When period pains become abnormal

For most  women, pains during menstrual periods are normal. Some suffer from abdominal cramps, while others endure back pain. Most of the time, the discomfort is managed with simple medication such as painkillers.

As a result, some girls miss school and older women excuse themselves from work or businesses.

But, at times, the pain that may appear normal becomes intense and doctors prescribe painkillers, not knowing that these are not just normal menstrual pains. It may take years for them to diagnose the underlying factor: Endometriosis.

Some menstrual pain may signal the onset of the chronic disorder, which is a life-changing condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus that sheds during menstruation) grows outside the uterus.

These tissues become inflamed and bleed during menstruation. Because the blood cannot be expelled from the body, it accumulates, forming cysts and adhesions that cause severe pain.

Endometriosis can affect the pelvic area, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine wall, and even the bladder.

According to a 2021 global study on the burden of endiometriosis among women of the reproductive age of 15 to 24 between 1990 and 2021, the incident rate was pegged at 399.49 per 100 000 in 1990 and 304.21 per 100 000 in 2021. The results, published in the Public Library of Science, showed that this represe

nts between six and 10 percent of age-bearing women worldwide.

Local data is unavailable. However, Dr. Majorobela Ramarikhoane, a gynaecologist responsible for maternal and reproductive health at the Mulanje Mission Hospital, says he treats about 10 women in a month who are mostly unaware of their condition.

Ellen Mchenga, a 34-year-old woman from Dowa District currently based in Mzuzu, describes endometriosis as ‘evil’, as she shares her story. Her experience began when she was 13 during her first menstrual period.

It was extremely painful, and she had to rely on painkillers. As a young girl, she assumed painful periods were normal and believed every woman endured such pain.

She frequently missed classes due to the severity of her condition.

At 24, Ellen secured a job as an accountant, but the struggle continued. Each month, she found herself unable to work during her menstrual cycle, eventually forcing her to quit her job.

In 2023, Ellen experienced one of the most terrifying nights of her life when she was rushed to the emergency ward at Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH).

She recalls: “I had intense pain. I was crying in agony. I could neither sleep nor stand. Sitting down was a painful feat. I could literally do nothing. I was only given strong pain medication. No effort was made to investigate further. I endured this pain every month, even outside my menstrual cycle.”

After multiple hospital visits, an ultrasound scan at MCH revealed an ovarian cyst and she was referred to a gynaecologist.