Period Pain Can Be “Almost As Bad As Having a Heart Attack”

A professor is calling for more research into period pain as the extent can be almost equal to that of a heart attack. According to Quartz, dysmenorrhea (or painful menstruation) affects approximately one in five women but there is still very little research into it and it is often downplayed by doctors. Professor of reproductive health at University College London John Guillebaud told the publication that patients have described their cramps as being “almost as bad as having a heart attack.” He added: “Men don’t get it and it hasn’t been given the centrality it should have. I do believe it’s something that should be taken care of, like anything else in medicine.”

via GIPHY

To date, there is very little research about period pain and the effects vary from woman to woman. Another expert, Director of gynecological​ pain at NorthShore University Frank Tu, also said that some medical professionals downplay the symptoms and simply advise over-the-counter painkillers. Hear hear!