Why 'Period pain is normal' might be the biggest myth in women's health

For as long as many of us can remember, period pain has been treated as a fact of life. It is something women are expected to live with and rarely question. Calling in sick because of cramps is still met with disbelief or judgment in many homes and workplaces. But the truth is: while some discomfort during menstruation may be common, pain that disrupts your life is not normal, and it should not be ignored.

Knowing when to worry

Mild cramping in the initial days of a period is typically caused by prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that help the uterus shed its lining. This kind of discomfort tends to be short-lived and manageable. But if your period pain forces you to miss school or work, causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stops you from going about your day, it may be time to dig deeper. Pain that severe is often your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong.
Unfortunately, many people never seek help, either because they are told it is just how periods are, or because they are dismissed when they do try. This leads to delayed diagnoses and prolonged suffering, both physically and emotionally.

What could be causing the pain?

There are several gynaecological conditions that can result in excessive or debilitating period pain. One of the most common is endometriosis, where tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and often, deep pelvic pain that worsens over time.

Another condition is adenomyosis, which occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall. It typically leads to painful, heavy periods. Then there are fibroids that are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, which may lead to increased pressure, cramping, and bleeding.

Infections can also play a role. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections and can result in long-term pelvic pain if not addressed early. Even hormonal imbalances can make period cramps more severe by increasing the frequency and strength of uterine contractions.

Why early diagnosis matters

Ignoring persistent period pain doesn’t just affect your quality of life but can also affect your fertility too. Conditions like endometriosis or PID, when undiagnosed or untreated, can cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. Some women live with chronic pain for years, cycling through various treatments without ever receiving a clear diagnosis.
That is why recognising the signs and seeking timely medical advice is so important. A fertility specialist can help identify the underlying cause and discuss treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the diagnosis.




Changing the conversation
The idea that women should simply bear the pain is outdated. Menstrual health deserves the same attention and seriousness as any other aspect of healthcare. It is time we moved past the stigma, listened to women when they describe their pain, and responded with empathy and clinical rigour.

Just because something is common does not mean it is normal. The sooner we unlearn that, the closer we come to ensuring that every woman receives the care and relief she deserves.

Article accredited to Dr Muskaan Chhabra, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar

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