Emily Handstock, 25, has struggled with period pain for 10 years and documented her struggles on TikTok, saying, 'It felt like being stabbed, I'd be on my hands and knees in pain.' She hopes her story can shed light on the realities of severe period pain and encourage women to participate in research that could lead to better understanding and treatment.
Emily noted her experiences in school, stating, 'It was horrendous bleeding, I'd have to leave school and go home and change. I'd bleed through tampons and pads.' This highlights the severe impact of dysmenorrhea on daily life and the normalization of such pain in society, which often leads to feelings of isolation and doubt.
'Throughout my teenage years I was told, 'you're just experiencing a painful period. You're fine. Just have some ibuprofen and suck it up'... the mental toll is also awful, you feel like people won't believe you,' she expressed, emphasizing the need for better awareness and understanding of menstrual pain in society.
She also pointed out the financial implications of taking time off work due to severe period pain: 'I have savings, it's something I've always done in the knowledge this could financially impact me by taking time off.' This showcases the broader economic impact on individuals suffering from dysmenorrhea.
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