Painful periods: a subject that is still taboo

Extreme fatigue, unbearable cramps, backache, nausea... For many women, periods are not just a temporary discomfort, but a real ordeal. However, this pain, although frequent and sometimes debilitating, remains trivialized, ignored, minimized .
We learn very early on to act as if nothing is wrong. Not to complain. To go to work, study, or play sports while gritting our teeth. Because “it’s normal to be in pain.”

What if, in fact, this normality was the real problem? What if we began to recognize this pain for what it is : a physical reality, sometimes disabling, which deserves to be listened to, taken care of... and above all, finally, discussed.

Suffering trivialized for generations

Painful periods seen as "normal"

“That’s how it is.” “There’s nothing we can do about it.” “All women are in pain.”
We've heard these phrases forever. As a result, generations of women have grown up thinking that menstrual pain is part of the package , that you just have to "tough it out." But being in pain that makes you cry, vomit, or can't get out of bed... that's not normal.
This conditioning has contributed to making symptoms invisible, delaying diagnoses of conditions such as endometriosis, and making this pain a silent burden.

The impact of taboo on women's daily lives

Because we don't talk enough about period pain, we continue to suffer it in the shadows. At work, at school, in sports, in our intimate lives, women often have to deal with the pain in silence .
Some take it upon themselves, abuse painkillers, or miss work with other excuses, failing to acknowledge what they are going through.
This silence has consequences: isolation, guilt, chronic fatigue, and even dropping out of school or work.
It is urgent to rethink our collective relationship with menstrual pain : recognizing it is already a way to begin to relieve it.

Finally, an awareness in society?

Long ignored, menstrual pain is finally beginning to emerge from the shadows. Thanks to the mobilization of certain communities, universities, and businesses, the subject is gradually becoming a real public health issue .
Finally, we're talking about menstrual leave , possible adjustments in studies or at work, and respect for the female body. This is only the beginning, but it's already a giant step towards better recognition.

Menstrual leave in companies and communities

In 2024, the town hall of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine became one of the first communities in France to introduce menstrual leave for its female employees. Other pioneering companies in Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium are following suit.

The goal? To allow menstruating people to rest when they feel the need , without humiliating justification or taboo.
This device, still rare, opens the way to a new way of considering periods: no longer as a weakness, but as a physical reality to be taken into account.

French universities are committed

On the student side, too, things are changing. The University of Angers, for example, has implemented a specific educational arrangement for those suffering from particularly painful periods.

The idea is simple but powerful: don't penalize a student because she's in pain . These initiatives show that young people, often the driving force behind change, are pushing for more listening, flexibility, and recognition of menstrual realities.

Towards better recognition of pain

These still isolated changes reflect one essential thing: we are beginning to listen . Menstrual pain is no longer seen as a nuisance to be hidden, but as a phenomenon that deserves attention.
This beginning of recognition must be accompanied by accessible solutions , educational resources , and above all, a liberated discourse.
Talking about painful periods is not complaining, it is fully existing, without justifying yourself.

Natural solutions to relieve painful periods

Talking is essential. But for those who live with intense pain every month, finding concrete solutions is just as important.
While medications can provide relief, they are not suitable for everyone. More and more women are therefore turning to gentler, more body-friendly approaches to experience their periods differently.

Plants, infusions, gentle movement

Turmeric, ginger, chamomile and lemon balm are plants known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties . In infusions, they can help relax muscles and calm cramps.
Movement is also an ally: menstrual yoga, slow walking, gentle stretching ... These simple gestures stimulate circulation and release endorphins, the famous well-being hormones.
These are often small rituals , integrated into daily life, which allow you to regain a little power over your body during this period.

The Madame patch: a discreet, effective and natural response

Among the most popular natural solutions, the Madame patch stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Composed of ingredients of natural origin such as CBD, turmeric, mint and pomegranate , it sticks to the skin and directly relieves the painful area, without passing through the digestive system.
Discreet and odorless, it works for 24 hours without disrupting the rhythm of the day, whether you are at work, in class or on the move.
To understand how it works and how to use it properly, you can consult our complete guide on the patch for painful periods

May 28 – World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Breaking the silence

Every year, May 28 marks an important date: World Menstrual Hygiene Day .
Created to raise awareness about period poverty, period education and access to sanitary protection around the world, this day is also an opportunity to speak out about everything surrounding menstruation, including pain.

Why we need to talk about pain

Periods are a reality shared by half the population, and yet they remain marginalized, even stigmatized . On May 28, associations, brands, schools and institutions are mobilizing to break taboos, educate, and put menstrual health back at the heart of the debate .

The role of brands, media, schools

Menstrual hygiene is not just about access to protection: it also includes pain management, comfort, and daily well-being.
Recognizing painful periods as a health issue allows every woman to no longer suffer in silence, to ask for help without shame, and to better experience her cycle.
And this also involves information : understanding your body, its signals, and the solutions that exist.
For example, did you know that certain physical activities can relieve menstrual pain ? Check out our guide on how to exercise during your period.

How everyone can take action: education, listening, concrete solutions

Changing mentalities requires education from a young age , more accurate language in the media, inclusive public policies, and accessible solutions.
It's also in the small everyday gestures: listening to a friend without judgment, supporting a colleague who is suffering, or daring to talk about your pain.
And when it comes to solutions, choosing body-friendly options, like the Madame patch, is also an act of autonomy and kindness towards oneself .

FAQ – Painful periods, what we don’t always dare to ask

Can I request a stop or an adjustment?

Yes, in some cases, and more and more organizations are beginning to understand this. Some companies and universities offer menstrual leave or specific accommodations. There's also nothing stopping you from discussing this topic with kindness in your work or study environment. Menstrual pain is nothing to be ashamed of.

What if I'm ashamed to talk about it at work?

It's understandable: the taboo surrounding periods is still strong. But talking about what you're going through, with the right words and in a supportive environment, can open the door to greater listening and understanding. And remember: you don't have to justify feeling pain.