Over having painful periods ?
I don’t know about you, but painful periods are not fun at all. Yet, many of us are told growing up that period pain is “normal.” The truth? It’s not. Mild discomfort can be expected, but debilitating pain that requires medication or days off work is not normal.
Painful periods are known as dysmenorrhea in otherwise healthy women. If the pain is caused by an underlying health condition, it’s referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea.
Why We Experience Period Pain
Period pain occurs due to hormonal changes and increased pain sensitivity. During menstruation:
Prostaglandin production rises, leading to uterine contractions (aka cramps).
Inflammatory cytokines increase, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and general discomfort.
The intensity of cramps depends on how much prostaglandin is released.
Painful periods can also signal underlying health conditions such as:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Obstructions in the reproductive tract
Adenomyosis
How to Support Your Body Through Your Cycle
1. Increase Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Incorporate foods that help reduce inflammation:
Nuts and seeds
Oily fish
Culinary spices like ginger and turmeric
Green tea and raw cacao
A wide variety of fruits and vegetables
At the same time, try to reduce foods that can increase inflammation, such as:
Processed foods
Sugar and alcohol
Artificial flavours and colours
Gluten and/or dairy if you are sensitive
2. Support Detoxification Pathways
Helping your body remove excess hormones and toxins can ease period pain.
Diet: Eat plenty of fibre and cruciferous vegetables daily (think broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy).
Lifestyle: Regular exercise, lymphatic massage, and sauna sessions can all support detoxification.
Hydration: Drinking enough water to flush out toxins, aiming for 2-3lts of water
3. Simple Remedies for Relief
Fresh ginger tea: Drink 2–3 cups daily leading up to your period and during the first 1–2 days.
Heat and rest: Support your body and nervous system. It’s okay to slow down during this phase.
Remember
Being in pain during your period is not normal, and you deserve to be heard and healed. If your blood tests come back “normal” but you’re still experiencing symptoms, there’s likely another underlying cause. Together, we can work to find the root cause and support your body naturally.
