Cramp Camp: A Guide to Painful Periods

If your period pain wipes you out every month, makes you miss work, or has you curled over in agony — welcome to Cramp Camp. In this episode, Nurse Sydney (L&D nurse) and Dr. Meghan (OB-GYN) break down what’s actually normal, what’s not, and when painful periods deserve a closer look.

We cover:

• Why cramps happen and why some cycles hurt more

• Primary vs. secondary dysmenorrhea

• Common causes like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts

• The biggest red flags: pain outside your period, heavy bleeding, vomiting, and pain that disrupts daily life

• What actually helps — from NSAIDs and timing, to heat, TENS, and hormonal options

• When to see your doctor and how to advocate for your pain to be taken seriously

This episode is validating, myth-busting, and designed to help you understand your pain — not just push through it.