Study shows teen periods can lead to chronic pain

The University of Oxford research was the first of its kind

Teenagers who experience moderate or severe period pain are significantly more likely to develop chronic pain in adulthood, a study has revealed.

The University of Oxford research was the first of its kind and analysed data from more than 1,100 participants.

It found that those with severe period pain at age 15 had a 76% higher risk of chronic pain by age 26, relative to those who reported no period pain.

Prof Katy Vincent, gynaecologist and senior author of the study, called the findings a "wake-up call" for better menstrual education and reduced stigma.

"We've known for a long time that period pain can really disrupt young people's lives, impacting their social development, education and mental health," she said.

"However, we know that most young people don't seek help for period pain and those who do may be dismissed, belittled or told it is normal.

"This study shows that teenage period pain may also shape future physical health. Once established, chronic pain can be difficult to manage and has wide-reaching consequences for the individual, society and the healthcare system."

Beyond pelvic pain

The data for the study was sourced from participants in the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s study.

It recruited more than 14,000 pregnant women between 1991 and 1992, and has followed them and their descendants ever since.

The university said this was the first study was to reveal a link between adolescent period pain and chronic pain in other parts of the body.

Researchers believed the link between adolescent period pain and later chronic pain may be partly explained by changes in the nervous system caused by "persistent menstrual pain" during adolescence.

Wiktoria, one of the young people involved with the study, said: "Young people should feel heard, supported and treated well rather than be told that they just need to learn to tolerate the pain."