Emily Handstock, a 25-year-old woman from Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been battling severe period pain for the past 10 years. Describing her experiences vividly, she has turned to social media to share her story, highlighting the unbearable agony she endures each month. “It felt like being stabbed, I’d be on my hands and knees in pain,” she shared, recounting the physical torment that characterizes her menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, her struggles have often led her to seek medical help, only to be met with minimal relief. Emily mentioned that during one hospital visit, even the powerful medication morphine “barely touched the sides,” leaving her feeling frustrated and helpless.
As a way to advocate for change, Emily is keen on participating in research aimed at understanding severe period pain better. She believes that the findings could help enhance education and healthcare regarding women’s health issues, ultimately improving the lives of future generations. Emily’s story shines a light on the underwhelming rate of responses from healthcare professionals when women report severe menstrual discomfort, a problem that often goes unrecognized or dismissed.
From the age of 15, Emily has experienced extremely painful periods characterized by significant bleeding and cramping. “It was horrendous bleeding; I’d have to leave school and go home to change because I would bleed through both tampons and pads,” she explained. Many young women face similar challenges; however, societal attitudes often overlook these issues, perpetuating the notion that severe menstrual pain is a normal part of womanhood.
Emily discusses the psychological ramifications of her pain, explaining how it leads to feelings of isolation. “I was often told, ‘you’re just experiencing a painful period. You’re fine. Just have some ibuprofen and suck it up’,” she recounted, underscoring the mental toll this pain has on her sense of wellbeing. This misunderstanding creates a barrier between the physical symptoms women experience and the societal narrative that trivializes them.
While Emily maintains her job as a sales manager, she acknowledges the support she receives from her workplace during difficult times. “Working from home allows me to be more comfortable and coping with my pain is a little easier,” she noted. Despite this, there’s an ongoing fear of financial strain due to the possibility of having to take time off work. According to research from the NHS Confederation, the economic costs of missed work due to severe menstrual pain and related conditions, such as ovarian cysts, amount to nearly £11 billion each year in England alone.
Understanding the severity of conditions like dysmenorrhea— defined as moderate to severe menstrual pain—is essential. Symptoms can include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and headaches, and for some, it severely affects daily activities. Emily finds herself participating in a significant study conducted by Cardiff University that seeks to gather experiences related to menstrual health. Dr. Robyn Jackowich, one of the researchers leading this two-year project, emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of severe period pain on quality of life.
The study aims to compile a series of recommendations for educational and healthcare institutions to better address women’s health issues. Currently, recent reports from Westminster highlight a concerning trend of women experiencing painful reproductive health conditions being dismissed by healthcare providers. This alarmingly consistent pattern of medical neglect is what Emily and others aim to combat as they push for changes in response to women’s health concerns.
The Welsh government has recently launched its first women’s health plan, emphasizing the urgency of menstrual health issues, including conditions like endometriosis. This new initiative represents a significant step forward in recognizing the chronic struggles faced by women and ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve. Emily’s passionate advocacy and participation in such programs may pave the way for greater awareness, improved medical responses, and ultimately, relief for countless women who suffer in silence. Through shared experiences and rigorous research, the hope is to validate women’s pain and combat the stigma surrounding severe menstrual discomfort.
