“I thought it was normal to have pain with a period…”

Myth!

endometriosis.org writes:
“‘Women’s problems’ perplexed nineteenth century doctors, who saw them as indicative of women’s unstable and delicate psychological constitutions. Even though attitudes towards women improved during the twentieth century, some of the old beliefs still linger unconsciously, and affect the medical profession’s attitudes towards women’s complaints, including period pain.

“As a result, while seeking help for their pelvic pain (which may occur apart from menses), many women with endometriosis are told that their (often severe) period pain is ‘normal’, ‘part of being a woman’, or ‘in their head’. Others are told that they have ‘a low pain threshold’, or are ‘psychologically inadequate’.

“The net is that if pain interferes with daily life (going to school/work, partaking in day-to-day activities) it is not normal.

“If pain interferes with your day-to-day life, please seek help and ask to be investigated to determine the cause of your pain.”

The Endometriosis Association writes: “Menstrual pain that keeps you from participating in usual activities is not normal. Some women never experience menstrual cramps. Others have only mild, occasional pain. If your cramps are severe and/or frequent, it is a sign of a problem.”

EndoCenter.org writes:
“What’s the Big Deal? It’s Just “Killer Cramps,” Right?

“Wrong. This mistaken assumption diminishes and invalidates the suffering of every individual with the disease and can lead to feelings of isolation. Endometriosis isn’t just ‘bad periods.’

“So – What IS Normal?? Minor cramping during menses, often treated with over the counter remedies. Each month, tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) breaks down, sheds and exits the body resulting in normal menstruation. Inflammatory hormones – particularly those known as prostaglandins – are linked to the minor cramping and discomfort of a normal period. This is called “dysmenorrhea”.  Dysmenorrhea is not the same as endometriosis, nor is the disease simply comprised of ‘normal’ endometrium in abnormal places – as many sources and organizations mistakenly assert.

“Symptoms vary, but classic signs [of endometriosis] include severe dysmenorrhea, painful sex, chronic pelvic pain, Middleschmertz (painful ovulation), bowel or bladder associated pain or symptoms, infertility and often chronic fatigue, collapsed lung in thoracic endometriosis, and more. Endometriosis can cause pain in menstruators and non-menstruators alike.”

This and other myths can be found here.