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Period pain can be very uncomfortable. You can feel it in different parts of your body, including the joints. Know more about joint pain during periods.
Women face various physical and mental challenges during menstruation. Abdominal pain is one of the most common problems faced by many women during menstruation. Bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, fatigue and joint stiffness are also common symptoms. Joint pain can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, inflammation or a health condition. Read on to find out the factors that can lead to joint pain during periods and home remedies you can try.
What Causes Joint Pain During Periods?
Menstrual joint pain or menstrual-related joint pain is a lesser-known symptom of menstruation, says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Neha Khandelwal.
Several factors contribute to joint pain during periods:
1. Hormonal fluctuations
Research published in 2020 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Changing hormones (estrogen and progesterone) often cause joint pain before or during menstruation. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can affect fluid retention and inflammation in the body, potentially contributing to joint pain.
2. Prostaglandins
They are hormone-like substances that play a key role in inflammation and pain. High levels of prostaglandins, which are released during menstruation to stimulate uterine contractions, also affect the joints and contribute to pain, the expert said.
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3. Inflammation
Menstruation triggers an inflammatory response in your body before or during menstruation. It aggravates joint pains in women who are prone to swelling.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside of it. It causes pelvic pain and swelling in the joints during menstruation.
5. Autoimmune disorders
Certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause joint pain. It is aggravated by hormonal fluctuations and increased inflammation during menstruation.
6. Nutritional deficiencies
Nutrients such as magnesium or vitamin D play a role in bone and joint health. In case of deficiency in these nutrients, it can cause joint pains during menstruation.
Phases of the menstrual cycle and joint pain
Menstrual cycle-related joint pains occur especially during menstruation (premenstrual phase) and menstruation itself, says the expert. Here’s how it usually aligns with the phases of the menstrual cycle:
1. Premenstrual phase (late luteal phase)
During the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs in the days leading up to menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly. This hormonal change can contribute to increased inflammation and joint pain in some women. Joint pains during this stage may be associated with fluid retention and changes in the body’s response to inflammation.
2. Menstrual phase
During the menstrual phase, women may also experience joint pain. Prostaglandins, chemicals associated with inflammation and pain, are released during menstruation to help the uterus contract and shed its lining.
These prostaglandins can also affect nearby tissues, potentially increasing joint tenderness and pain, says Dr. Khandelwal.
How long does joint pain last?
The duration of joint pain associated with the menstrual cycle can vary widely among women and may depend on many factors, including individual hormone levels, underlying health conditions, and overall pain sensitivity. Usually, it lasts from a few days to a week. Period-related joint pain is considered a temporary symptom that usually resolves after hormone levels stabilize after menstruation. However, if joint pain persists beyond the menstrual cycle or becomes chronic, it may indicate an underlying condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia that requires further evaluation and treatment.
How to manage menstrual joint pain?
You can control joint pain by doing the following:
- Apply heat or ice packs to the affected joints to provide relief.
- Engage in gentle stretching or low-impact exercise, such as walking, to help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support overall joint health.
- Limit or avoid foods that increase inflammation, such as processed foods, sugary snacks, and too much caffeine.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet to reduce excess stress on your joints.
- A physical therapist may also recommend specific exercises and techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Be sure to discuss your symptoms and treatment preferences with your doctor to effectively manage menstrual joint pain.