Period Pains With Age
The first few years of your menstrual journey is often riddled with uncertainty due to erratic menstrual cycles. And because it's a new experience that you're adjusting to, the pain can be overwhelming initially. However, over time, things get better as your menstrual cycle assumes a pattern. Plus, you understand a lot more about your body, making you more equipped to deal with the pain.
But things may also go south as you age and cross your 30s. Many women wonder whether period pain and menstrual cramps become worse with age. On the other hand, it is widely known that period cramps become more bearable with age due to several factors such as hormonal changes due to ageing, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
But what is the reality? Is there a general point of view on these things that can help you manage your menstrual cramps and pain better? Let's find out by looking at how your menstrual cycle evolves and how each decade impacts your menstrual cycle.
Your 20s
Your 20s is when you will notice some consistency in your menstrual cycle.
Your 20s is when you will notice some consistency in your menstrual cycle. You are now mentally and physically prepared to tackle those five to seven days of periods, even if they come with a cloud of uncertainty and unique issues. You now anticipate your next cycle to stock up on your favorite menstrual hygiene supplies such as Always sanitary pads.
This decade is also when you begin to experience PMS symptoms such as cramps, back, aches and breast tenderness. If your teens meant erratic and irregular cycles, your 20s bring in some stability in your monthly cycles. However, this regularity also brings with it its own little box of pain, fatigue, and mood swings in the form of PMS.
But they are a natural part of your menstrual cycle and you will soon learn to tackle and live with them.
Your 30s
If you saw some consistency beginning to form in your 20s, then you are in for a pleasant surprise in your thirties as your menstrual cycle will become much more regular.
You will notice that the severe cramps that once plagued your periods have now become manageable. But, if you notice a sudden heavy flow or a never-before excruciating pain, then that could be a sign of an underlying condition that you will need to get checked. Most period-related conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis are diagnosed in women when they enter their 30s. Regular health checkups can help them keep at bay or nip them in their bud.
Also, if you've had a baby, you'd notice that your period cramps decrease quite considerably. Since the cervix opens up during delivery, its opening increases in size, making it easier for the flow to pass through.
Your 40s
Your 40s are a preparatory phase before menopause kicks in.
Your 40s are a preparatory phase before menopause kicks in. Your body begins to slow down the whole 'ripe for baby-making' period and you may begin to experience irregular periods or even skip a period or two.
You don't officially enter menopause till you've not had a period for 12 months straight. Your estrogen levels dip, and you don't ovulate regularly, which is why you may skip your periods.
It's highly unlikely for you to experience period pain in your 40 as it will be more or less the same that you had in your 30s. However, if you experience any acute changes in your cycle, you must bring them to your doctor's notice.
While your menstrual journey goes through several turns and curves during your life, one thing that always stays constant is the need for proper menstrual hygiene. Managing your periods by using safe and reliable menstrual products such as those offered by Always is crucial. Make sure that you adjust your menstrual protection according to your menstrual cycle and needs across your 20s, 30s, and 40s. Checking the Always range of sanitary pads - that come with pads for all types of flow - and using the right type of protection can go a long way to ensure total protection and comfort.
Be it any age, your periods and PMS symptoms provide an insight into your overall health. And it is important to flag off any unusual signs that you may experience.
Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator.
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.