Yes, irregular menstruation with PCOS can make period pain worse.
Here’s the Connection Between Irregular Periods in PCOS and Pain
Thickened Uterine Lining
When a woman with PCOS has an irregular or missed period, her body doesn’t shed the uterine lining regularly. This allows the lining to build up and become thicker than normal. When the body finally does menstruate, the uterus has to contract more forcefully to expel this thicker lining, which leads to more intense and painful cramps.
Larger Blood Clots
Thicker lining also results in a heavier menstrual flow, which can cause the formation of larger blood clots. The passage of these larger clots can be very painful.
Inflammation
Women with PCOS often have higher levels of general inflammation in their bodies. This can make them more sensitive to pain and intensify the pain associated with a heavy period after a long, irregular cycle.
According to the PCOS Society of India, PCOS affects an estimated 1 in 5 girls in India. In some parts of India, the prevalence of PCOS is even higher, affecting up to 35% of young women.
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References:
- Times of India – PCOS and PCOD on the rise in Indian women
- Times of India – PCOS leads to diabetes, inflammation and infertility
- Times of India – What You Need to Know About PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments?
- Times of India – Identifying PCOS and when to seek help from professionals
- Think Global Health, India Is Unprepared for a PCOS Crisis
- Max Healthcare – PCOD and PCOS – Symptoms, Causes, Differences & Treatment
- Stafree India – PCOS/ PCOD
- Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology, Leprology – Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- PubMed Central – Prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Hindustan Times – Acne to Infertility: Hidden Impact of PCOS on Women’s Health
- PIB India, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its Complications



