Many women complain of pain during periods. Inserm returns to these different notions which are often the subject of preconceived ideas.
- “On social networks, a large community has developed over the years, thus freeing people to speak out, speaking without taboo about these pains, premenstrual disorders or even dysmenorrhea.”
- According to researchers in a recent study, having pain during your period is not normal.
- Premenstrual syndrome can also present painful symptoms before the arrival of the period.
Often, pain associated with periods is considered “normal.” In clinical practice, the question is rarely asked of women, which rarely leads them to consult. The fear of not being taken seriously and not being seen as having a legitimate health problem deters them from seeking appropriate care.
A reality more common than we think
This study highlights the frequency of period pain in France. Out of a sample of 21,287 women, around 90% of them, aged 18 to 49, had pain during their periods. Of these, 40% experience moderate to severe pain, with pain between 4 and 10. The causes of this pain can be varied, ranging from endometriosis to uterine malformations or inflammatory diseases of the lower abdomen.
“Having pain during your period is neither normal nor inevitable”
“It must nevertheless be emphasized that pain is not always associated with an underlying pathology. At the time of menstruation, the uterus produces inflammatory substances called prostaglandins, causing muscle contractions which can be painful, without any particular disease being responsible (…) Having pain during menstruation is neither normal nor a problem. fatality” explains Inserm.
Appropriate management, which may include the use of treatments such as painkillers or hormonal treatments, can have beneficial effects. However, it is essential to take into account the voices and experiences of women in order to offer appropriate care. It is also crucial to combat misconceptions and confusion around terms such as premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which are often poorly defined and misunderstood.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by a series of physical and psychological symptoms that appear before menstruation and which generally disappear shortly after. Although scientists do not yet fully understand the origin of these symptoms, it is possible to propose different approaches to reduce the inconvenience. In contrast, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, often considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, creates debate in the scientific community due to the lack of understanding of the underlying biological and functional mechanisms.
