Is Your Period Too Painful? Causes, Workup & Treatment Tips | Episode 12

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, dives into the topic of painful cycles. She breaks down what a normal period looks like versus a painful cycle, explores the different causes, how to properly evaluate your pain, and shares treatment strategies to help reduce discomfort. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 💡 Definition & Differential Diagnosis Normal periods should allow you to function without needing excessive pain relief. Signs your cycle may be too painful: severe cramps requiring multiple ibuprofen doses, missed school/work, or reliance on heating pads for hours. Potential causes include: General inflammation (autoimmune issues, gut inflammation, leaky gut) Endometriosis or scar tissue on/around the uterus Adenomyosis (inflammation within the uterine walls) Endometritis (infection inside the uterus) Cervical inflammation Vaginal dysbiosis or infection 🩺 Workup of a Painful Cycle Labs: ANA, ESR, CRP to check for inflammation or autoimmune conditions Gut health testing for leaky gut or bacterial overgrowth Imaging: ultrasound or MRI to detect adenomyosis, cysts, or swelling Procedures: biopsy, laparoscopy, or vaginal swabs to check for endometriosis, infections, and bacterial imbalances Comprehensive evaluation is key, especially if prior treatments (like endometriosis surgery) did not fully relieve pain 🌿 Treatment & Management Lifestyle & Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diet (low sugar, high magnesium, leafy greens, protein), regular exercise for blood flow Supplements: Omega-3, curcumin (turmeric), magnesium Medical Interventions: Surgery for endometriosis or scar tissue Antibiotics and probiotics for endometritis or vaginal infections Long-term inflammation management for adenomyosis Advocate for yourself: proper evaluation can uncover treatable causes and significantly reduce period pain Key Takeaways: Painful cycles are not “normal”—you should be able to function on your period. Multiple factors can contribute to pain, from gut inflammation to endometriosis and infections. A thorough evaluation is essential to identify and treat underlying causes. Lifestyle, diet, supplements, and medical interventions can all help reduce discomfort. Resources & Next Steps: If you experience painful periods, Dr. Sarah and her team at Vera Health and Fertility can provide a full evaluation and personalized plan to help you manage and reduce cycle pain. 📍 Westminster, Colorado 🌐 Schedule a consultation: verafertility.com 📧 Follow along: @verafertility on Instagram & TikTok