Why Your Period Pain Isn’t Bad Luck: Real Causes and Natural Period Pain Relief

For years, I thought I was cursed.

From the age of 13, my period pain was so intense it often left me curled up in bed, missing school and later work. Doctors told me it was “just bad luck,” that “some women have it worse than others.” Perhaps you’ve been told the same.

But here’s the truth: painful periods are not random, and they are not your fault. You’re not broken, unlucky, or destined to suffer. Period pain has real, identifiable root causes – and once you understand them, you can start to change your experience.

In this article, we’ll break down the real causes of menstrual pain, the myths that keep women stuck, and natural period pain relief strategies backed by science.

The Myth of “Bad Luck” Periods ?

Many women are led to believe that severe cramps and monthly suffering are simply part of being female.

• Myth: Period pain is just bad genes, bad luck, or something you have to put up with.
• Truth: Pain always has root causes – and the two biggest ones are chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance.

This isn’t about blaming your body. Quite the opposite. Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something is out of balance and needs support.

The Science Behind Period Pain

Inflammation and Prostaglandins

When inflammation levels in the body are high, it triggers the release of prostaglandins – hormone-like chemicals that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining.

Research shows that women with dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) often have elevated prostaglandin levels, which directly correlate with more severe cramps (Harel, 2006).

👉 In simple terms: more inflammation = more prostaglandins = more pain.

That’s why addressing inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes is one of the most effective natural strategies for menstrual pain relief.

Hormonal Imbalances and Menstrual Pain

The balance between oestrogen and progesterone also plays a critical role in menstrual health. Too much oestrogen relative to progesterone can worsen inflammation and lead to heavier, more painful periods (Iacovides, Avidon & Baker, 2015).

This creates the “perfect storm” of uterine contractions, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and mood swings that so many women experience each month.

My Story: From Debilitating Menstrual Pain to Freedom

For years, I pushed through with:

• Painkillers that only dulled the edge.
• Hot water bottles that never gave lasting relief.
• Sick days that cost me work and confidence.

I thought this was my fate.

Everything changed when I began to address inflammation with small, consistent lifestyle shifts – simple nutrition tweaks, stress reduction, and sleep support. Within two months, my periods were unrecognisable: lighter, calmer, and no longer controlling my life.

I wasn’t cursed after all. My body was asking for help – and once I listened, it responded.

Client Story: Finding Relief After Years of Dismissal

One of my clients had been in pain since her teens. She believed this was just her “normal” and felt dismissed every time she asked for help.

Her turning point came when she started with just one anti-inflammatory habit. Soon:

• Her cramps began to ease.
• Her energy levels returned.
• For the first time in years, she felt hopeful.

The most powerful realisation? She wasn’t broken. Her body simply needed support – and the right strategies for natural period pain relief.

Practical Steps for Natural Period Pain Relief

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small, targeted steps can make a big difference.

1. Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Eat more omega-3 rich foods (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts).
• Add colourful fruit and vegetables packed with antioxidants.
• Reduce processed sugar and refined carbs, which fuel inflammation.

2. Support Hormone Balance

• Prioritise quality sleep to regulate cortisol and sex hormones.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can disrupt oestrogen metabolism.
• Try gentle movement like walking, yoga, or Pilates to ease cramps and support circulation.

 3. Track Your Cycle for Clarity

• Note when pain occurs, how intense it is, and what helps.
• Spot patterns and use them to guide supportive changes.

Cycle tracking isn’t just about awareness – it’s one of the simplest ways to begin moving towards pain-free cycles.

👉 Want to go deeper? Download What’s Silently Fuelling Your Period Pain? Your 7-Step Hidden Triggers Checklist and discover the overlooked causes of menstrual pain.

FAQs About Menstrual Pain

Is severe period pain normal?

No. While mild discomfort can be normal, pain that disrupts daily life is a sign of imbalance – not something you should accept.

Can natural remedies ease menstrual pain?

Yes. Research shows that anti-inflammatory diets, exercise, and stress reduction can significantly reduce menstrual pain (Armour et al., 2019).

Do I have to give up everything I enjoy to feel better?

Not at all. Relief comes from adding supportive habits, not punishing yourself. Even one or two changes can shift your hormonal balance.

You’re Not Broken – You Just Need the Right Tools

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just bad luck” or “you just have to live with it,” please know this: your pain has root causes, and there is something you can do about it.

Your body isn’t betraying you. It’s communicating. And when you start to reduce inflammation and balance hormones, you can transform your cycle – and your life.

Debilitating menstrual pain does not need to define you. Relief is possible, and it starts with understanding the science behind your symptoms and giving your body the support it deserves.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

👉 Download What’s Silently Fuelling Your Period Pain? Your 7-Step Hidden Triggers Checklist. If your tests are ‘normal’ but you still feel awful, this free checklist shows you what to look for.

Get the free checklist here

References

Armour, M., Smith, C.A., Steel, K.A. et al. (2019). The effectiveness of self-care and lifestyle interventions in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2433-8

Armour, M., Parry, K., Manohar, N., Holmes, K., Ferfolja, T., Curry, C., MacMillan, F., & Smith, C.A. (2019). The prevalence and academic impact of dysmenorrhea in 21,573 young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Women’s Health, 28(8), 1161–1171.  https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.7615

Harel, Z. (2006). Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: etiology and management. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 19(6), 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2006.09.001

Iacovides, S., Avidon, I., & Baker, F.C. (2015). What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review. Human Reproduction Update, 21(6), 762–778. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmv039