(ETX Daily Up) – Whether it results in cramps, headaches, or nausea, menstrual pain can be disabling on a daily basis, and even affect the professional and social life of the women concerned. Conducted on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a new study reveals that more than nine out of ten women are affected by dysmenorrhea, which deprives them of decisive moments in their careers and in their personal lives.
The many taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene are gradually being shattered, but certain prejudices remain regarding menstrual pain and its consequences on the daily lives of young girls and women. This has been confirmed by a new survey carried out by EasyPanel for Naturactive, on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day. We learn in particular that more than nine out of ten women (91%) say they have already felt pain during their period at least once in the last twelve months, which may have been “intense or extremely intense” (59%) . An even more convincing finding among the youngest women, since 96% of 18-29 year olds report suffering from pain during their periods, and nearly three quarters (73%) say they have felt “intense or extremely intense” pain at least once in the past year.
Social life particularly affected
If dysmenorrhea can have harmful effects on physical and mental health, it is nonetheless impacting on a personal, professional and social level. More than a quarter of women surveyed (28%) confirm that menstrual pain has prevented them from carrying out a professional or school activity in the past twelve months, and more than four in ten respondents (44%) say they have been deprived sport because of the intensity of these pains. Once again, these deprivations are more marked among the younger generations. More than one in two women aged 18 to 29 (53%) declare that they have not been able to practice sport because of these menstrual pains, and 49% even admit that they have not been able to go out with their loved ones.
These data are to be compared with the results of a study carried out by Joii in the United Kingdom and Ireland last February. This then revealed that painful periods caused menstruating women to lose 36 days of social life per year. The latter being deprived of social events, courses, sports, and work, during this period of the month. And the figure is even higher for women suffering from endometriosis, who would lose at least 60 days of social life per year.
The hot water bottle, an ally against pain
Lower abdominal pain is the main symptom observed during menstruation (80%), ahead of fatigue (60%), lower back pain (46%), migraine (39%) and nausea and vomiting (19%). When the latter occur, women turn first to drugs, favored for their rapidity of action (64%). A figure that rises to 70% among women aged between 18 and 29. But the main concerned also use natural methods (41% of women who have suffered at least once from intense pain), or combine drugs and natural solutions. The hot water bottle is the most popular natural method for women (30%). Particularly appreciated for relieving pain in the lower abdomen, it is ahead of massages (18%), plants (12%), and essential oils (11%).
*This survey was carried out among 1,004 women, representative of the population of French women aged 18 to 44, in March 2023 by EasyPanel for Naturactive.