If you are someone who gets periods then you may suffer from period pain, back ache and cramps. PCOS may impact period pain levels but we need more research to be done. In the meantime, this article outlines period pain relief techniques if you have PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, affects 1 in 10 people with ovaries in the UK. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or lack of periods, oily skin, acne, hirsutism, weight gain, carbohydrate cravings and more.
Can PCOS cause painful periods?
You may be asking whether periods hurt more if you have PCOS, as it is a common hormone condition linked to reproductive health.
Some people with PCOS have no periods at all but others have menorrhagia, extremely heavy bleeding during menstruation linked to low levels of progesterone.
Many doctors and organisations claim that PCOS does not cause pain and, if you are experiencing pain alongside a PCOS diagnosis, then something else is at play like endometriosis.
But if you are having painful periods then being told that you shouldn’t be in pain probably won’t help. Having painful periods isn’t a common symptom of PCOS but it doesn’t mean the two can’t occur at the same time.
You deserve to feel heard and have your pain taken seriously. Whilst we wait for the world to catch up with PCOS research, here are some ways you can help period pain and cramps if you have PCOS.
How can I stop PCOS period pain and cramps?
Whether you have PCOS or not, tools to manage period pain are essential if you are experiencing pain like back pain or cramps.
Supplement with Magnesium
Taking magnesium supplements daily can help with period pain. This is because magnesium relaxes the smooth muscle of the uterus and lowers the level of prostaglandins, a group of lipids associated with dealing with injury and illness.
Taking about 300 mg of magnesium has been seen in some studies to lower the incidence of period pain.
Our favourite magnesium supplements include the Viridian High Potency Magnesium capsules.
Apply Heat
Using a hot water bottle or a heated blanket may help with period pains. The relaxing heat can provide some relief for people suffering from period pains.
To allow you to keep living your life and working whilst you have cramps, try this Comfytemp Gel Pack from Amazon.co.uk.
Try a TENS Machine
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sounds scary but can be a great way to manage period pains. They work by relieving pain via mild electrical currents. You attach the TENS pads directly to your skin and feel a tingling sensation.
These electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the brain and the spinal cord, giving relief from back and period pain.
TENS machines aren’t a cure but instead may offer short-term relief from pain.
Our favourite is Beurer EM49 PainFree Digital TENS and EMS Machine from Amazon.co.uk which has 12,265 5* reviews.
Gentle Movement
If you feel up to it, moving gently by perhaps going for a walk or doing some yoga or stretching may help with period pain relief. But movement may make your period pain worse so figuring out what suits your body is key.
