Painful periods – why there’s no need to suffer in silence
When Dhruti Shah was growing up, her family were comfortable with talking about their bodies – so when her periods started at age 14, she felt well prepared. But after just two months of pain-free menstruation, she started to experience painful periods on a regular basis.
“To this day, my periods are painful most months,” Dhruti, 41, explains. “I know I'll bleed heavily, and I know my mood will change. I don’t let it hold me back, though – instead, I've adapted my lifestyle and learned how to be kinder to myself.”
A freelance creative practitioner, Dhruti has sought help from her GP, and over the years, with medical support, has tried various ways to relieve her symptoms – some of which seem to suit her better than others. “I use pain relief patches, as I’ve found they help,” she says.
Dhruti hasn't let her painful periods hold her back (Tim Anderson)Period pain has been described by some as feeling “almost as bad as a heart attack” . But thankfully, women like Dhruti are gaining the confidence to speak out and admit that periods can be… well, a pain.
“I think it's important that people of all genders are able to discuss this issue openly,” Dhruti says. “Why should we feel uncomfortable? At the end of the day, the menstrual cycle is a natural bodily function, so I’m glad there's a lot more conversation happening around painful periods.”
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'Why should we feel uncomfortable?'
Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist for Boots, agrees. “After 30 years as a pharmacist, I’ve noticed there's now much more willingness to talk about this,” she says. “Most women experience period pain at some point in their lives, although every case is different.
Period pain may be dull and constant, or come in intense spasms. It can also vary from period to period. Some women find that it improves after childbirth or as they get older.
'In most cases, period pain is mild enough to be treated at home, but you should always speak to a GP if period pain is severe.'
Claire also suggests self-help measures such as taking a warm bath or shower, gently massaging your lower tummy and doing some light exercise during your period; she adds that products such as period pants and menstrual cups might help you feel more comfortable while working out.
“If you’re at home on your sofa and you find warmth soothing, curling up with a hot water bottle can be really comforting, or when you're out and about, a heat pad can provide warmth for a number of hours and is quite discreet.”
Your pharmacist can advise on treatments for period pain (Arman Zhenikeyev)However you prefer to manage your periods, Boots pharmacies are there to help. “Come and talk to the pharmacy team at your local Boots,” Claire advises. “Boots pharmacists now have access to additional training on some aspects of women’s health. They can help you with advice, and recommend products if appropriate.
“Pain relief medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if they are suitable for you. A TENS machine, via electrical stimulation of the nerve endings, can also temporarily relieve minor pain.
Ask the pharmacy team about pain-relief patches, which can provide up to 12 hours of relief. There are also some pharmacy medicines that are specifically for period pain; these may be considered if suitable for you.”
You can also access advice and, if appropriate, treatment for period pain from the Boots’ Online Doctor Period Pain service via Boots Health Hub†
**All products subject to availability. Most Boots stores. Boots superintendent pharmacist is not endorsing any of the named products above. †Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability, charges apply.
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