For most of us, our monthly menstruation is an unwelcome guest that often brings along with it a whole slew of other issues, from PMS to body aches, breakouts, and (ugh) the dreaded cramps.
Why do period pains happen?
Sexual wellness educator Andrea Tan explains, “During the period, the uterus contracts spasmodically to expel the mucous membrane that was formed for a possible pregnancy. This alone can cause pain. The contractions of the uterus are also controlled by the hormone prostaglandins. This hormone is a pain messenger and is also involved in inflammation, for example. The higher the prostaglandin level in a person’s body, the stronger the period pain can be.”
If you’re looking for ways to ease your cramps (apart from popping pills), we’ve got a handy round-up below that could aid in offering some relief. But of course, if you’re facing severe pelvic pain, you should always consult a doctor. Endometriosis, for instance, is a body condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside of it, in places like the fallopian tube or ovaries.