Why Do I Get Lower Back Pain During My Periods ?

period back pain relief

Every woman undergoes a menstrual cycle once every 28-25 days. And when periods occur there are a lot of changes that a female body undergoes. 

What is menstruation or periods?

The monthly process of shedding the uterine lining is known as menstruation. It is also called menses or menstrual period, or commonly period. Menstrual blood, which consists of both blood and tissue from the inside of your uterus, flows from the uterus through the cervix and out of your body through vagina. 

Menstruation is controlled by hormones, which are chemical signals in your body. Your pituitary gland in the brain and your ovaries, part of your reproductive system, produce and release these hormones at specific times during your menstrual cycle. 

How long does a menstrual cycle last for?

A normal menstrual cycle can last for about 3 to 7 days. And anywhere in between is considered normal.

What are the signs that show before periods?

Not everyone has symptoms of menstruation, and the severity can differ from person to person. The most common symptom is cramping, which occurs as your uterus contracts to shed its lining. Other signs that your period is coming include:

  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Mood swings 
  • Food craving 
  • Headaches 
  • Acne 
  • Bloating 
  • Breast tenderness

Consult a gynecologist specialist in Coimbatore, if you are experiencing severe lower back pain during your periods.

Can your period change over time?

Your menstrual cycle can change as you age from your teenage years into your 40s or 50s. When you first start menstruating, it’s normal to have longer cycles or heavier periods. After they start, it can take up to three years for young people to have regular cycles. A normal menstrual cycle is one that:

  • Causes bleeding for 3 to 7 days 
  • Repeats every 21 to 35 days

By your 20s, your menstrual cycles usually become more regular. As you approach menopause, your periods will start to change again and may become more irregular.

It’s also normal for your period to vary during other significant life events that impact your hormones, like after having a baby or while breastfeeding.

During these periods, every woman experiences a certain level of pain and discomfort, and most of the time this is never a concern, but when the pain is severe it might indicate underlying conditions. 

Why do you have lower back pain during periods?

Why might you feel lower back pain when menstruation affects the uterus? During your menstrual cycle, it’s not just the blood that’s being expelled; the lining of the uterus also needs to be shed. Prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances, cause the uterus to contract to help with this process. Some women produce more prostaglandins than others, leading to more intense contractions. This can cause pain in the abdomen and sometimes make the pain radiate to other areas, like the back.

On the first or second day of their menstrual cycle, when prostaglandin levels are highest, women frequently experience lower back pain. After that, prostaglandin levels drop, and the pain usually improves.

If your lower back pain during your period becomes severe and persistent, not just a one-time issue, let your doctor know. They can run tests to check if there’s another underlying condition causing the problem.

What are the common culprits of severe lower back pain during periods?

  • Endometriosis:

Lower back pain during your period can also be caused by secondary dysmenorrhea, which means painful periods due to a medical condition affecting your reproductive organs. Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis can lead to lower back pain.

With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus on other nearby structures in the pelvis. These endometrial cells are often found behind the uterus, which is why lower back pain is common. They can also appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic sidewall, bowel, and bladder.

When women with endometriosis have their period, the tissue outside the uterus also tries to shed, but there’s no way for it to leave the body. Unlike the endometrial cells inside the uterus that are expelled through the vagina along with menstrual blood, the tissue outside the uterus has no exit. During menstruation, these endometriosis spots remain where they are, causing pain due to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of scar tissue. This pain can radiate to the back.

  • Uterine fibroids:

Uterine fibroids are growths made of muscle tissue that can vary in size and may be found inside the uterine wall, on the outside of the uterus, or hanging off it. The exact reason why women develop fibroids is not known, but they are a common diagnosis among women.

Uterine fibroids that grow on the back side of the uterus can stick out enough to press on muscles and nerves in the lower spine, causing lower back pain. These non-cancerous tumors can start as small as a pea and grow to the size of a medium watermelon over time. Estrogen helps them grow, and their growth rate can vary based on their blood supply and location.

Fibroids can cause the uterus to enlarge and stretch its inner cavity, leading to an increase in the lining of the uterus. More lining means more endometrial tissue and more endometrial tissue leads to more prostaglandin production. This can result in stronger contractions, which often causes lower back pain.

It’s important to know that fibroids might not cause any problems depending on their size and location. Once a woman reaches menopause and hormone levels decrease, fibroids often shrink, and for many women, symptoms may go away completely.

  • Adenomyosis:

Adenomyosis is a condition similar to endometriosis. The main difference is that in adenomyosis, endometrial cells grow deep within the muscle of the uterine wall, rather than outside the uterus. Some women can have both endometriosis and adenomyosis at the same time. Instead of prostaglandins affecting the uterine muscles from the outside, they now invade the muscle itself, causing the walls to thicken. This can lead to severe pain and heavy bleeding.

When should you see a doctor for lower back pain during periods?

As mentioned before, lower back pain is almost always never a concern as they fade away once the bleeding reduces. But if you find yourself missing your regular activities consistently for a couple of months then you might need to see a gynecologist. As having a bad period month is considered normal but constantly facing bad periods is a sign of concern.

What are the tips to reduce lower back pain during periods?

You can either try simple home remedies or consult a doctor for lower back pain treatment during periods. Few common ways to reduce period cramps include:

  • Heat therapy:

Applying heat to the lower back can help relax tense muscles and relieve pain. You can use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or take a warm bath for heat therapy. The warmth boosts blood flow to the area, easing muscle cramps and provides periods back pain relief.

  • Prescription medications:

Prescription pain relievers can help reduce lower back pain during your period. These medications work by lowering inflammation and blocking pain signals, according to the expert. Be sure to follow the recommended doses and consult a doctor if you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications.

  • Regular physical activity:

Regular physical activity, like gentle stretching and yoga, can help relieve lower back pain during your period. These exercises improve blood flow, release endorphins (natural pain relievers), and reduce muscle tension. Staying active consistently can also provide long-term benefits.

  • Balanced diet:

Making some changes to your diet can help manage period back pain. Eating foods that help with reducing period cramps like foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can reduce inflammation and muscle cramps. Cutting back on caffeine and salt may also help lessen discomfort.

  • Stress management:

Emotional stress can worsen lower back pain during your period. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help relax the body and ease muscle tension. Practicing these stress-relief methods regularly, especially during your period, can be helpful.

Important Takeaway:

Many women experience painful periods, and while lower back pain isn’t the most common symptom, it does affect many women at some point during their cycle.

Home remedies can often help relieve the pain and other symptoms. However, if the pain is severe, it’s a good idea to consult a gynecologist specialist in Coimbatore. They can recommend ways to manage the pain and check for any underlying issues.


Lower Back Pain during Periods

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