Period pain affects seven in 10 women in the UK, with many describing it as physically and mentally debilitating. Despite its impact, the majority of women are told that experiencing discomfort during their cycle is ‘completely normal’.
A new report sheds light on the scale of period pain experienced by women across the UK, revealing how “excruciating” and “severe” symptoms can disrupt daily life.
The research, involving 5,000 UK women, forms part of a study by monthlies – a brand behind a new natural remedy for menstrual discomfort – and finds women typically grapple with period pain for three days every month.
Alarmingly, one in 10 women rate their pain as excruciating, and nearly a quarter describe theirs as a sharp, stabbing pain.
In search of relief, many of women have consulted doctors, often more than once. Yet, a staggering 78% were assuranced that monthly discomfort is entirely normal, and almost half were advised that hormonal birth control was the only helpful solution.
Ashley Florestal, a Naturopathic Doctor at monthlies, insists that severe period pain should not be an accepted norm.
“Severe period pain is not normal, and women shouldn’t be left to navigate their pain alone without proper support, investigation, or solutions,” she asserted. “What they experience may be common, but that doesn’t mean they have to live with it.”
The report also emphasises the significant impact of period pain on women’s lives. Nearly half of those surveyed confessed that their symptoms are ‘debilitating’, with 31% describing their periods as ‘unmanageable’.
A significant number of women reported being confined to bed (37%) or the sofa (34%) due to the pain. These physical challenges often lead to missed opportunities, with women cancelling social events, avoiding exercise, or needing to take time off work.
Furthermore, the report reveals that period pain can lead to low self-esteem, decreased concentration at work, and a general reluctance to engage in physical contact. Notably, one in 10 women stated that their period pain adversely affects their sex life.
Geneva Sade, a naturopathic nutritionist for monthlies, expressed hope about finding improved ways to manage period pain. “Period pain should never feel like a life sentence,” she declared.
“With deeper understanding through research and advancements in technology, we’re moving toward a future that identifies root causes and empowers women with education and solutions.”