Painful cramps during menstruation, breast tenderness, or mood swings in the premenstrual period are probably familiar to most of us. However, menstruation is different for everyone, and what may be almost common and typical for your period, your friend may have never experienced or even heard of.
Let's introduce 5 lesser-known menstrual symptoms that are not talked about as often, but many women encounter them on a regular monthly basis.
Joint and Muscle Pain
During menstruation, you may experience joint or muscle discomfort and pain, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including fluctuating levels of reproductive hormones and an increase in prostaglandins.
In the case of muscle tension and pain, pain in the back of the thighs or legs in general is particularly common. During menstruation, the body produces prostaglandins, chemicals that help the uterus contract and shed its lining. (1) These contractions can affect surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, including those in the legs, causing pain or cramps. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also affect blood circulation and lead to water retention, which generally affects mainly the lower part of the body.
Menstrual Migraine
An estimated one in five women suffer from migraines. (2) Migraines affect more women than men, and there is a known link between migraines and hormonal changes throughout a woman's life. (3) The main cause of menstrual migraine is fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle. (4) Estrogen levels rise just before ovulation and then drop sharply when menstruation begins. This drop in estrogen, as well as higher levels of prostaglandins, can play an important role in menstrual migraine.
We distinguish two types of menstrual migraine. The first is menstrual migraine occurring exclusively during menstruation, without attacks at other times of the month. The second type is migraine that also occurs in other phases of the cycle, so while a hormonal trigger still plays an important role, a woman may suffer from migraines more often, not just on days close to menstruation.
Rectal Pain
During menstruation, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen, you may also experience cramping pain in the buttocks or directly in the rectum. And again, the prostaglandins we already know well can play a role. Although these hormones are essential in the process of shedding part of the uterine lining during menstruation, their excessive production can also affect other areas of the pelvic floor, such as the rectum.
Constipation or Diarrhea
As menstruation approaches and during bleeding, you may notice a change in stool frequency and consistency, such as constipation or diarrhea, or you may experience other gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or abdominal cramps.
Hormonal fluctuations during the cycle can be responsible for changes in stool. The hormone progesterone slows down the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, during the luteal phase, when progesterone levels are at their peak, you may experience constipation. As menstruation approaches, progesterone decreases and prostaglandin levels rise. This, in turn, leads to faster food movement in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the first days of menstruation, constipation or normal stool may be replaced by diarrhea. (5)
Our food choices throughout the cycle and especially in the late luteal phase also play a role. As menstruation approaches, our cravings and eating patterns may change. During these days, we may be much more likely to reach for foods with a higher sugar or fat content and less fiber, and this can be reflected in later bowel movements.
Vulvar Pain
The vulva is the term for the external female genitalia, which includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, in which the urethra and vaginal opening are located. Some women may experience vulvar pain or discomfort during menstruation. The cause may be hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which can affect blood flow, increase sensitivity, or cause swelling in this area.
Let's not forget the role of intimate products. Pads and other menstrual products can cause friction in intimate areas, which can lead to irritation or skin damage, especially if we wear them for too long or if the material is not sufficiently breathable. Our pads and tampons made of 100% organic cotton ensure perfect breathability and the intimate parts do not get sweaty or chafed by artificial fibers.
Other potential conditions that can cause vulvar pain include vulvodynia, which is chronic vulvar pain without a known cause, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or endometriosis. (6, 7)
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With love,
The Femvie Team
Femvie Products That Can Help You
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are BIO menstrual products?
BIO menstrual products are made from certified organic cotton without pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals. GOTS certification guarantees ecological processing from the field to the product.
Are BIO tampons safer than conventional ones?
Yes. Conventional tampons may contain trace amounts of pesticides and synthetic fibers. Femvie BIO tampons are certified, hypoallergenic, and gentler on intimate parts.
How does the Femvie subscription work?
With the Carefree subscription, you set the delivery frequency and your favorite BIO products arrive automatically. You save time and never run out of menstrual products.
