Menstrual pain affects 80% of women worldwide. For some, the pain is mild and manageable. For others, it becomes a real handicap, affecting their daily lives, work and social life. Behind these figures lie human stories, journeys marked by pain, taboo and sometimes relief once a solution has been found.
In this article, women share their experiences of how they experience menstrual pain, how they manage it, and the impact it has on their lives.
"I had to take days off every month because of my period" - Clara, 29, Paris
"My periods are hell. From the very first day, the cramps become unbearable. I feel nauseous, dizzy and sometimes even vomit. When I started working, I had to take days off every month because I couldn't get out of bed. I consulted several doctors, and they all prescribed anti-inflammatories. But it wasn't enough. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with endometriosis that I finally understood what was causing the pain."
Clara highlights a common problem: the lack of early diagnosis. Many women suffer in silence, thinking that these pains are normal, when in fact they may be a symptom of a pathology such as endometriosis.
"I've always been told it's normal to be in pain" - Sofia, 25, Madrid
"Ever since my first period, I've always had pain. My cramps are so strong that I have to lie down for hours. When I told my mother and aunts about it, they said it was normal. At school, my teachers thought I was exaggerating. For years, I lived with this pain, thinking it was just part of being a woman."
Sofia's story highlights another problem: the trivialization of menstrual pain. In many cultures, pain is considered an unavoidable part of femininity, leading women to avoid seeking help or to minimize their suffering.
"Medication doesn't always work for me" - Élodie, 32, Lyon
"I've tried several treatments: ibuprofen, paracetamol, contraceptives... Nothing works 100%. There are days when the pain is so bad that I have to stop working. I discovered heating patches a few years ago, and they've really helped me manage my cramps better. It's not a miracle solution, but it keeps me going without taking too many drugs."
Élodie's story highlights the search for alternatives to drugs. Many women are turning to natural solutions, such as heating patches, infusions or yoga, to better manage their menstrual pain.
"The pain prevents me from living normally" - Fatima, 19, Casablanca
"I often miss my classes because of my period. My teachers don't understand. For them, periods are not a valid reason for absence. But I can't concentrate in class when my stomach feels like it's on fire. I also feel a lot of shame talking about it. In my family, it's a taboo subject. So I have to suffer in silence."
Fatima's case reflects a reality experienced by many young girls around the world: the stigmatization of menstruation. In some cultures, it is difficult to talk openly about menstruation, leading women to hide their pain and isolate themselves.
"I discovered I had endometriosis after years of pain" - Amélie, 34, Brussels
"For years, I was told that my pain was in my head. The doctors gave me medication without really looking for the cause. I had to see several specialists before I was diagnosed with endometriosis. This diagnosis changed my life. I was finally able to put words to my pain and find suitable solutions."
Amélie highlights the problem of late diagnosis of endometriosis, a disease that affects around 1 in 10 women, but is often ignored or misdiagnosed.
"I feel better now that I practice yoga" - Laura, 27, Milan
"I discovered menstrual yoga through a friend. At first, I was skeptical. But after a few sessions, I started to feel a real difference. My cramps are less intense, and I manage my period stress better. Yoga has become an essential part of my routine, especially during my period."
Laura's story shows that alternative practices, such as yoga or meditation, can help you cope better with menstrual pain as a complement to medical treatment.
"I want to break the taboo of menstruation" - Anaïs, 30, Montreal
"I grew up thinking that periods were something to be ashamed of. I used to hide to change my sanitary pads, and I never talked about it. Today, I want to break that taboo. I've created an Instagram account to talk about periods, menstrual pain, and the solutions that exist. It's time we stop hiding and talk openly about this subject."
Anaïs' story highlights the importance of breaking the taboo around menstruation, enabling women to talk freely about their pain and find support.
"I tried CBD, and it changed my life" - Sarah, 33, London
"I had never heard of CBD until a friend told me about it. I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try. Since then, I've been using it every month during my period, and my pain has decreased significantly. I hardly take any medication anymore, and I feel much better."
Sarah's case shows that CBD is becoming a popular solution for managing menstrual pain, not least because of its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.
Summary
Menstrual pain is a reality for millions of women around the world. Yet this pain is often downplayed, misunderstood or shrouded in taboo. The testimonials shared in this article highlight several issues:
- Lack of early diagnosis for diseases such as endometriosis.
- The trivialization of menstrual pain, leading women to suffer in silence.
- Cultural taboos around menstruation, which limit women's ability to talk freely about their pain.
- The search for alternatives to drugs, such as heating patches, yoga or CBD.
These testimonials also show the importance of opening up dialogue about menstruation and encouraging women to share their experiences. Talking about menstrual pain not only helps to break the taboo, but also to find appropriate solutions for coping better.
References
- Harel, Z. (2006). Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: Etiology and management. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Available here
- Iacovides, S., et al. (2015). What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: A critical review. Human Reproduction Update. Available here
- Dawood, M. Y. (2006). Primary Dysmenorrhea: Advances in Pathogenesis and Management. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Available here
- Johnston-Robledo, I., & Chrisler, J. C. (2013). The Menstrual Mark: Menstruation as Social Stigma. Sex Roles. Available here
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