What are Period Pains?
Period pain, or menstrual cramps, is a common experience for many women. While mild discomfort is normal, severe pain can be debilitating. When period cramps become excessively intense, they are medically termed dysmenorrhea. According to leading obstetrics and gynecology associations, more than half of menstruating women experience some level of pain every month.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re familiar with period cramps—especially the uterine contractions that start just before or during menstruation. These cramps typically affect the lower abdomen, thighs, or lower back, but pain can also occur at other times in the menstrual cycle, such as during ovulation.
While most menstrual cramps are harmless, severe or persistent pain may indicate an underlying condition like endometriosis or adenomyosis. Unfortunately, period pain is often dismissed or overlooked, leaving many women suffering in silence. If your pain is intense, recurring, or interfering with your daily life, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider as it could be something else entirely.
Why are Period Pains Painful?
The primary cause of menstrual pain is prostaglandins—hormone-like compounds that regulate inflammation and uterine contractions. When your period begins, prostaglandin levels surge, making cramps most intense on the first day. As levels decline, the pain usually subsides.
However, not all period pain is created equal. Some women experience secondary dysmenorrhea, which stems from underlying medical conditions. If your cramps are unusually severe or worsen over time, they may be linked to conditions like:
- Endometriosis - Quite a painful condition, this is where tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries and tissue lining of the pelvis.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. While cramping is common during menstruation, those with endometriosis typically experience significantly more intense pain that may worsen over time.
Additional symptoms include painful periods (dysmenorrhea), pain during or after sex, discomfort with bowel movements or urination—especially around menstruation—excessive bleeding, and, in some cases, infertility, as the condition is sometimes first detected during fertility evaluations.
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, which tend to worsen before or during menstruation. - Adenomyosis - Adenomyosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall, causing symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, and cramping.
Adenomyosis can cause several symptoms, particularly during menstruation, such as painful periods and heavy bleeding.
Other symptoms may occur at any point in the menstrual cycle and include pelvic pain (pain in the lower abdomen), bloating, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the tummy, and pain during sex. However, some individuals with adenomyosis may experience no symptoms at all. - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects the function of a woman's ovaries.
The three main features of PCOS include irregular periods, meaning the ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation); excess androgen, which refers to high levels of "male" hormones in the body that can lead to physical signs like excessive facial or body hair; and polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries become enlarged and contain numerous fluid-filled sacs (follicles) surrounding the eggs. Despite the name, these are not actual cysts. - Uterine Fibroids - Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They vary in size and are also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.
Many women with fibroids are unaware of their condition due to a lack of symptoms. However, about one in three women with fibroids may experience symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, abdominal pain, lower back pain, a frequent need to urinate, constipation, and pain or discomfort during sex.
Can I use a TENS Machine for Period Pain?
TENS Machines have become a popular device for those looking for period pain relief, and they're incredibly easy to use and subtle when wearing clothes over them. But here are a mix of strategies you can use, including a TENS Machine.
- TENS Machines
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices have become a popular alternative to painkillers. These small, wearable machines deliver mild electrical pulses through electrode pads placed on the skin, helping to: - Blocks pains signals to the brain
- Improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation
- Stimulates endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever.
There are a few TENS Machines we recommend for period pain relief, such as:
- Combo 3 TENS, EMS and Massage Machine: Incredibly easy to use, one of our most popular devices and comes with unique style electrodes.
- Dual Channel TENS and EMS Machine: Similar to the Combo 3, but these comes with much electrodes (one of the largest electrodes on the market)
- Premier PRO Tens & EMS Machine - A popular machine packed with advanced features, however this machine is not wireless. - Supplements
Some supplements have been known to help with menstrual pain, some of these supplements include:
- Starflower Oil - These are known to help with supporting hormonal balance.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids - These supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease the pain.
- Vitamin B12 - These supplements can generally help with overall menstrual health.
- Magnesium - Helps relax you, your muscles and has been known to help with reducing cramping. - Medication
A typical go to for those struggling with period pains, surveys we have noted have mentioned that 62% have tried or are trying over the counter pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen) to help manage their overall symptoms.
That being said, long term use of NSAID's may have side effects like stomach ulcers or allergic reactions, which could prolong pain. - Dietary
In all honesty, it's likely the last thing you'd want to consider, however reducing processed foods, caffeine and excessive sugar can help manage the overall pain and inflammation.
Some good foods to help with menstrual pain that have anti-inflammatory benefits are nuts, fatty fish, leafy green and similar.
How does a TENS Machine help with Period Pains?
A randomised clinical trial investigated the effects of TENS therapy on women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps without an underlying condition such as endometriosis).
The study involved 32 participants who were randomly assigned to use either a real TENS machine or a placebo device.
The results were compelling:
- Significant Pain Relief: Among those using the real TENS machine, 53% reported good to excellent pain relief, compared to just 3.2% in the placebo group.
- Reduction in Additional Symptoms: Women using TENS therapy experienced fewer associated menstrual symptoms such as clotting, diarrhea, heavy menstrual flow, and fatigue.
- Less Reliance on Medication: One-third of TENS users found that they did not need any additional pain medication. Those who did require medication needed significantly lower doses than those in the placebo group.
Other studies have also supported the effectiveness of TENS machines in relieving period pain.