According to a study published in the Journal of Pain Research, 84.1% of women suffer from menstrual pain. Now, you may think that this period affliction is only limited to abdominal cramps, backache, and headache. However, pain in legs during periods is yet another side-effect of our monthlies that is experienced by several women across the world. If you too experience leg pain during periods, you might feel a bit flummoxed as to whether it’s normal or what it indicates about your overall health. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know about period-induced leg pain:
Is Pain In Legs During Periods Normal?
A 2008 study suggests that period pain that usually affects the lower abdomen can be felt in the back or legs too. It can occur during the initial days of your period or even be a part of the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that one is likely to experience two-seven days prior to their period. Additionally, women who have heavy bleeding may experience a more intense pain in the legs during periods. But here’s the catch: while mild or a medium-intensity pain in your thighs and legs is usually not a cause of worry, high-intensity pain needs immediate medical intervention.
Reasons Behind Pain In Legs During Periods
Surely, mild leg pain during periods may be a normal period affliction. But if you’re wondering why it happens in the first place, read on. Here are five common causes of leg pain during periods–both mild and strong:
Effect Of Prostaglandins
During your period, your body secretes hormone-like chemical substances called prostaglandins. They trigger uterine contractions in a bid to expel the uterine lining from the body. Prostaglandins can also cause inflammation and a compression in the blood vessels, which, in turn, leads to a lack of blood and oxygen supply to the tissues. When tissues don’t have oxygen, they release chemicals that cause pain in areas surrounding the abdomen such as lower back and legs.
Abdominal Pain
The pain from the lower abdomen can also get transferred to your thighs, knees and legs. This happens because our whole body is connected by tissues, fibres, and blood vessels.
Low Estrogen
Pain in legs during periods can also be due to estrogen-progesterone fluctuations in the body that usually occur during PMS. Normally, estrogen levels drop during the second half of your menstrual cycle and can cause some pain. However, an extreme drop in this hormone can lead to poor blood circulation. The result? Early menopause, severe leg swelling, varicose veins, and restless leg syndrome. If these issues are accompanied by symptoms like vaginal dryness, heat flashes, irregular or no periods, and extreme moodiness and irritability, you must consult with your doctor.
Endometriosis
Pain in legs during periods can also be a sign of endometriosis. It is a condition wherein the endometrial cells that normally grow inside the uterus and are expelled during the menstrual cycle, grow outside of the uterine wall and attach themselves to other organs and tissue. When these cells try to leave the body, it can lead to swelling and inflammation. Now, endometriosis-induced leg pain feels different than the typical period cramps in legs. It can be higher in intensity and cause swelling and numbness. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, and debilitating period pain.
Dehydration
Hormones can affect your hydration levels, and their fluctuations around your period can make you more likely to become dehydrated. Additionally, sipping on hot liquids and not drinking enough water during periods can also lead to dehydration. This in turn can cause cramps in legs. For the unversed, a cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. The fluids in your body allow your muscles to relax, but when those muscles are dehydrated, they get irritable and are prone to cramping.
Home Remedies To Manage Pain In Legs During Periods
Now that you know why you experience pain in legs during periods, let’s look at some effective and safe ways to manage the pain at home:
Heat Therapy
Applying heat on your legs with the help of a heating pad, a hot water bottle, a heat patch or a warm compress can give you some much-needed relief from pain. This is because the heat helps reduce inflammation and relaxes the muscles, thereby decreasing the pain.
Massage
Massage your legs with a muscle-relaxing essential oil like lavender oil for some quick relief from leg pain during periods. Doing so can boost your blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax your muscles at the same time.
Mild Exercise
Mild stretching exercises and slow walks during periods can also boost blood circulation in the legs and relieve the pain. It can boost your mood as well and help you feel better overall.
Ginger-Turmeric Tea
While alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are a big no-no during periods, herbal teas like ginger-turmeric tea can be of great help. Both ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory, healing, and pain-relieving properties. So boiling a pinch of both in water and sipping it on can help reduce the pain in legs during periods.
Stay Hydrated
If you experience cramps in legs during periods, make sure to up your water intake. You must consume at least two liters a day. This in turn can keep the fluid balance in your body intact and prevent leg cramps.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Manage Pain In Legs During Periods
Sirona Feminine Pain Relief Patch
Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch is made with natural pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil. This sleek patch can be stuck on the legs or thighs for some much-needed pain relief. It is easy to carry and stays effective for 8-10 hours.
Sirona Pain-Relief Heat Patch
Sirona’s Pain-Relief Heat Patch is also made with 100% natural ingredients. Consider it as your portable, hassle-free source of heat therapy that you can stick on your legs. The heat patches are effective for upto eight hours–without any side-effects.
Sirona Feminine Cramp Relief Roll On
The Sirona Cramp Relief Roll On can be used on your lower back, abdomen, and legs. Packed with all-natural ingredients like lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, it helps relieve period pain–even on the go. It’s calming aroma helps relax your muscles and the smooth roll-on application makes it super handy and convenient to use.
Electric Hot Water Bag
Sirona’s Hot Water Bag is a mess-free way to cash in on the goodness of heat therapy. It comes with an automatic temperature control and a quick-charging feature. It helps relax your muscles, lowers inflammation, and relieves period pain.
Folks, pain in legs during periods is a common period affliction faced by several women. However, if this pain is strong and unbearable, you must consult your doc.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
How to Get Rid of Period Cramps: Here’s everything you need to know about powering through menstrual cramps like a champ
Tampons vs Pads: Tampons or pads? Which is the better period aid for you?
Reason for Delayed Periods: Delayed periods aren’t always a sign of pregnancy.
Brown Discharge During Pregnancy: Read this if you’re experiencing brown vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Remedies to Cure Period Pain: These home remedies are all you need to power through a painful period week.