Period cramps experienced each month can be both physically and mentally troubling, almost as if your insides are fighting against you, causing chaos in your lower abdomen and back. At times, the discomfort can become so severe that you find yourself canceling all your activities, retreating to bed, and reaching for your favorite comfort foods and snacks.

However, similar to how your period evolves over time, could your menstrual pain also change, and what implications does this have for your health?

Menstrual cramps are becoming more prevalent, but they are often only associated with menstruation, regarded just as a symptom of the period. Nonetheless, they also require specific attention to more accurately pinpoint potential underlying health issues, from intensity to changes as one ages.

In a discussion with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant, Medical Director, and Director of the Medical Genetics Program at Jindal IVF, Chandigarh, provided her perspectives on menstrual pain and how it can vary with age.

She presented statistics that illustrate the prevalence of period pain among women. Dr. Sheetal noted, “Menstrual pain affects 84. 1 per cent of women, with 43. 1 per cent experiencing it during every cycle and 41 per cent during some. ”

Additionally, Dr. Sheetal Jindal offered this detailed guide on menstrual pain, covering the common type and how to determine when pain is excessive:

What is the common type of period pain?

• The more common type, primary dysmenorrhoea, usually starts in the early years of menstruation and is not linked to any underlying condition.
• It causes cramping or heaviness in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs and often improves with painkillers, heat, or gentle activity.
• If pain interferes with daily life, it could be secondary dysmenorrhoea linked to conditions like endometriosis or fibroids and should be assessed by a specialist.

Can period pain change with age?

• While generally, period pain in the 20s tends to become more manageable as cycles regulate and hormonal contraception offers relief, and in the 30s, some may even notice improvement after childbirth, each body is unique and may experience changes differently.
• For some, pain may persist or even worsen in the 30s due to underlying conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. It’s important to pay attention to what feels normal for your body and seek medical advice if patterns shift noticeably.

Should you track your period pain?

• Tracking period pain offers valuable insight into how it varies across cycles. Pain can fluctuate due to hormonal shifts, lifestyle factors, or underlying conditions.
• Noting the timing, intensity, duration, and response to remedies helps identify patterns and changes over time. This information can be especially useful for healthcare providers when evaluating symptoms.
• Consistent tracking can also highlight when pain moves beyond what is typical, potentially indicating secondary dysmenorrhoea or other issues that require medical assessment.

How much pain is too much, and when to see a doctor?

• Pain that disrupts daily life, interferes with work, sleep, or routine activities, or does not respond well to over-the-counter treatments is considered more than typical.
• If the pain is worsening over time, lasts beyond the first few days of menstruation, or is accompanied by symptoms like heavy bleeding, nausea, or pain during sex, it may signal an underlying condition. Persistent or severe menstrual pain should not be ignored and is a valid reason to consult a gynaecologist for proper evaluation.

5 remedies to soothe period pain

There is no single solution for period cramps, but several remedies can offer relief. Try these:

1. There is a benefit in using a warm compress on the lower abdomen to relax muscle tension.
2. Light exercise, like walking or gentle yoga, boosts circulation and eases pain.
3. There is support for over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid.
4. Try sipping herbal teas like ginger or chamomile.
5. Engage in deep breathing or mindfulness techniques to reduce stress-related tension.

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