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Léa | ⏳ 4 min read
What women really feel during their periods
Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is not limited to the abdomen. Here's what women who experience it describe:
Abdominal cramps are the most common type of pain. They are caused by uterine contractions expelling its lining. For some, it's a bearable discomfort. For others, the pain is comparable to labor contractions.
Lower back and leg pain often accompany cramps. The surrounding nerves are affected by muscle contractions, causing referred pain in the lower back and sometimes extending to the thighs.
Menstrual migraines affect some women from the beginning of their cycle, linked to sudden drops in hormones.
Digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea are frequent and often underestimated, caused by prostaglandins involved in uterine contractions.
Intense fatigue can make it impossible to work, concentrate, or simply get through a normal day.
💜 Do you suffer from painful periods and are looking for natural solutions? Discover our natural pain relief patch, effective in 20 minutes.
The intensity of period pain: from discomfort to debilitating
Not all painful periods are alike. There are two main categories:
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common form of pain with no identified medical cause, linked to excessive prostaglandin production. It affects up to 90% of women of childbearing age.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying pathology: endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids... In these cases, the pain can become chronic and severe, often rated 8 or 9 out of 10 by women who suffer from it.
To put these figures into perspective:
| Pain Level | Perceived Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1–3 / 10 | Mild discomfort, easily managed |
| 4–6 / 10 | Significant pain, difficulty concentrating |
| 7–8 / 10 | Intense pain, reduced mobility |
| 9–10 / 10 | Debilitating pain, comparable to some labor contractions |
Studies show that some women with endometriosis describe pain equivalent to a heart attack or a broken bone, and yet they continue to go to work.
What is the equivalent of period pain for a man?
This is one of the most frequent and difficult questions to answer.
Period pain has no direct anatomical equivalent in men. Researchers and doctors often compare severe menstrual cramps to:
- Renal colic (kidney stones) for their spasmodic nature and intensity
- Prolonged muscle contractions similar to a severe cramp that lasts several hours
- Certain post-operative abdominal pains
But an intellectual comparison is not enough to truly understand. This is precisely why the Madame Patch period pain simulator was designed: to allow anyone to experience these sensations in a controlled manner, with 19 progressive intensity levels.
👉 Discover how the simulator reproduces menstrual sensations: Period simulator for men: an awareness tool
Why is period pain so difficult to take seriously?
For decades, menstrual pain has been minimized by society, and sometimes by the medical profession itself. "It's normal to be in pain." "Take a paracetamol." These responses have led millions of women to never seek help.
Today, studies show that severe dysmenorrhea is chronically underdiagnosed. On average, it takes 8 to 11 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women.
This lack of understanding is also a communication problem: without having experienced it, it is very difficult to imagine what this pain means in everyday life.
Can one feel period pain oneself?
Yes, and more and more people are doing so.
The Madame Patch period pain simulator uses electrostimulation (TENS) technology to reproduce the muscular sensations of menstrual cramps. With 19 intensity levels, it allows for a gradual progression from a slight contraction to a simulation of intense pain.
What users discover:
- Level 1–5: a slight, almost pleasant contraction
- Level 8–12: a distinct cramp, difficult to ignore
- Level 15–19: an experience that helps understand what women go through every month
👉 See the reactions of the first users, some have gone viral.
Want to know how to use it correctly? Consult our guide: How to use a period simulator?
Period simulator vs. labor simulator: what's the difference?
Madame Patch offers two distinct simulators, often confused:
The period pain simulator reproduces menstrual cramps – low, spasmodic pain, diffused in the lower abdomen and lower back.
The labor contraction simulator reproduces uterine contractions during labor – more intense, longer, and rhythmic.
Both allow for an embodied understanding of pain that words alone cannot describe.
👉 Learn more: Labor simulator: how does it work and what does it really feel like?
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Period Pain
Is period pain normal?
Some discomfort is common, but debilitating pain is never inevitable. If your periods prevent you from working, sleeping, or moving around, consult a doctor; this could signal endometriosis or adenomyosis.
What level of pain does a period simulator correspond to?
The Madame Patch simulator can simulate different levels, from slight discomfort (level 1) to an intense cramp (level 19). Most men reach their limit between levels 10 and 15, where many women start their day.
Can men really feel period pain with a simulator?
The simulator realistically reproduces muscle contractions. It is an approximation; it does not reproduce all hormonal and emotional components, but it offers a concrete and often profound physical understanding.
How to naturally relieve period pain?
Several natural solutions exist: the Madame Patch anti-inflammatory CBD patch, heat (hot water bottle, heating pad), anti-inflammatory infusions, magnesium... Consult our guide to natural solutions for painful periods.
Written by Léa, Naturopath specializing in the female cycle. Since 2022, I have been writing content to enlighten you on all topics related to painful periods (PMS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, simulator...).
Léa | Editorial Manager for Menstrual Health, Madame Patch
Since 2022, I have been writing content to educate you on all topics related to painful periods (PMS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, simulator, etc.).
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