More than half of all women experience menstrual cramps on a regular basis, with one in five experiencing severe pain. Over 10% suffer fromendometriosis oradenomyosis, a similar percentage are affected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), while one in three is affected by Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS).
And let's not forget those who endure the inconvenience of polyps, fibroids and other dystrophies.
In addition to chronic pelvic pain induced by menstrual cycles, many women also suffer from ovulatory pain (40%), or the torments of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), which affects 40% of women.
In the most severe cases, this syndrome can develop into Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), affecting between 3% and 8% of the female population.
Symptoms frequently associated with menstrual pain include back and vulvar pain, particularly heavy periods, mood swings, migraines, pronounced fatigue, as well as various digestive and urinary disorders, not to mention heightened breast sensitivity...
When should you worry about menstrual pain?
The menstrual cycle is divided into four main phases, all of which are supposed to be painless:
- Follicular phase: maturation of the follicle for optimal ovulation, reinforcing the uterine wall.
- Ovulatory phase: period of fertility during which the oocyte is released, stimulated by a peak in progesterone.
- Luteal phase: follows ovulation until the last day of the ovarian cycle.
- Menstrual phase: removal of the thickened endometrium by menstrual bleeding in the absence of fertilization.
The hormonal balance is regulated by fluctuations in two main hormones: estrogen, which promotes oocyte maturation at the beginning of the cycle, and progesterone, which develops the endometrium for eventual embryo implantation.
A disturbance in this balance, such as excessive estrogen production or insufficient progesterone, can lead to pain, often exacerbated in women withendometriosis by a tendency towards hyperestrogenism.
These hormonal imbalances, which are conducive to inflammation or a reduced anti-inflammatory effect, are warning signs of internal dysfunction that should not be ignored.
No!! it's not normal to ... Suffering from period pains
Absolutely not, enduring painful periods should never be seen as a normal aspect of women's health.
Regular, pain-free periods are a reflection of hormonal and general well-being. All too often, these aches and pains, whether or not related toendometriosis, are mistakenly accepted as a fact of life. And yet, they signal a profound imbalance within our organism.
During the menstrual cycle, our body secretes prostaglandins, essential hormones that facilitate uterine contraction to expel the endometrium.
Although these contractions are natural, excessive menstrual pain, to the point of disrupting daily life or causing nausea, should sound the alarm. They require a medical consultation to rule out the possibility of endometriosis or other medical conditions.
Excess prostaglandins, often the result of inflammation, can lead to over-intense uterine contractions, progressively depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen and exacerbating pain.
This inflammatory imbalance also disrupts hormonal balance and communication between the brain and the ovaries, resulting in either a drop in progesterone, with its anti-inflammatory properties, or an increase in estrogen, which promotes inflammation.
It's a clear warning: if your periods turn into an ordeal, it's imperative to seek medical support to identify any underlying conditions and restore balance to your health.
Is one drug enough to ease your pain?
Menstrual pain, especially when it is a symptom of endometriosis or other conditions, often resists the effect of a simple analgesic. These pains can become so disabling that they interfere with the ability to carry out normal daily activities. Their impact extends beyond the personal, causing repeated absences from school or work.
Any other symptoms?
Painful periods can also be linked to symptoms that make them even more disabling such as :
- exhaustion
- very painful breasts
- irritability
- bloating, digestive problems
- urinary disorders
- migraines
- nausea or vomiting
- discomfort...
Isendometriosis mainly responsible for menstrual pain?
This condition causes inflammation, oxidative stress, immune failure and hormonal imbalance, triggering symptoms such as menstrual pain, heavy and irregular periods, among others: 9 symptoms in all, to be found here.
It affects more than 1 in 8 women worldwide.
Menstrual pain: not just during periods
The menstrual experience is not limited to these few visible days; it extends far beyond them, in a continuum of sensations and symptoms that transcend the week of bleeding.
According to data reported by Le Monde, some 370 million people endure acute menstrual pain, while 186 million suffer fromendometriosis.
What's more, a study by Règles Elémentaires shows that half the population is unaware of menstrual pathologies, and a majority have never received any formal education on the subject. Yet a large majority of French people are in favor of widespread education on menstruation, especially among young people.
Lab de l'Endo, through a survey of over 450 women, points out that pain is not confined solely to menstruation days. In fact, 28% of respondents identified ovulation as the most painful phase, 26% pointed to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), and 46% to menstruation itself.
It's a call to recognize and talk about menstrual pain, not just during menstruation, but throughout the menstrual cycle. A call to action for better understanding and management of this pain, which profoundly affects the lives of millions.
Menstrual Pain: Beyond Endometriosis
Let's discuss not only menstrual pain andendometriosis, but also other disorders that can lead to painful, heavy and irregular periods.
What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, often overshadowed by endometriosis although it contributes to 30% of cases of chronic pelvic pain in women, is characterized by the presence of pelvic varicose veins. The latter, resulting from poor blood circulation in the pelvis, can also affect the legs, disrupt digestion and the urinary system, and cause fatigue and irritability. The preferred treatment, varicose vein embolization, attests to the complexity of this pathology, which straddles several medical disciplines and remains difficult to diagnose.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) causes heavy, irregular periods in a significant proportion of women, affecting over 10% of them - a prevalence comparable to that of endometriosis. Despite its frequency, PCOS receives less attention and resources for its understanding and treatment.
The management of PCOS, like that of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, often requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is essential to explore complementary treatments, whether medical or natural, to alleviate symptoms on a daily basis. These pathologies underline the importance of a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of menstrual disorders, inviting greater awareness and recognition of the various conditions that can impact menstrual health.