Every woman is familiar with menstrual pain, often characterized by painful muscle cramps in the abdomen. It's a typical component of the menstrual cycle, experienced to varying degrees, and can sometimes occur even without the period.

But what are the causes behind this monthly discomfort?

Primarily, menstrual cramps result from contractions in the uterine wall muscles. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to shed the lining, causing a reduction in blood and oxygen supply to the uterus, leading to pain.

In these contractions, chemicals known as prostaglandins are released, potentially intensifying the pain. The severity of some women's menstrual discomfort could be linked to prostaglandin accumulation, leading to more pronounced contractions and, consequently, severe pain.

So, is severe menstrual pain considered normal?

While some discomfort during periods is normal, severe menstrual pain could signal underlying medical conditions.

Referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea in medical terms, this type of pain primarily affects women between 30 and 45 years old. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease could be the culprits.

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can develop in the uterus and intensify menstrual periods, making them heavier and more painful. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a broad term used to describe infections of the upper reproductive organs, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Endometriosis could also be related to continuous pain during menstruation. Endometriosis involves the growth of tissues similar to the endometrium - the lining that covers the inside of the uterus and sheds each month during menstruation - in the wrong areas of the body.

These could be on or in the ovaries, within the abdominal cavity, and in rare cases, parts outside the abdominal cavity, like the vagina, lungs, brain, and respiratory tract.

Understanding the nature of your menstrual pain and its possible underlying causes can empower you to manage it better and ensure your reproductive health.