Not on the Table: The Science Behind Period Cramps and What’s Still Missing

Send us a text with a question or thought on this episode ( We cannot replay from this link)Kate Downey shares her 22-year journey through debilitating period pain and her quest for answers that ultimately led to creating her podcast "Cramped." Through extensive research and interviews with experts, Kate uncovers why period pain remains so misunderstood despite affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.• 30% of menstruating people (approximately 522 million worldwide) experience debilitating period pain• The widely accepted explanation for period cramps is being questioned by researchers at the GYRL lab• Female bodies are systematically excluded from medical research, leading to gaps in treatment effectiveness• Even medications like antidepressants work differently depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle• The stigma around periods keeps us isolated in our pain, which neurologically can make the pain worse• Women's health research is making progress, but requires more advocacy and awareness• Creating community through "women's circles" or "clam bakes" helps share crucial information about treatments• Resources like cureperiodpain.org offer opportunities to participate in studies that advance menstrual researchYou can find Kate Helen Downey's podcast "Cramped" wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow her on Instagram @KateHelenDowney or TikTok @KateIsCramped.Support the showWebsite endobattery.comInstagram: EndoBattery