Why Are Some Periods Worse Than Others? Factors That Impact Your Cycle

March 14, 2025By Experts at Rael

Your menstrual experience can change from cycle to cycle. Some months, it’s barely noticeable; other times, heavy bleeding and intense cramps take over. Why the inconsistency?

Understanding the factors that influence your cycle can help you manage the tougher months. Let’s dive into why some periods hit harder than others and what you can do about it.

What Makes One Period Worse Than Another?

So, what causes this drastic shift from one cycle to the next? Hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions all play a role in how your period feels. Here’s a closer look at the key factors that can make your cycle more challenging.

Hormonal Fluctuations and Their Impact

Your menstrual cycle is largely driven by hormonal changes, and these fluctuations can significantly affect the intensity of your period symptoms.

Estrogen and Progesterone Variations

Estrogen and progesterone are the key hormones that regulate your cycle. When these hormones shift, they can cause variations in your menstrual symptoms. Higher estrogen levels can lead to heavier bleeding, while changes in progesterone affect the uterine lining, sometimes resulting in more severe cramps.¹

Role of Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are hormones that trigger uterine contractions. The higher the level of prostaglandins, the stronger the contractions, leading to painful menstrual cramps.² If you’ve ever experienced deep, radiating cramps in your lower abdomen, prostaglandins are likely to blame. If you've noticed your cramps feel more intense than usual, you may be wondering, “Why are my period cramps so bad all of a sudden”? In many cases, shifting hormone levels—especially prostaglandins—can amplify pain from one cycle to the next.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Your lifestyle and environment also play a significant role in your menstrual health. Stress, diet, and physical activity can all impact how you experience your period.

Stress Levels

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to more painful or irregular periods.³ If you’ve noticed that stress worsens your period pain, you’re not imagining it.

Dietary Choices

A diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients can exacerbate menstrual pain, while anti-inflammatory foods—such as leafy greens, omega-3-rich salmon, and whole grains—can help. Supplements like Rael’s PMS supplement, which contains turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, can also help ease cramps and bloating.

Physical Activity

Too much exercise can lead to irregular periods, while too little can limit the release of endorphins, causing more intense pain.⁴ Moderate, consistent activity promotes hormonal stability and helps reduce cramps.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can cause or worsen menstrual symptoms, making periods much more challenging.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe cramps, painful periods, and sometimes heavy bleeding.⁵

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and painful cramps.⁶ Women with PCOS may experience anovulatory cycles, meaning they don’t release an egg, which can worsen symptoms.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and painful cramps.⁷ If you notice increased bleeding or sharp cramps during your period, fibroids might be a factor.

Age and Reproductive Transitions

As you age, your menstrual cycle may change. Reproductive transitions, like adolescence and perimenopause, can bring about unpredictable and sometimes more painful cycles.

Adolescence

Teenagers often experience irregular periods as their bodies adjust to hormonal changes. Heavy bleeding and painful cramps are common as the reproductive system develops.

Perimenopause

The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, brings hormonal fluctuations that can cause irregular and often more intense periods.⁸ If your cycles feel noticeably different in your late 30s or early 40s, perimenopause could be the reason.

What Does an Unhealthy Period Look Like?

Period pain can vary in intensity and location, sometimes showing up as back pain, lower abdominal cramping, or even vaginal pain during your period. It depends on your body’s response to hormonal changes. While periods can vary in severity from month to month, some signs may indicate an underlying health issue. Unusually heavy bleeding, extreme pain, or sudden changes in your flow should not be ignored. If you experience severe period pain that doesn't improve, heavy bleeding with clots, or irregular menstrual bleeding, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Managing Variations in Menstrual Experiences

Although periods can be unpredictable, there are strategies to help manage those painful or irregular cycles.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are excellent ways to lower stress and alleviate period pain. Stress-reducing techniques can help balance your hormones and reduce the intensity of cramps and PMS symptoms.

Nutritional Support

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods that help with period cramps, as well as supplements into your diet can support menstrual health. Rael’s hormone balance supplement can help regulate hormones and target common period symptoms, relieving painful cramps and bloating.

Consistent Physical Activity

Engaging in moderate, consistent exercise can help regulate your cycle and reduce menstrual pain. Whether it’s a daily walk or regular yoga practice, staying active can make a big difference in managing your period.

Apply Heat

When cramps hit, sometimes the best remedy is a little warmth. Applying heat to your lower abdomen can help relax the muscles of the uterus and relieve the intensity of cramps. Whether it’s a heating pad, disposable heating patch, or even a hot water bottle, the heat helps to increase blood flow and ease tension. Roll-on pain relief has also been clinically proven to improve menstrual cycle-related cramps, back aches, pains, and muscle aches. In a recent study on Rael’s Pain Relief Roll-on, 92% of participants agreed the product is effective during the menstrual cycle. Next time you experience severe cramps, try a heat solution for a simple way to ease the pain.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience severe menstrual pain, heavy periods, or irregular cycles that disrupt your daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or PCOS may require treatment to manage your symptoms effectively.

Embrace Period Support with Rael

At Rael, we have your back when it comes to menstrual health. From our organic cotton pads to our period relief products, we’re here to help you feel supported, no matter how your period shows up. With the right products, you can take on your cycle with more comfort and confidence—because you deserve to feel your best, every day of the month.

By understanding what makes each period different and taking steps to manage your symptoms, you can embrace your cycle with a greater sense of control. No more guessing or suffering through severe cramps. Take charge of your menstrual health and make your period more manageable.

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