Why Do My Legs Hurt *So Much* When I’m on My Period?

“Interval ache is attributable to many components, and everybody experiences it in another way,” says Neha Thawani, MD, an OB/GYN resident doctor at Stanford Medication. “Some individuals expertise leg aches and ache throughout their interval.”

A bit gentle leg ache throughout your interval is regular. However in different circumstances, the ache will also be an indication of an underlying situation—and listed below are seven the explanation why it could be taking place.

1. Increased ranges of prostaglandins

Your interval leg ache could be linked to prostaglandins, which is a elaborate phrase for the hormone-like chemical substances in your physique which have capabilities like sustaining a steadiness in blood clotting and regulating blood strain. When you have got your interval, your physique releases these chemical substances to make your uterus contract (so it may shed its lining, which results in bleeding each month). However these compounds additionally set off an inflammatory response and “are liable for signs like fever, chills, and ache,” Dr. Thawani says.

In different phrases, prostaglandins are the explanation behind your crappy interval cramps. “Throughout a interval, prostaglandins are sometimes localized within the decrease stomach and pelvis, inflicting typical signs similar to bloating, cramping, and nausea,” Dr. Thawani says.

OK, however why do you’re feeling these aches and pains in your legs? This has to do with “the proximity of the uterus to the legs,” Dr. Thawani explains. “People typically expertise radiating ache.” Which means that whereas the ache might originate in your stomach, it may typically journey to your legs.

2. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Temper swings, meals cravings, zits—the hallmark trifecta of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) signs. However, PMS is usually the offender of leg ache, too.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a bunch of bodily and emotional signs that happen in some individuals (OK, most individuals) who expertise intervals. Analysis means that about three out of each 4 individuals who menstruate develop PMS signs a couple of days earlier than their interval begins. Whereas PMS could also be identified for adjustments in temper or libido, joint and muscle ache can also be a standard PMS grievance, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic.

3. Hormonal adjustments in menopause

Noticing achy legs whereas transitioning to menopause? There could be a motive for that. “Whereas uncommon, hormonal shifts associated to menopause could cause leg ache,” Dr. Thawani says. “Throughout menopause, [estrogen] ranges in the end decline, however there are nonetheless some fluctuations, together with will increase in hormone launch.” Throughout this section of life, your physique can reply by secreting prostaglandins, inflicting an inflammatory response that may trigger extra aches and pains that radiate to your legs.

4. Dehydration

Dehydration is a standard reason for leg cramps. Throughout your menstrual cycle, fluctuating hormones (like estrogen and progesterone) can have an effect on your hydration ranges, as can a lack of blood (particularly in case your intervals are likely to have a heavier circulation).

The issue is {that a} lack of water can throw off your electrolyte steadiness and reduce blood circulation to your leg muscular tissues, in keeping with AARP. Each of those components can then contribute to cramping, muscle ache, and weak spot.

5. Anemia

When you do not have sufficient wholesome pink blood cells to move oxygen to your tissues, you may develop a standard blood dysfunction referred to as anemia. Some individuals with chronically heavy intervals develop iron deficiency anemia on account of extreme blood loss and depletion of iron shops over time, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic.

Iron deficiency anemia could cause a slew of signs, together with excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, and, you guessed it, muscle ache that may have an effect on your legs. Anemia can set off stressed legs syndrome, a neurological dysfunction that offers you an irresistible urge to maneuver your legs. You may additionally get sharp pains, numbness, or tingling in your decrease limbs. That’s as a result of a scarcity of iron can negatively have an effect on the nervous system—the system in your physique that controls and regulates ache receptors.

6. Endometriosis

“Dwelling with endometriosis can completely trigger leg ache throughout menstruation,” Dr. Thawani says. Endometriosis is a situation that happens when tissue that’s just like the tissue that strains the uterus begins to develop exterior of the uterus, resulting in signs like pelvic ache, heavy intervals, fatigue, and an elevated danger of infertility.

The endometrial tissue is delicate to hormones like estrogen and progesterone, so it is going to cycle by means of the completely different phases of the menstrual cycle, identical to your uterus does, Dr. Thawani says. The factor is, extra hormonally-sensitive tissue in your physique often implies that extra prostaglandins are launched throughout your interval, she provides. As a result of prostaglandins can enhance irritation, they will additionally probably result in an uptick of ache that may radiate to your legs.

7. Joint ache

You probably have a joint situation like arthritis, it’s possible you’ll expertise extra flares when you’re going by means of your interval. And whereas joint ache attributable to arthritis can already trigger leg ache, these aches could also be extra noticeable throughout that point of the month.

Although the connection between arthritis and the menstrual cycle isn’t completely clear, scientists hypothesize that it’s associated to hormonal fluctuations (shock, shock), in keeping with the Hospital for Particular Surgical procedure (HSS). One principle is that hormones can straight impression the joints by growing irritation. One other college of thought is that hormones can have an effect on your ache notion. For instance, some knowledge counsel that folks with uteruses really feel extra ache when estrogen ranges are low (like proper earlier than your interval), per the HSS.

When is leg ache critical?

Whereas mildly achy legs throughout your interval are one factor, excruciating or long-lasting leg ache is one other. In case your ache degree is insufferable or debilitating (assume: it interferes along with your on a regular basis life) and/or it persists after your interval, it could possibly be an indication of an underlying situation that must be checked out by your healthcare supplier. At first, ache could be a nagging or uncomfortable feeling, but when you aren’t getting your signs addressed, it could result in undesirable issues. So, do not wait to see your supplier. Allow them to learn about your ache they usually can carry out checks to know the trigger and suggest remedies.

relieve leg ache in your interval

There may be some excellent news, although. You may often scale back period-related leg ache with dwelling cures. Give these methods a shot:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) can typically assist with irritation associated to prostaglandins. For efficient ache reduction, take it 24 hours earlier than your interval begins, Dr. Thawani says.
• Keep hydrated: Drink at the very least six to eight glasses of water day-after-day, and extra should you sweat so much. This may also help forestall leg cramps associated to dehydration. You may inform should you’re getting sufficient H2O by the colour of your pee: typically (whereas not at all times), the clearer it’s, the extra hydrated you might be. Yellow or amber-colored pee is an indication that you could be want extra water in your system.
• Restrict alcohol and caffeine: These drinks are diuretics, which implies they make you pee extra typically. If you happen to’re not replenishing the misplaced fluids with water, drinks with caffeine and alcohol content material can dehydrate you and enhance the chance of ache.
• Give your self a therapeutic massage: Let your self in on some TLC by rubbing out these cramping muscular tissues along with your palms or a foam curler for some reduction.
• Transfer your physique: Stretching, strolling, and wiggling might assist shake out muscle cramps, so incorporating some mild motion is a good suggestion should you’re experiencing ache.
• Use a warmth or ice pack: Heating pads or ice packs are identified to assist relieve ache at dwelling. The HSS recommends utilizing ice packs for acute ache or harm, whereas heating pads are most helpful for muscle stiffness and cramping.

When to see a healthcare supplier

Usually, leg-related interval ache will scale back should you use over-the-counter drugs and provides your physique some additional care at dwelling throughout your interval. However, in case your ache is maintaining you out of your day by day actions, it is a good suggestion to name your healthcare supplier. Keep in mind, period-related signs, whether or not that is leg ache, bleeding, or fatigue, ought to *not* intrude along with your life. “If you end up having to name off work throughout your interval,” get assist, Dr. Thawani says. “There’s no have to undergo in silence.”