Painful Periods Support
Support for period pain that affects everyday life
PAINFUL PERIODS NATUROPATH · MAROOCHYDORE, SUNSHINE COAST & ONLINE
I see a lot of women in my clinic with period pain that interferes with work, sleep, exercise or their ability to get through the day. It’s surprisingly common, but I don’t think any woman should be told to accept it as normal.
Some have experienced painful periods since adolescence. For others, the pain has become worse over time or developed alongside heavier bleeding or digestive symptoms.
I want to understand your menstrual history and whether the pattern has changed. I also review what’s already been investigated. From there, I can determine whether we have enough information to begin treatment or whether further testing or medical investigation is needed.
Not all period pain has the same explanation
Painful periods are broadly described as primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Understanding the pattern helps determine whether symptom support may be appropriate and when further medical investigation should be prioritised.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea is period pain without an identified pelvic condition. It often begins within the first few years of menstruation.
Prostaglandins contribute to stronger uterine contractions and can also cause nausea, diarrhoea, headaches or pain into the back and legs. Not having an identified pelvic condition doesn’t mean the pain should be dismissed as normal or that there aren’t ways to support it.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain related to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.
The pain can develop after years of manageable periods or become progressively worse. Pain outside your period, heavy bleeding, pain with sex or painful bowel movements indicates that further investigation is needed.
Symptoms alone can’t tell us the cause, but the pattern helps determine what needs to be investigated.
When Period Pain Needs Attention
I think period pain should be mild enough that you can continue with your usual day. If it stops you from functioning normally, it needs to be looked at properly.
Painful Periods and Digestive Symptoms
It’s common for digestive symptoms to change around the period. These can include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea or pain with bowel movements.
Prostaglandins and hormonal changes can affect bowel function. Digestive symptoms are also seen in women with endometriosis or adenomyosis, while an existing gut issue may become more noticeable around the period.
I want to know whether these symptoms occur only around your period or continue during the rest of the month. This helps me decide whether digestive health also needs to be addressed as part of your treatment.
Painful Periods, Heavy Bleeding and Fatigue
Painful periods can occur alongside heavy bleeding and persistent fatigue. Some women also feel dizzy or notice that exercise has become harder.
When bleeding is heavy or fatigue is ongoing, I review any recent blood results and may recommend further testing through your GP, including a full blood count and iron studies.
Low iron may explain some of the fatigue, but it doesn’t explain why your periods are painful or heavy. Both need attention.
What Treatment Might Involve
Treatment is based on your pain pattern and what else is happening across your cycle. Heavy bleeding, low iron, digestive symptoms and any medication you’re taking can affect what’s appropriate.
Depending on your presentation, I might recommend changes to your food or meal patterns. Practitioner-prescribed supplements or herbal medicine may also be considered. I only recommend functional testing when I think it will help direct your treatment.
Naturopathic treatment can be used alongside medical pain relief or hormonal treatment. If your symptoms need further investigation, I might recommend seeing your GP or a gynaecologist. I can help you prepare for that appointment, especially if you’ve previously found it difficult to have your symptoms taken seriously.
Do I Need a Diagnosis Before Booking?
No. You can book an initial consultation even if you don’t know why your periods are painful.
If you already have blood results, imaging or letters from a specialist, I can review them during your consultation. If I think further medical assessment or testing is needed, I’ll explain why and how it may affect your treatment.
Initial Consultations
If painful periods are affecting your ability to function normally, an initial consultation gives us time to go through the pattern and review what’s already been investigated.
Consultations are available in Maroochydore and Forest Glen, as well as online Australia-wide.