8 Scientifically-Proven Period Pain Facts That SCREAM We Need The ‘Paid Leave’ Policy

“As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, it’s a natural part of a woman’s life journey.” – Smriti Irani, Minister, Union Women And Child Development

While it’s nothing new that a minister has given a statement of this nature, this one is shocking because it comes from a person who must have, if not endured, witnessed others bear the unbearable ache that comes with periods for ages.

From puking due to discomfort during their menstrual cycle to dealing with the immense amount of emotional feelings, people go through different things during their menstruation – EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

And while the intensity of pain might be different for each person, to shrug off and dismiss the idea of other people going through excruciating pain is just unbelievable and insensitive.

In the article below, we have mentioned some scientifically-backed facts that prove that menstrual pain is, in fact, real.

1. A notable ratio, ranging from 5% to 10% of women who menstruate, experience significant and debilitating menstrual pain, which has a profound influence on their daily lives and activities.

2. The likelihood of experiencing menstrual pain is often influenced by genetic factors. If a woman’s mother experiences discomfort and pain during her menstrual periods, there is an increased chance that she, as her child, may also encounter similar challenges with menstrual pain.

3. The American Academy Of Family Physicians revealed that as many as 20% of women deal with menstrual cramps of such intensity that they significantly disrupt their day-to-day activities. This statistic underscores the substantial result that severe menstrual cramping can have on the overall well-being and functioning of a considerable amount of women.

4. Among 40% of women, the experience of menstrual pain is often accompanied by a spectrum of premenstrual symptoms, including bloating, tenderness in the breasts, abdominal swelling, diminished concentration, mood swings, increased clumsiness and heightened fatigue. 

5. Within the realm of menstrual pain, there exist two distinct categories: primary pain, where the discomfort originates directly from the menstrual process, and secondary pain, denoting a condition linked to a disorder within the reproductive system. In secondary pain, the presence of a reproductive system disorder is implicated, contributing to not only painful menstrual cramps but also various other symptoms.

6. A substantial majority of women, specifically 84.1%, have reported experiencing menstrual pain. Among these individuals, 43.1% note the consistent occurrence of pain during every menstrual cycle, while an additional 41% report the occurrence of pain during specific menstrual periods. 

7. In an extensive online nationwide survey that garnered responses from nearly 43,000 girls and women, it was revealed that a substantial 85% of participants reported enduring painful cramping during their menstrual periods. Additionally, a noteworthy 77% exhibited symptoms indicative of mood disorders, emphasizing the psychological impact of menstruation. Furthermore, a significant 71% of respondents reported experiencing tiredness or exhaustion.

8. In the initial one to two years following the onset of their first menstrual period, a substantial percentage ranging from 50 to 75% of young women commence encountering distressing menstrual cramps. 

Hence, menstrual pain is VERY REAL and we deserve MUCH MORE than just a bunch of leaves!

While the studies talk about menstruating ‘women’ in their surveys, menstrual pain is beyond one gender and there are ‘people’ who go through this excruciating pain.