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Period pains with age

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The first few years of your menstrual journey is often riddled with uncertainty due to erratic menstrual cycles. And because it's a new experience that you're adjusting to, the pain can be overwhelming initially. However, over time, things get better as your menstrual cycle assumes a pattern. Plus, you understand a lot more about your body, making you more equipped to deal with the pain.

But things may also go south as you age and cross your 30s. Many women wonder whether period pain and menstrual cramps become worse with age. On the other hand, it is widely known that period cramps become more bearable with age due to several factors such as hormonal changes due to ageing, pregnancy, and perimenopause.

But what is the reality? Is there a general point of view on these things that can help you manage your menstrual cramps and pain better? Let's find out by looking at how your menstrual cycle evolves and how each decade impacts your menstrual cycle.

- [Your 20s](#link1)
- [Your 30s](#link2)
- [Your 40s](#link3)


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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2">Your 20s</h2>

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Your 20s is when you will notice some consistency in your menstrual cycle. You are now mentally and physically prepared to tackle those five to seven days of periods, even if they come with a cloud of uncertainty and unique issues. Yow now anticipate your next cycle to stock up on your favourite menstrual hygiene supplies such as [Always sanitary pads](https://always-africa.com/en-za/sanitary-pads) or [tampons](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tampons).

This decade is also when you begin to experience PMS symptoms such as cramps, back, aches and breast tenderness. If your teens meant erratic and irregular cycles, your 20s bring in some stability in your monthly cycles. However, this regularity also brings with it its own little box of pain, fatigue, and mood swings in the form of PMS. 

But they are a natural part of your menstrual cycle and you will soon learn to tackle and live with them.


Your 20s is when you will notice some consistency in your menstrual cycle. 

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2">Your 30s</h2>

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If you saw some consistency beginning to form in your 20s, then you are in for a pleasant surprise in your thirties as your menstrual cycle will become much more regular.

You will notice that the severe cramps that once plagued your periods have now become manageable. But, if you notice a sudden heavy flow or a never-before excruciating pain, then that could be a sign of an underlying condition that you will need to get checked. Most period-related conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis are diagnosed in women when they enter their 30s. Regular health checkups can help them keep at bay or nip them in their bud.

Also, if you've had a baby, you'd notice that your period cramps decrease quite considerably. Since the cervix opens up during delivery, its opening increases in size, making it easier for the flow to pass through. 


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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2">Your 40s</h2>

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Your 40s are a preparatory phase before menopause kicks in. Your body begins to slow down the whole 'ripe for baby-making' period and you may begin to experience irregular periods or even skip a period or two.

You don't officially enter menopause till you've not had a period for 12 months straight. Your oestrogen levels dip, and you don't ovulate regularly, which is why you may skip your periods.

It's highly unlikely for you to experience period pain in your 40 as it will be more or less the same that you had in your 30s. However, if you experience any acute changes in your cycle, you must bring them to your doctor's notice.


Your 40s are a preparatory phase before menopause kicks in.

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While your menstrual journey goes through several turns and curves during your life, one thing that always stays constant is the need for proper menstrual hygiene. Managing your periods by using safe and reliable menstrual products such as those offered by Always is crucial. Make sure that you adjust your menstrual protection according to your menstrual cycle and needs across your 20s, 30s, and 40s. Checking the Always range of sanitary pads - that come with pads for all types of flow - and using the right type of protection can go a long way to ensure total protection and comfort.

Be it any age, your periods and [PMS symptoms](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms/pms-symptoms-before-your-period) provide an insight into your overall health. And it is important to flag off any unusual signs that you may experience.


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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Period Calculator](/period-calculator).

__FAQs__<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. Do periods become more painful with age?</h2>
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It is generally believed that period pain and your menstrual cycle tend to become regular and stable as you age. However, __period pains getting worse with age__ is a reality for some women. This is true when period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition such as fibroids or menorrhagia. Older women, mostly aged between 30 to 45 are commonly affected by this condition.
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. What age are periods most painful?</h2>
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Many wonder whether __period pain getting worse with age__ has any truth to it. There is no black and white, yes or no answer to this. Typically, your period pain is the worst when you begin menstruating in your teens and as you get through your 20s most find some stability in their cycles and cramps. However, there are still some who get __severe menstrual cramps after age 25__. These are women whose period pains are associated with some underlying medical condition like endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease among others. If you feel that the pain is unbearable or if it hinders your everyday life, it is best to seek medical help and consult a doctor.
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. At what age period cramps stop?<h2>
<br>

The answer to this question depends largely on each woman but generally in most girls and women, period cramps are the worst when you’re in your teens or 20s, when you’ve just begun menstruating. As you age the cramps tend to get milder and even stop for some. However, some women get __painful periods in 40s__ as estrogen levels fluctuate and progesterone levels decrease. For others, __period pain gets worse with age__ due to maybe some underlying medical conditions such as infection, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.


Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">Disclaimer</h2>

Worry about painful periods in your 40s? Or want to know does period pain get worse with age, from painful cramps to a heavy flow here's what to expect decade by decade.

Period pains with age

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