Painful Periods: Symptoms

Is it normal to have pain during your period? How much pain?
These are questions that many women ask themselves without necessarily having a clear answer.
Stomach pain, fatigue, backache, nausea... some signs are common, others may be a signal of an imbalance or a deeper problem.

We take a look at the most common symptoms of painful periods: those we know well... and those we too often forget.

What are the symptoms of painful periods?

Painful periods aren't just a temporary discomfort. They can take many forms, ranging in intensity from one cycle to the next. Some pain is physical, others more diffuse, but all can impact daily life. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step to better managing your period.

Classic pains: stomach, back, lower back, legs

This is often where it all begins. The cramp in the lower abdomen , which tightens, which pulses, sometimes from the morning. This type of pain is the most common:

It can be located in the lower abdomen , just above the pubis.

It sometimes radiates to the lower back or kidneys, creating a feeling of heaviness or tension.

In some, the pain extends down to the thighs , like deep muscle fatigue.

These pains are often throbbing , come in waves and can last a few hours or several days depending on the cycles.

Other common symptoms

Physical pain almost never comes alone. Hormones also play a role in other areas:

- Sudden fatigue , at the start of menstruation, as if the energy was suddenly sucked out.

- Digestive problems : bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and even vomiting for some.

- Headaches or migraines that follow the hormonal drop.

And then there are the emotions: irritability, hyper-sensitivity, or that little gray cloud that settles in without warning.

These symptoms may seem minor, but when taken together, they make periods physically and emotionally exhausting .

When is pain considered abnormal?

It's common to hear that "it's normal to have pain during your period." And yet, suffering to the point where you can't move, work, or sleep is not normal. There's a real difference between common menstrual pain and pain that should be a warning sign. Understanding this nuance helps avoid trivializing suffering that could be hiding a deeper problem .

What is the difference between painful and pathological periods?

Period pain can be bothersome without being abnormal. But there are certain signs that should prompt you to ask questions:

1. Severe pain (greater than 6/10) that systematically requires strong medication.

2. Periods that keep you bedridden every month or force you to cancel activities.

3. Discomfort that persists even outside of menstruation .

These elements may indicate a form of severe dysmenorrhea , or even a pathology such as endometriosis. Do not hesitate to discuss it with a health professional.

When should you consult a healthcare professional?

Here are some signs not to be overlooked:

• Your pain prevents you from doing your daily activities every month.
• You have tried several treatments (medications, natural methods) without results.
• You also experience pain during intercourse , ovulation or defecation .
• Your period is very heavy or lasts more than 7 days.

In these cases, a medical consultation is strongly recommended . The goal is not only to provide relief, but to understand what your body is trying to tell you .

Painful periods or endometriosis: how to tell the difference?

When the pain returns every month with the same intensity, or seems to get worse over time, the question arises: is this really normal? Or could it be something else, like endometriosis? We're talking about it more and more, and thankfully so.

But for many, the symptoms remain vague, difficult to identify, and still too often confused with periods that are simply "a little more painful than average."

Typical symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis-related pain often feels a little different. It's deeper, more diffuse, and sometimes difficult to pinpoint. It's called chronic pelvic pain, but it's not always easy to describe.

Some people experience very intense pain during their periods, but also during ovulation, during sexual intercourse, or even when going to the bathroom. It is this recurrence, this feeling that the pain is there outside of their periods too , which can raise alarm bells.

Why is a medical diagnosis essential?

Guessing isn't enough, and self-diagnosis can quickly become a source of anxiety. Endometriosis remains a complex disease, with multiple forms . Only a medical examination (pelvic ultrasound, MRI) can provide more clarity.

And even if you sometimes have to insist or change practitioners to be heard, getting a diagnosis opens the door to appropriate treatment. When in doubt, it's best not to wait. What you're going through deserves to be taken seriously.

The Madame patch : a natural solution for menstrual symptoms

When pain becomes a monthly routine, we often end up looking for a solution that soothes without disrupting everything else. This is where the patch comes in . Discreet, easy to use, and above all natural, it stands out as an interesting alternative for those who want to relieve their symptoms without systematically resorting to medication .

A discreet, practical and effective patch

What often appeals first is its ease of use. There's no need to worry about taking it at a set time or worry about digestive side effects. It's applied to the skin, where the pain is felt, and does its job silently. It doesn't get hot, doesn't stick to clothing, and can go anywhere with you : to work, on the go, or even during a yoga session.

A natural alternative to drug treatments

The Madame patch relies on carefully selected ingredients: CBD, turmeric, peppermint, pomegranate ... All recognized for their anti-inflammatory or relaxing properties. No harsh substances, no controversial ingredients. Just a formula that respects the body and helps reduce pain gently and gradually. It's a more peaceful approach, more in line with the needs of those who want to remain active despite the pain.

When should you consider using an anti-inflammatory patch?

There is no right or wrong time. Some people adopt it as soon as they feel the first twinges, others wait until the pain sets in to apply it. What matters is to listen to yourself .

If you're looking for a solution that fits into your routine without disrupting your daily life, the patch can be a good starting point. It doesn't replace medical attention if the pain becomes too intense, but it can really make a difference in moderately painful cycles, or as a complement to other natural methods.

If you would like to know more about this solution, we have detailed how it works and its benefits in this article: Why choose a patch to relieve painful periods?

FAQ – Everything you need to know about the symptoms of painful periods