Period Pain | Menstrual Pain | Dysmenorrhea - Overview, Causes & Symptoms

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Period Pain: Is the 'Normal' Pain You Feel Actually Normal?

Priya is 18 and a bright, ambitious college student. Every month, however, she spends the first two days of her period curled up in bed, missing classes and cancelling plans with friends. Like so many others, she’s always been told that this level of period pain is “just a part of being a girl.” But is it?

Priya’s experience is not an isolated one, but a widespread reality for girls & young women across India. A study from NSCB Medical College confirms this, revealing that a staggering 79% of girls experience painful periods. The impact is significant: over 63% of the girls suffering from period pain miss individual classes, and more than half report social withdrawal. [1]

Period pain isn’t just a simple inconvenience; it’s a leading cause of absenteeism and affects quality of life and productivity. The emotional toll of this kind of menstrual pain is also a very real concern.

The Silence of Period Pain: The Reality Behind the 'Sabko Hota Hai' Lie

For millions of Indian girls, period pain isn’t just a physical experience—it’s a rite of passage, a subject surrounded by unspoken rules and dismissive phrases. When a young girl first complains of a sharp cramp, the response from a mother or sister is often a gentle but firm “Beta, sabko hota hai, it’s normal” (Everyone goes through this, it’s normal).

This is a form of cultural conditioning, where the pain is dismissed as a necessary part of womanhood rather than being acknowledged as a valid concern. Small pains are often brushed off with teasing about a low tolerance for pain while severe ones are met with the advice to ‘manage it’. This conditioning normalises period pain suffering and creates an environment where girls, in India, learn to silently endure menstrual pain no matter how severe it might be, and never talk about it.

This silence prevents us from asking a simple but crucial question: “Is this period pain really normal?” It’s this normalisation that keeps us from recognising that debilitating menstrual pain is a very real medical issue that deserves our attention and a conversation. This page is here to break that silence.

Dysmenorrhea: The Clinical Name For Painful Periods

For centuries, menstrual pain has been dismissed as a normal part of life. For years, you’ve likely been using words like “cramps” or “painful periods” to describe what you feel. But for a medical issue this significant, there is an official name – Dysmenorrhea.

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Simply put, dysmenorrhea is the clinical term for severe and painful periods. Its very existence proves that your menstrual pain isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a real health condition that deserves to be taken seriously. This condition is what causes the symptoms you feel every month.

The science behind dysmenorrhea is clear: During your cycle, your body produces hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. These compounds cause the muscles of your uterus to contract, helping to shed the uterine lining. When your body produces an excess of prostaglandins, these contractions can become too strong and lead to the severe period pain you feel.

So, Is Your Period Pain Dysmenorrhea?

For many Indian girls & women, mild discomfort is part of a normal cycle. However, when your period pain is severe enough to stop you from doing daily activities, it’s very likely dysmenorrhea. This condition is what causes the debilitating menstrual ache and other symptoms that can impact your quality of life.

Why Does Period Pain Have a Name?

Medical conditions have names so we can talk about them, research them, and find solutions. A name gives you the power to articulate your pain to a doctor, paving the way for diagnosis and effective treatment. Recognising that your pain has a name is the first step toward finding a path to relief.

What Dysmenorrhea Feels Like?

When Priya, our 18-year-old student, feels her menstrual pain intensify, it’s a sharp, persistent ache in her lower abdomen. But the truth about dysmenorrhea symptoms is that they don’t feel the same for everyone. The pain can manifest in many different ways, and it’s crucial to understand how your body is experiencing it.

For Ishani, Priya’s classmate, the period pain is a constant, dull throb that radiates from her stomach to her lower back, making it hard to sit or stand for long. For Riddhi, the pain is a heavy, intense pressure in her pelvis, as if her uterus is being squeezed. Tarini, on the other hand, describes a sharp, stabbing pain that comes in waves, sometimes making her feel nauseous or dizzy.

The experiences of Ishani, Riddhi, and Tarini show that while dysmenorrhea symptoms are different for every girl, they share a common thread: the pain is a signal that deserves your attention.

To help you articulate what you’re feeling, here is a comprehensive list of the most common period pain symptoms:

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea (Period Pain/ Menstrual Pain)

Cramping Pain: A dull, throbbing, or sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
Lower Back and Thigh Pain: Aches and discomfort that radiate to your lower back and thighs.
Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes.
Nausea and Vomiting: A feeling of sickness and sometimes vomiting.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness.
Diarrhea or Constipation: Digestive issues that can vary during your period.
Dizziness: Lightheadedness or feeling faint.
Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression.

Understanding and articulating these symptoms is your first and most powerful step to #StopThePeriodPain. This is the vocabulary you need to start a conversation with your mother, sister, or gynecologist and find your path to relief. Watch our video series and learn how to decode your period pain.

Dysmenorrhea Causes | Period Pain Causes | Menstrual Pain Causes

Now that you have the vocabulary to describe what your pain feels like, the next step is to understand why it happens. For Priya and the other girls, understanding the reason behind their pain was crucial. The causes of dysmenorrhea are broadly categorized into two types, and knowing the difference is the key to finding the right path to relief.

Primary Dysmenorrhea: The Story of Priya's Pain

Priya’s experience is a classic case of Primary Dysmenorrhea. It is the most common form of menstrual pain and occurs when your body’s natural processes go into overdrive. In India, primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain without an underlying medical condition, is highly prevalent, affecting an estimated 60-90% of teenage girls and young women, according to one study. [2]

As explained earlier, this type of menstrual pain happens because your body produces an excess of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins. These compounds cause the muscles of your uterus to contract, helping to shed the uterine lining. When this process becomes too intense, it leads to the severe pain you feel. The good news is that this type of pain can often be managed with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter pain medication.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea: The Story of Riddhi's Pain

While Priya’s pain is not a sign of an underlying illness, Riddhi’s pain tells a different story—one of Secondary Dysmenorrhea. This type of pain is caused by an identifiable medical condition and is less common, but its prevalence varies based on the specific condition and population studied.

When Riddhi feels a heavy, intense pressure in her pelvis, it’s a signal that something more may be going on. Conditions that can cause Secondary Dysmenorrhea include:

Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, this menstrual pain is not just a part of your monthly period cycle but a symptom of an underlying gynaecological condition.

Understanding whether your pain is a story of Primary or Secondary Dysmenorrhea is the most powerful step you can take. Watch our video series on period pain causes to understand your body’s signals better.
Now that you have the vocabulary and knowledge to understand the ‘why’ behind your pain, the next crucial step is to explore the treatments and solutions available to you.

The Hidden Cost of 'Sabko Hota Hai': Why You Must Not Ignore Period Pain

For generations, the cultural norm in India has been to silently endure period pain. The refrain “Sabko hota hai, it’s normal” has become so deeply ingrained that we often ignore what our bodies are telling us. But as Priya, Ishani, Riddhi, and Tarini’s stories show, ignoring your pain comes at a significant cost, affecting your life in ways you might not even realize.

Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea) Impact on Education and Career

Just like Priya, who misses classes every month due to debilitating pain, millions of Indian girls and young women sacrifice their education and professional growth. This isn’t just about a missed day; it’s about falling behind in studies, missing out on crucial work projects, or being unable to pursue career opportunities. The silent suffering you’re taught to endure has a direct impact on your productivity and ambitions. Studies indicate that up to 41.4% Indian girls miss school due to dysmenorrhea. [3]

Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea) Impact on Mental and Social Health

The physical pain of a menstrual cycle is often accompanied by an emotional toll. Riddhi’s intense pain makes her irritable and withdrawn, causing her to cancel plans with friends and family. Tarini’s constant nausea and dizziness leave her isolated and unable to enjoy social gatherings. This persistent discomfort can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression, a mental health burden that is often dismissed along with the physical pain.

The Risk of Long-Term Health Complications Due To Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea)

Perhaps the most dangerous impact of ignoring your pain is the risk to your long-term health. While Priya’s pain is likely primary dysmenorrhea, Ishani’s story of escalating, chronic pain could be a red flag. Ignoring severe pain can mean you’re overlooking a serious underlying condition, such as Endometriosis or Adenomyosis. When these conditions go undiagnosed, they can lead to long-term health issues, from chronic pain to fertility problems, that could have been managed with early intervention.

Ignoring your period pain is not a sign of strength; it’s a silent risk to your physical, emotional, and professional well-being.

Don’t let your pain control your life anymore. The first step to finding relief is to explore your options. Ready to find a path to a better life? Explore our complete guide to period pain treatment & relief.

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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: