I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant. Among the whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, anticipation—one unexpected thought stood out:
“Oh my goodness, I get 18 months without my periods!”
For years, I had suffered through agonising cycles, but like so many others, I had been told that it was just part of being a woman. I had internalised the idea that period pain was normal, that I should just get on with it. So, the idea of nearly two years of freedom from that misery felt like an unexpected bonus.
Except it wasn’t.
The reality? I only got 10 months. Amelia arrived early at seven months, and my period made its grand return just three months later. Pissed off was not the word. Seriously, how unfair is that? I thought I was getting a well-earned break, and instead, my body went, “Surprise! You’re not off the hook.”
And what’s worse? Since Amelia was born, my hormones still haven’t gone back to normal. I truly believe that, as an older mum, I’m actually going through perimenopause—which means my periods are now heavier, more painful, and even more unpredictable than before. It’s like my body just went, “Oh, you thought pregnancy and birth were hard? Here’s the next level of chaos!”
I knew periods were rough, but I didn’t expect them to get worse. And now, as I lie here, curled up in bed in excruciating pain, barely able to move and reluctant to stray too far from the bathroom, I can’t help but ask:
Why aren’t we taking period pain seriously?
The Reality of Period Pain
Research has shown that period pain can be as painful as a heart attack—yet for generations, women have been dismissed, gaslit, and told that it’s just part of life. We hear phrases like:
• “It’s just bad cramps.”
• “You’ll grow out of it.”
• “Just take some painkillers.”
• “You’re exaggerating—it can’t be that bad.”
But for so many of us, period pain is not just a mild inconvenience. It can be debilitating, affecting work, education, mental health, and overall quality of life. Some women end up in A&E, unable to cope with the level of pain they are experiencing—yet many are still not taken seriously.
So why is this still happening?
When Period Pain Isn’t ‘Normal’
While some level of discomfort during menstruation is common, severe period pain can often be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Yet, many of these conditions remain underdiagnosed, with women waiting years—sometimes decades—for a proper diagnosis.
Here are some of the key conditions linked to severe period pain:
1. Endometriosis
One of the most painful and underdiagnosed conditions, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, causing severe pain, inflammation, and even organ damage. The average time to diagnosis? 8 years.
Symptoms include:
✔ Intense pelvic pain that can last beyond the period
✔ Heavy or irregular bleeding
✔ Pain during or after sex
✔ Fertility struggles
✔ Digestive issues and bloating (sometimes called “endo belly”)
2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular or painful periods, often with heavy bleeding or long cycles. It is also linked to:
✔ Hormonal imbalances (high androgens leading to acne or excess hair growth)
✔ Weight gain and insulin resistance
✔ Cysts on the ovaries
✔ Increased risk of infertility and metabolic conditions
3. Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus, causing intense pain and heavy bleeding. It is sometimes mistaken for fibroids and can lead to:
✔ Severe cramps
✔ Heavy or prolonged periods
✔ A swollen or tender uterus
✔ Pain during sex
4. Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, intense cramps, and pressure on surrounding organs. Symptoms can include:
✔ Heavy periods with clotting
✔ Pelvic pressure or bloating
✔ Pain during intercourse
✔ Urinary issues
5. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, where hormone levels fluctuate wildly. This can result in:
✔ Heavier, longer, and more painful periods
✔ Unpredictable cycles (some months skipping, other months doubling up)
✔ Worsening PMS and mood swings
✔ Hot flashes and night sweats
✔ Increased fatigue and brain fog
And yet, perimenopause is rarely discussed, leaving many women confused, frustrated, and struggling to get medical support.
Why Aren’t We Talking About This?
For so long, conversations about menstrual health have been swept under the rug. From school classrooms to doctors’ offices, there has been a systemic failure to take women’s pain seriously.
Here’s what needs to change:
✅ Education – More awareness about what ‘normal’ period pain looks like versus symptoms of a medical condition.
✅ Better medical training – Too many GPs and healthcare providers still dismiss menstrual pain.
✅ Faster diagnoses – No one should have to wait nearly a decade for a condition like endometriosis to be recognised.
✅ More research – Despite affecting millions of people, menstrual conditions are underfunded in medical research.
What Can You Do If You’re Suffering from Severe Period Pain?
If your periods are impacting your daily life, don’t ignore it. Here’s how you can advocate for yourself:
✔ Track your symptoms – Keep a diary of your pain levels, cycle length, and additional symptoms to discuss with a doctor.
✔ Push for tests – Request ultrasounds, blood tests, and referrals to a gynaecologist if needed.
✔ Get a second opinion – If a doctor dismisses your pain, don’t be afraid to seek another medical professional.
✔ Find support – Connect with advocacy groups and online communities to share experiences and find advice.
Final Thoughts
I wish I had known years ago that my pain wasn’t just something I had to endure. I wish someone had told me that periods shouldn’t leave me unable to function, stuck in bed, or doubled over in pain.
And now, as I navigate the joys of perimenopause (because clearly, my body thought I needed another hormonal adventure), I’m realising just how ignored and unprepared we are when it comes to women’s health.
If we can accept that a heart attack is a medical emergency, why are we still treating period pain like it’s no big deal?
It’s time we start listening, learning, and demanding change.
If you’ve struggled with period pain, I’d love to hear your experience—let’s keep this conversation going. Comment below and share your thoughts!
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