Pain related to the menstrual cycle: what is it and how can it be relieved?

The female reproductive cycle, of approximately 28 days, involves the production of sex hormones, ovulation, the thickening of the uterine walls, and the partial breakdown of these walls when fertilization has not occurred.

Periods , or menstruation, are one of the physical manifestations of this deterioration. They involve periodic blood loss that causes varying degrees of pain for many women.

What causes menstrual pain? How can painful periods be effectively relieved?

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle defines the reproductive cycle in women of childbearing age. It begins at puberty, between the ages of 11 and 13, and has an average duration of 28 days (although it can vary between 26 and 35 days). The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends on the first day of the next period in the absence of pregnancy.

What are the different phases of the menstrual cycle?

The phases of the cycle are characterized by hormonal variations and physical changes: maturation of follicles, ovulation, growth and shedding of the endometrium...

The beginning of the cycle from day 1 to day 4: menstruation

At the beginning of the cycle, hormone production by the ovaries decreases, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining (the endometrium). The endometrium is naturally expelled; this is menstruation.

From day 5 to day 14: This is the follicular phase

This is the phase where the ovarian follicles (which contain the oocytes , the future eggs ) grow and the oocytes mature. On the uterine side, under the influence of estrogens secreted by the ovaries, the endometrium thickens.

Around day 14: This is ovulation.

Around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle (approximately), the fully mature oocyte releases its egg , which has also matured and become an ovum . The egg then leaves the ovary and is collected by the fallopian tube; this is ovulation.

From day 15 to day 28: This is the luteal phase

The mature follicle, having released its egg, develops into the corpus luteum, which then secretes progesterone (a hormone). The combined action of estrogen and progesterone leads to a transformation of the endometrium: thickening and development of a blood network to prepare it to receive a future embryo.

If a fertilized egg implants in the endometrium, the corpus luteum continues to secrete hormones, which helps maintain the integrity of the endometrium and allow the pregnancy to continue.

If, on the other hand, no fertilized egg implants, the corpus luteum regresses, progesterone secretion stops, and a new cycle begins with the shedding of the endometrium, the start of the new period.

What are painful periods, menstrual pain, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Menstruation, or periods, occurs at the end of the final phase of the menstrual cycle. It corresponds to the breakdown and shedding of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). It manifests as vaginal bleeding.

They occur 14 days after ovulation and last a few days (3 to 5 days).

Periods cause significant pain for many young women, sometimes hindering their daily lives. This pain, known as menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea, occurs mainly shortly before menstruation and persists during the first few days of the period.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is abdominal pain that accompanies menstruation. It most often appears with the first period. It can be a marker of associated conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. If you are unsure of the cause of this pain, it is important to consult a doctor.

We can distinguish:

• Primary dysmenorrhea , which manifests in young adolescent girls from the onset of menstruation, is caused by contractions of the uterine muscles, stimulated by the secretion of prostaglandins. These contractions are triggered to expel the unfertilized egg and endometrial shedding.

• Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs after puberty and can appear in women who previously experienced no symptoms. It is often caused by an underlying condition (endometriosis, presence of a fibroid or polyps, etc.).

What is premenstrual syndrome?

Several days before the start of their period, some women experience a number of symptoms: irritation, depression, breast pain, stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea… This set of symptoms constitutes premenstrual syndrome (or PMS), it is due to hormonal variations.

It is a phenomenon whose signs and intensity vary greatly from person to person.

How to relieve painful periods and other menstrual pains?

There are several solutions that can be combined to relieve disorders related to the menstrual cycle:

• Heat: taking a hot bath or using a hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen can relieve menstrual pain.

• Red Tiger Balm: used to relieve muscle and joint pain

• Calming infusions: German chamomile, ginger, raspberry leaf, yarrow, ...

• Yoga, breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to relax muscles and relieve cramps.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Antispasmodics

• The use of painkillers

• The use of hormonal contraception

• Herbal medicine

Dysmenorrhea and PMS: Phytocea to the rescue

Menstrual pain is a societal issue that we take very seriously. That's why we designed ReLive. Developed in collaboration with gynecologists, ReLive is a nutraceutical dietary supplement for painful periods that combines natural plant extracts with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic properties. It effectively relieves menstrual pain and allows you to experience your period more peacefully.

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Confident in our product, we conducted a satisfaction survey with patients of one of our partner gynecologists after they had taken our supplement. The result was conclusive: the majority of patients reported a significant reduction in their pain and discomfort.


The feedback from these patients is illustrated and summarized in the following infographic: