Around 80% of women experience pain during their menstrual cycles at some point during their lifetime and about 5-10% of women experience such severe pain, that it actually disrupts day-to-day life. Half of the population experiences a menstrual period which makes it a significant topic of discussion. Not all women experience a period regularly because other gynecological issues like endometriosis and PCOS create irregularities in the cycles and create even more painful periods.
For us women, a painful period is all too familiar; the painful cramps, bloating, frustration, and the strong urge to stay in bed all day. Sometimes we have to honor our body’s request to just rest. It is tempting to take NSAIDs like Advil to help combat the pain, but the pain can become so unbearable that even they don’t help.
The menstrual cycle begins from the first day of a period and ends the day before the next period. Cycles vary between woman to woman, but the average is anywhere from 28-32 days and can even extend from 21 to 40 days. This all depends on lifestyle, hormones, underlying medical conditions, and a plethora of other factors. Every month, the uterus prepares for pregnancy by thickening up the uterine lining while the ovaries and pituitary gland in the brain secrete hormones like estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone.
The menstrual cycle has 4 phases: the menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phase. Each is characterized by different dominating hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and LH. As each of these hormones increase and decrease in concentration, the body and mind experience strengths and weaknesses associated with each one.
Here’s an overview:
Week 1: On the first day of a period, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest allowing the endometrial lining to shed which is a what a period basically is. These low hormone levels cause a decrease in energy.
Week 2: After the first week of a period, energy levels finally go up because of the spike in estrogen which prepares the body for ovulation.
Week 3: Around this time, estrogen levels are at their highest which helps the ovary release an egg for 24 hours. After ovulation, energy levels begin to decrease (due to drops in estrogen and peaks in progesterone), so it is understandable why sluggishness is so common during this time. Exercise at this time may be difficult, but it is highly recommended due to its ability to enhance mood and boost energy levels. Energy during this time is highest in the morning and lowest by the end of the day, so if you choose to be active, do it in the morning.
Week 4: Period begins. This is where energy levels are the lowest and PMS symptoms arise. Exercise is your best friend at this time because it could help soften the symptoms. Enough physical activity is good, but too much can be too strenuous for the body and even delay periods.
So…what causes a period to be painful?
The whole basis of a period is to shed the endometrial lining and remnants of the unfertilized egg. In order to do this, the uterus muscles contract to expel as much as it can. As this occurs, inflammation takes place. Prostaglandins are responsible for inflaming the uterus. They are released (specifically PGF2⍺) as progesterone declines. These little guys are responsible for a few things: uterine contractions, vasoconstriction, inflammation, excessive bleeding, pain sensitization, and diarrhea.
While anti-inflammatory drugs help to decrease pain, they have potential negative side effects, like digestive and liver issues. Luckily, there is a better natural alternative that can be super effective at treating any symptoms during menstrual cycles: CBD.
Not only can CBD decrease inflammation, it can also act as a muscle relaxant which helps decrease strenuous cramps. It also induces vascular relaxation which helps promote blood flow and oxygenation throughout the tiny vessels in the uterus (also decreases pain levels). Because periods are paired with other unwanted effects like low energy and brain fog, CBD is also a main proponent for targeting this. ReThink has energy shots with CBD that will not only decrease pain and inflammation but boost focus and energy. You can even apply the topical creams and roll-ons to target local irritation in the uterus and consume CBD tinctures, shots, or capsules to help with focus, energy, mood, and inflammation. Periods don’t have to be unbearable and painful. That’s why ReThink has your back. Say hello to happy uterus days!
