Almost every woman on this planet has asked "Why is my period uncomfortable?!" and most times we get no answers. While mood swings, menstrual cramps, and bloating are to be expected during periods, experiencing an extremely painful period means something else.

Many women have crippling abdominal pain, fatigue, cramps radiating to their lower body and thighs, pain in the uterus, headache, dizziness, loose bowels, and nausea. And yes, that's a lot to deal with and sometimes abnormal!

Here is why you might be experiencing abnormally painful periods

1. Endometriosis

This a severe condition in which Endometrium-like tissue is outside your uterus and other structures throughout the pelvis. It includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and pelvic floor. In severe cases, this can include the bowels, lungs, liver, and even your brain. 

This condition can cause severe abdominal pain and if not treated, it can become a reason for chronic inflammations, adhesions, and blood-filled cysts. So if you are experiencing unusually painful symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. 

2. Dysmenorrhea 

Half of all menstruating women experience painful periods. Period pain that cannot be related to structural or reproductive issues, is often dubbed as primary dysmenorrhea. This is caused by an imbalance or an excess of a fatty hormone known as prostaglandin. This hormone is responsible for contracting the uterus during periods. The contractions result in compressing blood vessels hence cutting down the supply of oxygen to the uterus which causes cramps in the uterus and throughout your lower body. 

3. Uterine Defects 

The development of your uterus as a fetus also impacts your periods and can also lead to infertility. In some cases, the female fetus does develop a uterus completely causing conditions like bicornuate uterus, septate uterus, and unicornuate uterus. These are all structural defects that can lead to painful cramps during your period. 

4. PID 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a reproductive disease that is a major reason for abnormally painful periods in most women. PID is commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections which if left untreated can cause painful inflammation, scaring, and crippling pain. 

5. Copper IUD Insertion 

For those of you who don't know, copper IUD is a non-hormonal birth control. An IUD device is inserted inside a uterus through a procedure that prevents pregnancy for more than 10 years. This works by releasing copper that immobilizes sperm and stops egg implantation. According to experts, IUD insertion can result in heavier and more painful menses especially a few months after the insertion is done.  I had a particularly bad period when I had this in. In the end, it punctured my uterus and I believe, forever made my periods heavier.

Home Care Treatments for Common Period Pain 

For women experiencing Dysmenorrhea, here are a few home care treatments that can ease menstrual cramps and other period symptoms

• Wearing pads or period undies instead of cups or tampons, which can make cramps worse on your heavy days.
• It has been experimented that emotional stress can intensify the period paid. Therefore, you must meditate and relax during your periods 
• Dietary supplements can also help with period pain. Some studies suggest Omega 3 fatty acid and Magnesium intake can reduce period pain 
• Use a heating pad 
• Castor oil packs (we will talk more about this soon!)
• Avoid smoking and alcohol during your period 
• If you are feeling up to it, then LIGHT physical exercise and yoga can also reduce the severity of pain 

If doing all of this doesn’t help, then you should visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis