Period pain and menopause

Period pain can be a symptom of the menopause

It is inevitable that most of us have probably perceived the menopause as an end to a vicious cycle of stomach cramps and abdominal pain. Unfortunately, due to fluctuating hormones, it is still possible to experience period pain without actually getting a period. In this page, our menopause expert Eileen Durward helps you to understand this phenomenon and explains how herbal remedies can help alleviate spasms and discomfort.

An introduction to period pain and menopause

Most women experience period pain at some stage during their life. It can be a common symptom among menstruating women and part of PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome). However, as you approach the menopause, period pain may become worse again. One worrying symptom of the menopause is experiencing period pain, but having no periods. However disconcerting this may be, it is a common experience.

Period pain occurs when the muscles in the womb contract. This compresses the blood supply and reduces the level of oxygen in the tissues. This then causes you to experience pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes in the back and thighs.

Why does the menopause cause period pain?

The menopause is a time when the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, in particular, oestrogen, begin to fluctuate. Naturally, this causes changes to your menstrual cycle, your periods become irregular and eventually stop. Alongside this, you may also experience period pain. However, it is also possible to experience period pain even when you are not having a period. Although it is not known exactly why this is, it is thought to be a result of conflicting messages being sent by your hormones. Eventually, as your hormones settle again, these symptoms should disperse.

It is important to remember that period pain may also be an indication of a more serious health condition, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts, so if you are concerned, it is important to speak to your doctor.

What home remedies are there for period pain?

Generally speaking, if the period pain does not last for more than a day or two and is not too serious, then you should be able to treat it at home.

Exercise – although the last thing you want to do when suffering from period pain is move, sometimes exercise is beneficial. It helps to stretch and relax your muscles. Additionally, aerobic exercise gets the blood pumping faster around your body, releasing more endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller
Heat pad or hot water bottle – heat is an excellent relaxant, and applying heat to the tense muscles in the uterus can bring the quickest relief. You need to be careful however, that you do not burn your skin, particularly if you are using a hot water bottle
Warm bath or shower - much like the heat pads, warm water will help to relax all of your muscles. This will also give you the opportunity to de-stress
Diet – there are certain foods, such as those which are greasy and fatty, which are likely to cause abdominal bloating and cramps. If your tummy is already feeling tender, you should avoid any foods which are going to make it worse
Magnesium – this has been shown to help reduce muscle cramps. It acts as a muscle relaxant and also lowers the level of prostaglandins, a group of compounds which cause pain.

Are there herbal remedies to help me?

If your period pains are mild and accompanied by other symptoms of the menopause, try a supplement containing soy isoflavones in the first instance. This can help with a variety of general menopause symptoms.
TIP: Menopause Support contains isoflavones from fermented soy as well as hibiscus and magnesium. Use it to help as a general supplement to help you through all stages of the menopause.

"Helped to eliminate all the unpleasant moments of my menopause." read more customer reviews

If your periods are still regular and period pains are your main menopause symptom, use Agnus castus. This is the herb of choice for PMS in younger women, but can also be very useful for a woman in the early stages of the menopause, known as the peri-menopause.

TIP: Use Agnus castus throughout the month, rather than just before your period. It is not a painkiller and needs a little time to get into your system in order to balance your hormones.

"Very helpful with troublesome periods."
read more customer reviews

What about conventional remedies?

Unless your period pain is severe and is interfering with your everyday life, then you should not need to resort to conventional medicines. However, if you are concerned you should speak to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions, such as endometriosis or cysts.

Generally, your doctor will suggest pain-killers or the contraceptive pill. You should discuss with your doctor which type of treatment is best for you, as you may find some to be more effective than others.

14 Comments

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Mary — 19.09.2017 00:49
Thank you!
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Mary — 11.09.2017 17:09
I have always had painful periods due to fibroids. Now at 52, pain persists on the regular monthly cycle, but menstrual flow is not present. Do I still need to be concerned about becoming pregnant? A baby at 52 is less than desirable. Can pregnancy occur without the menatrual flow? How would I know if I'm still producing viable eggs?
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- eileen — 12.09.2017 09:32
  Hi Mary Getting period pains without a period is really common as you approach the menopause. Although your hormones may be falling there is still a monthly cycle for a good while, the hormones may not be high enough to trigger a bleed but can still cause all the usual monthly symptoms. You may find taking a magnesium supplement 200mg twice a day can help with the pain. You are not considered safe from pregnancy until you have not had any periods for two years so it is wise to continue with some from of protection until then.
  Reply
Julie — 15.08.2017 11:37
So much useful advice, thanks
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Gavriella Rut — 18.07.2017 05:01
I'm going through the change. I'm 47..no period for a long time but still stomach cramps. And getting hot. It's already hot in Israel but these hot flashes are terrible. Plus I cry easy. I'm getting married in 55 days and I don't want to upset or freak out my new husband. What do you suggest.. I am also exhausted beyond belief
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- eileen — 18.07.2017 13:12
  Hi Gavriella If you are still getting stomach cramps with no periods after quite a while it is really important to get this checked out by your doctor. Tell them also about the exhaustion as this could be caused by factors such as low iron, low thyroid function, low vitamin D or B12. You can try the herb sage or Black Cohosh to help with the flushes but remember to drink lots of plain water everyday as dehydration can quickly cause rebound flushes and it can become a real vicious cycle! A magnesium supplement can often help with the emotional issues and be aware that any stress and anxiety can make symptoms worse and planning for a wedding is known to be very stressful! So... do get plenty of rest and relaxation.
  Reply
Melissa Ellis — 12.07.2017 16:01
Some very useful tips here
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- eileen — 13.07.2017 09:47
  Hi Melissa Glad to be of help!
  Reply
Ally — 04.07.2017 07:32
Light period, that lasts only hours, severe pelvic pain
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- eileen — 04.07.2017 13:27
  Hi Ally Light periods like this often indicate that your hormones are slowly decreasing towards your periods stopping for good. However, any pelvic pain, especially if it is severe, must be checked out by your doctor as well.
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