Period pain may not always be routine

While mostly ignored, some menstrual cramps can be accompanied by underlying health conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Here's what you should know

- REWATI KARAN

Discomfort during a period or a delayed period is considered a normal part of a woman's reproductive life. However, dismissing it as just another 'period pain' would not be a wise thing to do as it may come with significant health issues linked with mental health, diabetes, and infertility.

Such painful periods could be a sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is common in India and an increasing number of women in the reproductive age are suffering from this hormonal disorder. They could also be associated with endometriosis, a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

As per reports, one in five women in India suffer from PCOS but this lifelong health condition is often dismissed as a routine issue that will go away on its own. In fact, the list of serious health issues that PCOS comes with is exhaustive. A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism says PCOS is associated with an eating disorder or bulimia. It shows that the risk of eating disorders is 50% higher among women with PCOS, regardless of their body mass index (BMI).

Another study published in Neurology earlier this year, says it is also associated with potential cognitive issues in midlife. It says increasing evidence links cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, to accelerated cognitive aging to PCOS.

The disorder is primarily known for its reproductive issues including oligomenorrhea (abnormal menstruation), hyperandrogenism (high levels of androgens or male hormones), and infertility. It is also associated with adverse metabolic features, including insulin resistance (IR) exacerbated by obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation as well as mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.