Léa | ⏳ 4 min read

Period pain: how painful is it really?

Menstrual pain, known as dysmenorrhea, is not limited to the abdomen. Here is what the women who experience it describe in concrete terms:

Abdominal cramps are the best-known type of pain. They are caused by contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining. For some, it is a bearable discomfort. For others, the pain is comparable to labor contractions.

Lower back and leg pain often accompany the cramps. Surrounding nerves are triggered by the muscle contractions, which causes pain to radiate into the lower back and sometimes down to the thighs.

Menstrual migraines affect some women at the beginning of their cycle, linked to sudden drops in hormones.

Digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea are common and often underestimated, caused by the 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 period pain is the same. There are two main categories:

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common form of pain without an identified medical cause, linked to an excessive production of prostaglandins. It affects up to 90% of women of childbearing age.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying condition: endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids... In these cases, the pain can become chronic and severe, often rated at 8 or 9 out of 10 by the women who suffer from it.

To put these numbers into perspective:

Pain Level	Equivalent Sensation
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 certain labor contractions

Studies show that some women with endometriosis describe pain equivalent to that of a heart attack or a broken bone, and yet they still go to work.

What is the equivalent of period pain for a man?

This is one of the most frequent questions and one of the most difficult to answer.

Period pain has no direct anatomical equivalent in men. Researchers and doctors often compare severe menstrual cramps to:

Renal colic (kidney stones) due to their spasmodic nature and intensity
Prolonged muscle contractions similar to a severe cramp that lasts for several hours
Certain post-operative abdominal pain

But an intellectual comparison is not enough to truly understand. That is exactly why the Madame Patch period pain simulator was designed: to allow anyone to feel these sensations in a controlled manner, with 19 progressive intensity levels.

👉 Discover how the simulator reproduces menstrual sensations: Men's Period Simulator: An Awareness Tool

Why is period pain so hard to take seriously?

For decades, menstrual pain has been minimized by society, and sometimes by the medical community itself. "It's normal to have pain." "Take a painkiller." 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 represents on a daily basis.

Can you feel period pain yourself?

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 you to progress from a light contraction to a simulation of intense pain.

What users discover:

Levels 1–5: a light contraction, almost pleasant
Levels 8–12: a marked cramp, difficult to ignore
Levels 15–19: an experience that makes you understand what women go through every month

👉 See the reactions of the first users—some have gone viral.

Do you want to know how to use it correctly? Check out our guide: How to use a period simulator?

Period simulator vs. contraction simulator: what's the difference?

Madame Patch offers two distinct simulators, which are often confused:

The period pain simulator reproduces menstrual cramps: low-level, spasmodic, diffuse pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.

The labor contraction simulator reproduces the uterine contractions of labor: more intense, longer, and rhythmic.

Both allow for an embodied understanding of pain that words are not enough to describe.

👉 Learn more: Labor simulator: how does it work and what do you really feel?

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about period pain

Is period pain normal?
A certain amount of discomfort is common, but debilitating pain is never something you should just accept. If your period prevents you from working, sleeping, or getting around, see a doctor—it may be a sign of endometriosis or adenomyosis.

What pain level does a period simulator correspond to?
The Madame Patch simulator allows you to simulate different levels, from mild discomfort (level 1) to intense cramping (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 reproduces muscle contractions in a realistic way. It is an approximation—it does not reproduce all the hormonal and emotional components—but it offers a concrete and often eye-opening physical understanding.

How can you naturally relieve period pain?
Several natural solutions exist: the Madame Patch anti-inflammatory CBD patch, heat (hot water bottle, heating belt), anti-inflammatory herbal teas, magnesium... Check out 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, simulators...).

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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