While many of us are blessed with painless periods, many others want to scream when they simply hear “period pain.” A lot of people might not even understand what period pain actually feels like (or won’t even believe it exists!).
If you’ve ever experienced period pains, then chances are you’ll probably understand these few things — like when I use the term “apocalypse” for a comparison.
1. We fear tender breasts like an apocalypse announcement
Don’t you hate how your breasts get all swollen, heavy, and sensitive? If you’re used to going bra-less, you suddenly dive into your bra drawer to find the one that will maintain them and keep them from pulling your chest down. If they’re touched or even stared at, you feel like your whole chest is on fire. Just the slightest accidental friction can make you want to commit a murder.
2. We hate bloating – Cola isn’t always the reason
That infamous pre-period pain you feel just as your belly starts getting bigger and bigger? Yes, this means period pain is on its way. You are afraid, anxious and tired. Does it always have to be the same every month?
3. We have pain that isn’t always physical
You know PMS all too well and your closest friends, family members and partners can recognize it. You feel like the whole world stops caring about you. You want to lie in bed all day and eat sweets while massaging your belly. You’re in pain. A strong, tiring emotional pain.
4. We get horror movie cramps
Now is there really anything to say about how cramps feel? Your uterus is literally destroying itself and it feels like it is trying to kill you. You wonder if you are hosting a legion of tiny dragons, demons, and various other evil creatures that only want to hurt you for as long as they possibly can, until there are no more layers to tear.
5. We are grateful for painkillers
“Do you have some Ibuprofen ? Oh never mind, do you think you could get me some morphine?” These are words a woman experiencing period pain would say. If you’re lucky, Ibuprofen pills will do. If not, your doctor might even want to give you some sort of injection.
6. We love our hot-water bags
You will try literally anything to ease the pain. Although you may well feel like getting rid of your uterus is the only solution, you will try softer methods instead. The hot-water bag is an all time personal favorite. I love lying in bed with my hot-water bag on my lower abdomen, calling a friend, and complaining about how annoying “lady time” is.
7. We have lower back issues
The terrible pain that appears suddenly in your lower back that makes you say “Uh Oh” and run to the ladies room? You know it too well. You’ve tried to stretch, do back rolls, lay on a pillow, just to realize that it will only go away when your period is over. It’s the kind of pain that makes you want to ask someone to sit or walk on your back. A bit of pressure is always good, isn’t it?
8. We yell “Mama Mia, my head is about to explode”
Well, you might not say “Mama Mia” a lot (unless you’re Italian), but that second part is most definitely something you know too well with all that is going on in your body. As if feeling dizzy and lost wasn’t enough, you also have to go through headaches, along with all the pain located elsewhere.
9. We hiss “DO NOT TOUCH ME”
Whilst several areas of your body can still look the same during “that” time, some of them can randomly become very painful if they’re touched (for numerous reasons). Fatigue, tiredness, lack of sleep, and hormones combine with that feeling like you don’t even know your own body. Every month you get scared of all the new torture tools your body will discover and use against you.
10. We feel blessed when it’s all over
It’s time to jump around because the pain has finally gone away. It may only be gone for a few hours (if you’re on painkillers); or maybe a few weeks if your period is over, but it’s gone for now and you couldn’t feel less blessed and more happy about it.
11. We are strong… together
Women struggle once every month, in pain, blood, and mood swings. We get dizzy, lose track of time, and we are unable to focus on things. Despite this, we still manage to go through all of this without too much damage. We acknowledge every other woman, especially if she’s ever gone through any of the same struggles we’ve been through. Period pains is just one of the struggles. We are strong.
Featured photo credit: After sightseeing in Paris/Lars Plougmann via flickr.com
