Why are my periods so painful, and what can help?
Painful periods are common, but pain that knocks you flat every month is not something you have to keep living with. Cramping comes from the uterus contracting, and it can be made worse by tension in the pelvic bowl, poor circulation, a uterus that sits out of its usual position, and conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. I’m Chaya Leia Aronson, RN, BSN, a registered nurse and pelvic health practitioner in Haydenville, Western Massachusetts, near Northampton, and I help women find more ease in their cycles, in person and on Zoom.
What painful periods sound like
These are the words women use when they first reach out to me:
- “For one day of the month, my pain is so bad I can’t get out of bed or do anything.”
- “My period pain is so intense that sometimes I pass out or vomit on day one.”
- “I bleed heavily every month.”
- “I’ve been told this is just normal.”
Doctors call painful periods dysmenorrhea. When it comes from another condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea.
Why are my periods so painful?
- A pelvic bowl that holds tension and doesn’t fully let go
- Congestion and sluggish circulation in the pelvis
- A uterus that is tilted or has shifted position
- Endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids
- Stress and a nervous system that rarely gets to rest
How I work with painful periods
- Maya abdominal massage to support the position and circulation of your uterus
- Holistic Pelvic Care™ to release tension in the pelvic bowl
- Yoni steaming, which many women use to support their cycle
- Herbal, nutrition and lifestyle support across your whole cycle
- Nervous system practices and a daily womb care routine you can do at home
“I had endometriosis, which caused debilitating menstrual pain. After three sessions, my next menstrual period was bearable for the first time in a long time.” Dr. Kristine Williams
“My symptoms included debilitating cramps that often induced vomiting. After five sessions that included Maya Abdominal Massage, Holistic Pelvic Care and Vaginal Steaming, I actually began to have peaceful menstrual cycles.” LC
How do you want to live into your next phase of life?
This work is for you if:
- You're navigating pelvic pain, hormonal change, or nervous system overload
- You're in midlife, or any transition - and done being told you're broken
- You want care that works in real life, not just on Instagram
- You're ready to come back into your body - without pressure to fix yourself
- You've tried the clinical route and the "woo" route and felt unseen by both
Book your free clarity call to begin the shift from dis-ease and discomfort to empowered health, vitality and pleasure in your body.
Claim Your Body, Claim Your Power
When should I see my doctor?
Please see your doctor if you faint or vomit from period pain, if you soak through a pad or tampon every hour, if pain comes on suddenly or keeps getting worse, if you bleed between periods, or if you might be pregnant. These can be signs of conditions that need medical care, and I am glad to work alongside your doctor.
Questions women ask me
Is it normal for periods to hurt this much? Some cramping is common. Pain that stops you living your life is a sign to get support, both from your doctor and from body-based care.
Can you help if I have endometriosis or fibroids? I don’t diagnose or treat these conditions, and they need care from your doctor. Many women with them find that bodywork, herbs and nervous system support make their cycles more manageable alongside that care.
How many sessions will I need? Most women do best with a 3 to 6 month Womb Sanctum Immersion, so we can work across several cycles. A 5-session bodywork package is a more economical option for some.
Start here: read my post I used to hate my period, or book a free clarity call.
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