More Answer For You
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Hair Loss?
- What are The Types of Prostaglandins and Their Functions?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause High Blood Pressure?
- Can Prostaglandins Cause Anxiety?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Inflammation?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Fever?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Heartburn During Periods?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Heavy Periods?
The primary function of prostaglandins in the uterus is to act as a chemical “trigger.” They signal the uterine muscles to contract and initiate your period.
1. How Prostaglandins Cause Periods
During each menstrual cycle, if an egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining (endometrium) must be shed. As the cycle ends, the body releases prostaglandins to signal the uterine muscles to squeeze. This “squeezing” helps detach and expel the lining from the body. This is the biological process behind menstrual cramps.
2. The Link to Excessive Period Pain
If the level of prostaglandins in your system is too high, these muscle contractions become more intense and frequent. These powerful contractions can momentarily squeeze nearby blood vessels, briefly cutting off the oxygen supply to the uterine muscle tissue. This temporary lack of oxygen is what causes the sharp, throbbing sensation known as excessive period pain.
3. Other Functions of Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are versatile chemical messengers that serve the reproductive system in other vital ways:
- Ovulation: They help the follicle rupture to release an egg.
- Labour and Childbirth: They are the primary signals that soften the cervix and induce the powerful contractions needed for delivery.
- Blood Clotting: They help regulate blood flow and the constriction of vessels within the reproductive tract to manage bleeding.
More Answer For You
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Hair Loss?
- What are The Types of Prostaglandins and Their Functions?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause High Blood Pressure?
- Can Prostaglandins Cause Anxiety?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Inflammation?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Fever?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Heartburn During Periods?
- Do Prostaglandins Cause Heavy Periods?
Hit Up Our Period Pain Calculator
For real, how bad is your pain? Our interactive tool uses a 1-10 pain scale and a few quick questions to help you get the full picture. In just a few clicks, you’ll know if your pain is a chill or a major red flag.



