Period symptoms and what they tell you about your overall health

by Bethany Peterson

Why period health matters more than you’ve been told

Your body is constantly communicating with you, and your period is one of its most important messengers. So many women have been told that period symptoms like painful cramps, irregular cycles, heavy flow, headaches, fatigue, and more are just “normal” parts of being a woman with a period. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we know those symptoms are important signs of your overall health. And, we love to tell our patients, these are not symptoms you have to live with! They’re treatable!

Are you looking for a pelvic floor physical therapist in Kansas City who can help you address pesky period symptoms? Schedule a 15-minute consultation with us today.

As Lisa Hendrickson-Jack explains in her book, The Fifth Vital Sign, we believe your menstrual cycle deserves the same attention and respect as other vital signs, like your pulse, blood pressure, or temperature. Whether you’re a teen just getting started, trying to conceive, or navigating perimenopause or menopause, your period has something important to say.

Your period = a health report

Many of the contributors to painful periods are related to how well your pelvic organs can move, how freely blood can circulate, and how your muscles respond to monthly hormonal changes. Over time, stress, injury, surgery, inflammation, or underlying conditions can layer together, creating cycles that are increasingly uncomfortable or disruptive.

Period pain and other symptoms can come from:

  • Pelvic congestion: Poor blood flow in the pelvic organs

  • Muscle tension: Tight pelvic floor, hip, and abdominal muscles

  • Scar tissue or adhesions: From surgery, endometriosis, infections, or injuries

  • Poor organ mobility: Your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues aren’t gliding and moving the way they should

  • Uterine contractions: Your uterus naturally contracts to shed its lining. These contractions can squeeze nearby blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow and causing pain

  • Prostaglandins: When hormone levels drop at the end of your cycle, your body releases prostaglandins—chemical messengers that trigger uterine contractions and inflammation. In some people, especially those with endometriosis or higher inflammatory markers, this can lead to more intense cramping

  • Pelvic floor involvement: Pelvic floor muscles may tighten or spasm in response to uterine pain, compounding discomfort

  • Underlying conditions: Fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or other gynecological concerns

When pelvic tissues are restricted or inflamed, the uterus often has to work harder to shed its lining, leading to increased cramping, pressure, and inflammation.

Important note: Severe, worsening, or suddenly changing period pain is not something you should push through. Always consult with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider to rule out medical conditions and ensure you’re receiving appropriate care.

What does a “normal” period look and feel like? 

While every body is going to be a little bit different depending on age, genetics, hormones, medication, and other health factors, we generally want periods to be…

  • Predictable (roughly every 21–35 days)

  • Last 4-8 days

  • Manageable in flow

  • Not debilitatingly painful

  • Free from symptoms that disrupt daily life

When periods are consistently painful, extremely heavy, irregular, or emotionally overwhelming, your body may be signaling that something needs attention.

How pelvic floor physical therapy supports period health

Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the muscular, connective tissue, and nervous system components of menstrual health, not just symptoms. Our goal is always to help our patients get to the root of their symptoms so that we can address what’s really going on in your body, not just mask the problem. 

At Well + Core, pelvic floor PT can help by:

  • Reducing pelvic muscle tension that contributes to cramping

  • Improving blood flow to the uterus and pelvic organs

  • Supporting better hormonal signaling through nervous system regulation

  • Addressing pain in the pelvis, hips, low back, or abdomen

  • Helping with painful tampon or cup use

  • Supporting conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and painful ovulation

We use a number of different tools in our toolbelt when it comes to addressing period pain and symptoms. Depending on your unique situation, we might work on organ mobility through Mercier Therapy techniques, dry needling to help release tight muscles, cupping or targeted fascial release strategies, hormone and cycle tracking, or specific exercises and movements that can help address your pain. 

Your period isn’t an inconvenience; it’s information

At Well + Core, we believe your cycle deserves curiosity, care, and support, not dismissal.

If your period:

  • Controls your schedule

  • Causes pain that stops you in your tracks

  • Feels unpredictable or exhausting

  • Makes you dread each month

…it may be time to listen more closely and get support from providers who take period health seriously.

You deserve a cycle that works with your life, not against it.

Curious about how pelvic floor physical therapy or Mercier Therapy could support your period health? We’d love to help you explore your options and reconnect with your body in a more informed, empowered way. Schedule an appointment or a 15-minute consultation with one of our pelvic floor physical therapists today. 

Your period is talking. We’re here to help you understand what it’s saying.

 

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