Scene: Two friends, Anu and Riya, catching up over chai. It’s that time of the month for Anu… and she’s not okay.

Riya: You look like you’re in pain! Is it your period?

Anu: Ugh, yes! My lower back is killing me, and I feel like someone’s punching my uterus from the inside. I hate this.

Riya: I totally get you. Period pain can be brutal. But wait—aren’t cramps supposed to get better after your 20s?

Anu: That’s what I thought! But it still feels like a war zone down there. And I don’t know if it’s normal or if I should be worried.

Riya: Actually, I read something on Nellikka.life recently. Did you know that up to 80% of women experience period pain at some point? And for many, it’s bad enough to affect work or daily life.

So, What’s Actually Happening During Menstrual Pain?

Anu: I mean, I get that the uterus is doing something… but what exactly?

Riya: Okay, science moment. During your period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins—hormone-like substances.
The more prostaglandins, the stronger the cramps. And if blood flow gets reduced during those contractions? Hello, pain.

Is My Pain Normal, or Something Else?

Anu: But sometimes my cramps feel unbearable. Like, I can’t even stand straight. That can’t be normal, right?

Riya: You’re right to ask. There’s period pain… and then there’s something more serious. If your cramps are:

• Severe and last beyond 2-3 days
• Don’t respond to painkillers
• Accompanied by heavy bleeding, nausea, or fainting

…it might be something like endometriosis or PCOS. It’s worth checking with a gynecologist.

What Helps (Beyond Curling Into a Ball)?

Anu: Please tell me you have tips that actually work!

Riya: Girl, yes! Here’s what helped me:

1. Heat therapy – hot water bag = lifesaver
2. Ginger tea – natural anti-inflammatory
3. Exercise – light movement, like yoga, can release endorphins
4. Magnesium-rich foods – like bananas, spinach, and nuts
5. Pain meds – Ibuprofen taken before the pain spikes can help

Anu: Okay, that’s a full survival kit. I’m trying the ginger tea tonight.

Why We Need to Talk About This More

Anu: I feel better just talking to you about it. Half the time I think I’m overreacting.

Riya: That’s the problem, na? We’ve been taught to normalize menstrual pain and just “deal with it.” But your pain is valid.
Talking about it = owning it. You’re not weak, you’re a warrior.

From Pain to Power

Whether your cramps are mild or migraine-level, don’t suffer in silence. Understanding your body, tracking your symptoms, and getting medical help when needed can make all the difference.

And remember — every cycle is different, but you’re never alone in this.

👉🏼 Follow @nellikka.life for more warm, honest conversations about women’s health.

References :
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8943241/