We recently published an issue of Body of Knowledge that was all about breaking the patterns of shame and misinformation around our menstrual cycles. But there’s another aspect we want to dig into with all of you: how do you handle cramps and period pain? With over 84% of us dealing with pain during our cycle, we want to know more about how that pain feels, how you manage it, and what support you wish you had to make it through the hardest days. We’ll have two amazing period experts join the discussion over the course of the week: women’s health coach and menstrual cycle awareness advocate Claire Baker and author of Period Queen and the award-winning theatre show My Greatest Period Ever, Lucy Peach.
This is a safe space to share your personal perspectives and advice with fellow people looking to get to know their body better. Thank you for being here.
We've heard there are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary. Would love if one of our experts could explain a little more about the differences between both.
I always felt lucky that I didn't seem to suffer debilitating period pain and heavy flow compared to some of my friends growing up, but I also wouldn't say it was much of a topic of conversation. Still to this day, I attempt to hide a tampon or pad in my pocket or shirt sleeve when on the walk to the restroom to change it.
However, since having children the reintroduction to my period has felt more painful. Unsure if it's just a case of, "absence makes the cramps grow stronger", backlog of shedding that needs to occur, or actual changes to the body and/or cycle. My cycle also seems to lack any pattern, the length and sporadic timing of bleeding and cramping does not jive with my plan-oriented/need for control personality.
I wouldn't say I have many tips, but I do enjoy heat therapy and a nice Epsom salt bath for any ache and pain!
I feel my cramps more in my back then my uterus. It hits hard the very first day of my period and then diminishes quite a bit the following days. It's typically a grit my teeth and bear it type situation. If I don't have to be anywhere, I do sometimes curl up in bed for a bit. I'll sometimes take an Aleve--that's the only medication that works, Aspirin and Advil do nothing--but most of the time I just grit my way through.
Hi, well I have a strange one. Often on the first day of my period (and even the day before it starts), I'll feel pain in my vaginal wall. It's very different than cramps and only comes in short bursts. It's definitely something I've started to experience as I've gotten older / after having my kids. Chloe, reading your message and maybe you can relate? As I read through all of these messages I'm struck by how much we experience pain outside the "normal" areas of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Our periods can really be an all-consuming thing.
We've heard there are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary. Would love if one of our experts could explain a little more about the differences between both.
I always felt lucky that I didn't seem to suffer debilitating period pain and heavy flow compared to some of my friends growing up, but I also wouldn't say it was much of a topic of conversation. Still to this day, I attempt to hide a tampon or pad in my pocket or shirt sleeve when on the walk to the restroom to change it.
However, since having children the reintroduction to my period has felt more painful. Unsure if it's just a case of, "absence makes the cramps grow stronger", backlog of shedding that needs to occur, or actual changes to the body and/or cycle. My cycle also seems to lack any pattern, the length and sporadic timing of bleeding and cramping does not jive with my plan-oriented/need for control personality.
I wouldn't say I have many tips, but I do enjoy heat therapy and a nice Epsom salt bath for any ache and pain!
I feel my cramps more in my back then my uterus. It hits hard the very first day of my period and then diminishes quite a bit the following days. It's typically a grit my teeth and bear it type situation. If I don't have to be anywhere, I do sometimes curl up in bed for a bit. I'll sometimes take an Aleve--that's the only medication that works, Aspirin and Advil do nothing--but most of the time I just grit my way through.
Hi, well I have a strange one. Often on the first day of my period (and even the day before it starts), I'll feel pain in my vaginal wall. It's very different than cramps and only comes in short bursts. It's definitely something I've started to experience as I've gotten older / after having my kids. Chloe, reading your message and maybe you can relate? As I read through all of these messages I'm struck by how much we experience pain outside the "normal" areas of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Our periods can really be an all-consuming thing.