Your Period Pain Isn’t Something You Have to Live With
How many times have you been told that excruciating period pain is just “part of being a woman”? How often have you canceled plans, missed work, or spent nights curled up in agony, thinking this was your normal?
You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong to think something feels off.
This July marks Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on a condition that affects up to 80% of women by age 50, yet remains shrouded in silence and misconception. For too long, women have been conditioned to normalize debilitating symptoms, to push through pain that would send anyone else to the emergency room, and to accept that heavy bleeding and severe cramps as just the price of womanhood.
But here’s what you need to know:
That level of suffering isn’t normal — and it’s not something you have to endure.
Let’s start by busting some common myths:
Period Myths vs. Facts 🩸
| MYTH | FACT |
|---|---|
| “Severe period pain is normal, just deal with it.” | Pain that disrupts daily life, requires prescription medication, or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter meds is not normal. It may signal fibroids or other conditions. |
| “Heavy bleeding is just part of having periods.” | Soaking through a pad/tampon every hour, passing clots larger than a quarter, or bleeding for more than 7 days are red flags, not normalcy. |
| “You should tough it out until menopause.” | There are effective treatments available now including hormonal therapy and minimally invasive procedures. You don’t have to wait years for relief. |
| “It’s all in your head.” | Fibroids are real, physical growths that can cause life-disrupting symptoms. Your pain is valid, and you deserve answers. |
Red Flags to Watch For:
If your period is interfering with your life, it’s time to take notice. Here are signs that your symptoms may need medical attention:
Bleeding that disrupts your life:
- Changing a pad or tampon every hour for several hours straight
- Using two pads at once or a tampon plus a pad
- Bleeding through overnight protection while sleeping
- Periods lasting longer than 7 days
Clots and flow:
- Blood clots larger than a quarter (especially multiple ones)
- Sudden gushes of blood when you stand up
- Flooding that makes you afraid to leave the house
Pain that’s more than “cramps”:
- Period pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
- Pelvic pain or pressure between periods
- Pain so severe it makes you miss work, school, or activities
- Needing prescription pain medication just to function
Other warning signs:
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest (possibly from anemia)
- Frequent urination or feeling like you can’t empty your bladder
- Lower back pain during your period
The bottom line is: If your period regularly interferes with your daily life, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider. You don’t have to suffer in silence – effective treatments exist.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
When you do speak to a healthcare provider, go prepared. These questions can guide the conversation:
About your symptoms:
- “Could my heavy bleeding/pain be caused by fibroids?”
- “What tests can we do to check for fibroids?”
- “How do my symptoms compare to what’s considered normal?”
About treatment options:
- “What are ALL my treatment options, from least to most invasive?”
- “What are the pros and cons of each treatment for someone my age?”
- “How will treatment affect my fertility/future pregnancies?”
About your specific situation:
- “How large are my fibroids and where are they located?”
- “Are my fibroids likely to grow or change over time?”
- “What symptoms should I watch for that would require immediate care?”
And most importantly, don’t accept dismissive answers:
- Ask to explore treatment options beyond just managing pain
- Ask for referral to a specialist who focuses on fibroid treatment, and
- If needed, seek a second opinion.
Many women believe that severe period pain and heavy bleeding are just part of the deal. But your symptoms could signal uterine fibroids or another treatable condition. Let this be your reminder:
Your pain is real. Your concerns are valid. And you deserve answers and options.
