Period Pain and what is normal pain?

There are two types of period pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea is one and the other as secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmeorrhea is classified as mild cramping located in lower pelvis area or back. It can occur on the first and or second day of your period flow, it improves with an anti inflammatory such as ibuprofen. It shouldn’t interfere with daily activities. This a normal period and period pain. Normal period pain is caused by the release of prostaglandins and usually improves with age.

What causes it?

The reason why periods are painful in primary dysmenorrhoea comes down to natural compounds, known as prostaglandins, produced in the body.

Prostaglandins are involved in many bodily processes, including inflammation and digestion. They are also responsible for the contractions (tensing and relaxing) of the muscles of the uterus (womb).

Severe period pain (secondary dysmenorrhea) is throbbing, burning, searing, or stabbing pain that occurs during the flow and/or between periods. It doesn’t improve with ibuprofen and can be so bad that you vomit or miss school or work. Further investigation is required to establish if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or fibroids.

How can a nutritionist help with period pain?

Addressing inflammation and hormone imbalances are key which occur in a consultation.

There are nutrients that has shown to reduce the pain these include magnesium, zinc, DIM, NAC and turmeric. Following an anti inflammatory diet is also key. It's also important to know when it's okay to manage the pain on your own, and when it's better to reach out for extra help.