I was looking at the calendar last week and realized that September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Did you know that it affects one in 10 women of reproductive age? While it’s known for causing irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and fertility issues, PCOS also has lesser-known impacts that many women struggle with, including painful periods, or dysmenorrhea. Let’s dive into the connection between PCOS and dysmenorrhea and how this hormonal condition can make menstruation a far more painful experience.
What Exactly Is PCOS?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects the function of a woman's ovaries and is pretty complex. Doctors will typically look for these conditions when diagnosing:
- Irregular periods: Often fewer than eight periods a year or periods that are abnormally heavy.
- High levels of androgens: A patient is given a hormone test that searches for elevated male hormones, which can cause symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and thinning hair.
- Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries have become enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that fail to release eggs on a regular basis.
PCOS can affect much more than a woman's reproductive health. It has been connected with conditions such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. There's one specific symptom that often goes hand in hand with PCOS, which is painful periods, or dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea Defined
Dysmenorrhea can be hard to spell, and would probably get you a high amount of points in a game of Scrabble. Simply put, it is the medical term for painful menstrual cramps, of which there are two types:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: Pain that occurs with menstruation, typically caused by natural uterine contractions as the lining sheds.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea: Pain caused by an underlying condition, such as PCOS, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
For women with PCOS, dysmenorrhea is often a result of hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, or an overproduction of prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals that trigger stronger and more painful uterine contractions). For women who have experienced this type of cramping, it can affect their daily lives, as it ranges from uncomfortable to downright debilitating.
The Link Between PCOS and Dysmenorrhea
Why does PCOS cause periods to be so painful? Here are some ways that it changes the natural menstruation cycle:
- Heavy and Irregular Bleeding: As mentioned above, women with PCOS have fewer ovulations throughout the year. The decreased amount of ovulations often results in the uterine lining building up excessively. When the body finally sheds this thickened lining, it's more difficult to dispose of and ends up causing heavy bleeding, which can trigger painful cramps.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of androgens and lower levels of progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can intensify menstrual cramps, making periods more painful.
- Prolonged Anovulation: We mentioned that ovulation doesn’t follow a typical menstrual cycle in women with PCOS. As the uterus attempts to discard of the extra tissue, it causes stronger contractions and more intense pain.
Managing Dysmenorrhea with PCOS
If you have PCOS and experience painful periods, you’re not alone—the good news is that there are ways to manage the pain and improve your overall cycle health. Some of the most common treatments include:
1. Hormonal Birth Control
Birth control can have ancillary advantages in addition to its ability to prevent pregnancy. For many women, hormonal birth control pills, patches, or rings can help regulate periods and reduce the intensity menstrual cramps. These methods provide a steady dose of hormones, which helps to prevent the buildup of the uterine lining and keeps periods lighter and less painful.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Taking these medications at the onset of cramps can help keep pain manageable. These types of medications are usually safe to take regularly, as long as you follow the recommended dosage and your doctor's counsel.
3. Lifestyle Changes
It seems like this answer is the solution to many of the health issues we have in the world today. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating healthy, giving our bodies sufficient exercise, and keeping our stress levels in check can go a long way in improving both PCOS and dysmenorrhea. Exercise can actually help to regulate hormones, reduce insulin resistance, and improve blood flow, all of which may lead to less painful periods.
4. Resonance Therapy with the Rezzimax Tuner
Resonance therapy, particularly with tools like the Rezzimax Tuner, is a great way relieve the pain associated with dysmenorrhea without the use of medication. The Tuner uses gentle vibrations to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and reduce pain in the pelvic area. By targeting specific acupressure points, resonance therapy can soothe the uterine muscles and alleviate cramping.
In fact, the Tuner and these techniques were recently the subject of a research study! We can't wait to share the results with you as soon as they become available. Until then, take a look at the Dysmenorrhea Rezzipe that the study participants followed.
5. Diet and Supplements
Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and berries can help reduce inflammation in the body and make a big difference when it comes to easing cramps. What we put into our bodies can also influence our hormones. Supplements like magnesium, Vitamin D, and inositol have shown promise in supporting hormonal balance and reducing PCOS symptoms, including painful periods.
Raising Awareness for PCOS and Painful Periods
Dysmenorrhea might not be the first symptom you think of when it comes to PCOS, but it is a common and frustrating part of the condition. Understanding the link between PCOS and painful periods can be a great benefit to women looking to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Let's make this September the best PCOS Awareness Month ever! It's a perfect time to learn and share with others about this multifaceted condition. Whether you're dealing with dysmenorrhea or any of the other symptoms of PCOS, know that you're not alone—and there are treatment options available that can help you live a healthier, more comfortable life.
Keep on Fighting
PCOS and dysmenorrhea can make managing your period feel like an impossible task, but understanding the connection between the two can give you the power to take control of your symptoms. From hormonal therapies to tools like the Rezzimax Tuner, there are answers to fight the pain and restore balance.
Remember, awareness is the first step towards action. This September, let’s continue the conversation about PCOS and ensure that every woman gets the support she needs to live pain-free.