Should Periods Be Painful? How to Be Your Own Menstrual Detective

Understanding Your Cycle: Knowledge Is Power!

I recently attended an inspiring conference, where pelvic health expert Michelle Lyons spoke on “Becoming a Menstrual Detective.” The message was simple but powerful: your menstrual cycle is not a weakness — it’s a window into your health.

At District PT, we believe that understanding your own body helps you reclaim control, reduce fear, and transform your period into a source of strength, not struggle.

1. Get to Know Your Individual Menstrual Patterns

No two menstrual cycles are identical, and learning yours is the first step toward empowerment.

Try to track:

• Cycle length: Count from the first day of one period to the day before the next begins.

• Period length and flow: Note how many days you bleed and whether your flow is light, moderate, or heavy.

• Spotting: Record any spotting between periods.

• Ovulation: Changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or ovulation predictor kits can help pinpoint ovulation.

Keeping a menstrual journal or using an app can help you identify your true patterns — invaluable for both self-care and conversations with your healthcare provider.

2. Track More Than Just Bleeding

Your menstrual health is interconnected with your bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

• Bowel: “Period poos” happen due to prostaglandins, which increase muscle contractions. Constipation may appear in the luteal phase.

• Bladder: Do you notice urgency or pressure changes?

• Sexual health: Do libido or comfort levels fluctuate throughout your cycle?

These insights help paint a complete picture of your hormonal rhythm.

3. Learn the Language of Your Cycle

Understanding the terms can help you talk to your provider with clarity:

• Eumenorrhea: Regular, healthy menstrual cycles.

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods.

• Amenorrhea: No period for 3+ months — which can impact bone health.

• Oligomenorrhea: Irregular or infrequent periods.

Did you know that dysmenorrhea affects up to 60% of women in their reproductive years (Bajalan et al., 2019)? Painful periods are common — but not normal.

4. Pain Isn’t “Just Part of It”

If you experience pain during your period, ask yourself:

• Where does it hurt — abdomen, back, pelvis, legs, or vagina?

• Does the pain limit your daily life?

• Is it improving or worsening over time?

While mild cramping can be normal, pain that disrupts your life may signal pelvic floor tension, hormonal imbalance, or conditions like endometriosis.

Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help relieve pain, improve pelvic alignment, and teach you how to work with your cycle — not against it.

5. Become Your Own Menstrual Detective

Tracking, identifying, and understanding your cycle gives you agency. You’ll be able to:

• Recognize patterns in your pain or energy.

• Communicate clearly with your doctor or physical therapist.

• Evaluate how birth control methods or lifestyle changes impact your symptoms.

Knowledge is power — and your menstrual cycle offers a powerful map to your well-being!

District Physical Therapy: Supporting Women’s Health and pelvic floor conditions in Capitol Hill

At District Physical Therapy we specialize in pelvic floor and hormonal-related pain, helping women in the Capitol Hill community navigate every stage of life — from menstruation to postpartum recovery and beyond.

If your periods are painful, unpredictable, or affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to normalize it. Reach out for a personalized evaluation to uncover the “why” and begin your healing journey.

📍 District Physical Therapy

Capitol Hill, Washington DC

Your Neighborhood PT for Pelvic Floor and Orthopedic Care

www.districtpt.com | 703-261-4062