummy really helped! I would usually get my hot water bottle but I can’t find it 😢 it’s so lovely having something warm against my tummy it really helps.

[LemonPrism]

It's the uterus contracting

[thewomanontheshore]

Why is the pain worse for some than others? Why does it tend to be worse when you're young?

[Samosaurus]

along with a burning, stinging pain.
I assumed all women got similar period pain, but I’ve only ever felt cramping pain rather than actual stinging pain. Interesting topic OP!

[Kittynapper]

I always picture my pain as a sheet of flesh being torn apart, like the way you used to see strongmen tearing phone books in half

[4cupsofcoffee]

Yes it’s so strange. I was chatting with my friends about the type of pain. We discovered that we both get stabbing pain in our bums. Like actually deep inside. My other friend has never experienced this. Then I get aching in my vagina and yesterday my legs were so sore. Like throbbing pain. I also get the cramping which is strong, then some stinging and burning.

It was funny because I was really tearful last week for a couple of days and then a friend asked me if I was due on... it all made sense 😣😣☺️☺️

[spicysausageroll]

Mine is definitely linked to needing a poo. If I'm in a lot of pain, then sure enough if I manage to poo (yay for period induced constipation) then the pain practically goes.

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

Coffee helps with mine. Not sure why.

[bastiebees]

Mine was dull pain like tearing off fresh meat slowly. I believe it'd be my endometriotic tissue ripped away from uterus.

I got hormone treatment for my endometriosis and the pain is relieved for now

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

4cupsofcoffee

I thought of endometriosis when I read your post, those symptoms can be indicative of this

It is very common and also very much under diagnosed

You do not have to put up with period pains like this, seek help and answers from a gynaecologist