Dr. Sharmistha Mondal
13-Apr-2026
Agonising cramps and menstrual pain that make daily life difficult for you are not "normal". Here's what you should keep in check about your menstrual health.
Inputs by: Dr Sharmistha Mondal, Clinical Scientist & Founder, Be.ing painfree
For many of us, period pain has been normalised to the point of invisibility. It is something we are told to push through, something that becomes part of our monthly rhythm. A heating pad, a painkiller, maybe a cancelled plan, and then life moves on.
But what if pain is not just something to endure? What if it is trying to tell us something? Menstrual pain, or cramps, is often dismissed as routine. And yes, for some, they are a natural part of the menstrual cycle. But there is a growing shift in how we look at this experience. The idea that pain intense enough to disrupt daily life should simply be accepted is being questioned more openly today.
At the centre of this shift are brands like Be.ing painfree, which are actively challenging long-held assumptions around menstrual discomfort. Built on the belief that pain disrupting everyday life should not be considered normal, the brand reflects a wider cultural move towards taking menstrual health more seriously.
Why are you Suffering from Excessive Period Pain?
Excessive period pain can be shaped by hormonal balance, stress levels, lifestyle habits, nutrition, and emotional health. For instance, chronic stress can heighten how the body experiences pain. Lack of sleep, dehydration, or nutrient deficiencies can further intensify cramps. And for many, period discomfort extends beyond cramps into bloating, fatigue, back pain, and digestive unease. These symptoms are often treated separately, even though they are closely connected.
This fragmented way of understanding menstrual health is now being rethought. Traditionally, menstrual hygiene and pain relief have existed as two different conversations. In reality, the menstrual experience is holistic. It affects multiple systems in the body at the same time, which calls for a more integrated approach to care.
When Should You Be Alerted?
In some cases, persistent or severe pain may point to underlying conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PCOS. These are not uncommon, yet they remain underdiagnosed, partly because pain has been culturally minimised.
Listening to your body does not mean overthinking every sensation. It means noticing patterns. Is the pain getting worse over time? Does it interfere with your ability to function through the day? Are there accompanying symptoms like heavy bleeding or persistent bloating?
How to Relieve Excessive Period Pain?
There is a growing movement towards more thoughtful ways of managing discomfort. Approaches that are plant-based, non-hormonal, and designed for regular use are gaining attention, reflecting a broader shift towards solutions that support the body more gently over time. Equally important is recognising that menstrual health is closely tied to overall wellbeing. Gentle movement like walking or yoga can improve circulation and help ease discomfort. Nutrition plays a role too, with balanced meals supporting hormonal health. And rest, often overlooked, becomes essential. Slowing down during your period is not indulgent; it is a way of responding to what your body needs.
Perhaps the most important shift is in how we approach period pain. Moving away from dismissal and towards awareness. Instead of only trying to make it go away quickly, we can begin asking what might be contributing to it.
Because menstrual health is not just about managing a few days each month. It is a reflection of a larger internal balance. When something feels off, it is often a signal worth paying attention to. Understanding that, and responding to it with the right kind of care, is where real change begins.
Cover Credit: Pexels
