Did you know that 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis, but many go undiagnosed for years?
A patient recently visited my clinic with a concern I hear far too often. She hesitated for a moment before asking,
“Doctor, is it normal to have unbearable pain during periods?”
She had been dealing with severe cramps, heavy bleeding, and exhaustion for years. Every month, she would plan her life around her period, knowing she’d have to miss work or cancel plans because the pain was just too much to handle. She assumed this was just part of being a woman.
But here’s the thing—it’s not. Painful Periods Are NOT Normal
There’s a common misconception that period pain is something you just have to endure. Yes mild cramps are normal. But when the pain is so intense that it disrupts your daily life, it could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or PCOS.
I explained to her that period pain shouldn’t leave you curled up in bed for days. It shouldn’t make you pop painkillers like candy just to get through work. And it definitely shouldn’t be dismissed with,
“It’s just part of being a woman.”
She looked surprised. “But I thought this was normal,” she said. Breaking the Stigma Around Women’s Health
This is exactly why we need to talk about menstrual health more openly. So many women go
years—sometimes decades—without realizing that their pain isn’t normal. They don’t seek help
because they think they’re just being dramatic.
We discussed her next steps:
✔ A detailed check-up and tests to confirm what was causing the pain
✔ Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, pain management, and possible medical intervention
✔ How to track symptoms to better understand her cycle and triggers
At the end of our conversation, she looked relieved—not just because she had a plan, but
because someone finally listened to her and validated her experience.
Your Pain Is Real. Don’t Ignore It. If you are experiencing:
❌ Extreme pain during periods that disrupts your life
❌ Irregular cycles or very heavy bleeding
❌ Severe bloating, fatigue, or discomfort around your period
Please don’t brush it off. See a doctor. Ask questions. Advocate for your health.
You don’t have to suffer in silence.