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.

An educational text-based graphic explaining the function of prostaglandins in the uterus, featuring a clear heading asking “What Is the Function of Prostaglandins in the Uterus?” followed by concise explanatory text stating that uterine prostaglandins act as a chemical trigger that signals uterine muscle contractions and initiates menstruation and the menstrual cycle, with additional information noting their broader role as chemical messengers involved in ovulation, labour and childbirth, and the regulation of blood flow in the female reproductive system, presented in a clean, informative layout suitable for women’s health education and reproductive health awareness. The graphic portraits the campaign message "STOP The Period Pain." Which is a knowledge initiative campaign by Blue Cross Laboratories the makers of meftal spas

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

Period Pain Calculator Section

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.

Don’t Take Period Pain Lightly.

Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is a real medical issue.
Visit a gynaecologist and #StopThePeriodPain

Don't take period pain lightly