Why do some women experience worse period pain in winter?

The cold winters in Bangalore may bring much anticipated relief from the hot summers, but also brings its set of winter woes for women. Unfortunate but true, some women experience worse period pain in cold weather. How? Well, let’s take a look at why this happens and what gynaecologists in Bangalore suggest to help relieve the discomfort.

Key reasons why period pain in cold weather becomes exaggerated for some women

Vasoconstriction or constricted blood vessels

One of the reasons period cramps can amplify during the winter season is that blood vessels naturally tighten during the cold weather to conserve body heat. Blood vessels to the uterus also tighten, causing reduced blood flow, making uterine contractions more painful.

Lower serotonin levels during winter

Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the body that helps regulate mood and emotional balance. Sunlight naturally boosts serotonin. However, during winter, shorter days mean less sunlight. Therefore, serotonin production in the body is also reduced, impacting mood, pain perception, irritability and fatigue. That is why women may feel more pain during their menses in cold weather.

Vitamin D deficiency and period pain in cold winter

Gynaecology experts also attribute Vitamin D deficiency during winter as a contributing factor for elevated period pain.

• Vitamin D plays a role in balancing key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Imbalance in these hormones can contribute to irregularities and worsen period pain.
• Low vitamin D levels can increase the production of Prostaglandin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions, causing pain
• Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and its deficiency can increase inflammatory response, making cramps more painful.

Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D. Less sunlight during winters means lower vitamin D and therefore increased period pain during winter.

Muscle stiffness

Cold weather can make muscles stiffer, causing the uterine muscles to contract sharply, resulting in acute pain.

Lifestyle shifts during the winter season

What could be better than keeping yourself snug under a warm blanket on a cold winter morning? This downside is that this lethargy and reduced activity during winter can disrupt hormonal balance, resulting in discomfort and increased pain during the menstrual cycle for women.

How can you alleviate period pain in cold weather?

Gynaecology experts suggest certain home remedies to help reduce period pain during the winter season.

• Keep yourself warm: experts suggest keeping yourself warm during the cold weather. Staying warm relaxes your muscles and improves blood flow, reducing pain during periods in winter.

• Manage your diet: During the winter season, change your diet to include an anti-inflammatory-rich diet. Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron and vitamin D. So, in winter, increase your intake of nuts, seeds, oily fish, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes and also hydrating fruits.

• Light exercise: To avoid muscle stiffness and lethargy that could increase menstrual pain during winter, engage in light exercises.

When should you visit your gynaecologist in Bangalore?

If the harsh Bangalore winter has caused your period pain to worsen and none of the home remedies are helping to ease the pain, visit your gynaecologist in Bangalore at the earliest. Kinder Women’s Hospital in Whitefield is a leading hospital with a team of the top gynaecologists in Bangalore. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities make us one of the most preferred multispeciality hospitals in Whitefield, Bangalore. Schedule your appointment with us today.