Why Do My Legs Hurt on My Period? Causes & Relief Tips | Credihealth

Periods often bring the expected cramps, bloating, and mood swings, but for many women, leg pain is another unwelcome symptom. You might be asking, “Why do my legs hurt on my period?” You’re not alone.

Leg pain during menstruation can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting discomfort, and is more common than you’d think. Let’s dive into the causes of leg pain during periods, how it feels, how it differs from regular muscle soreness, and the best ways to find relief.

Why Do My Legs Hurt on My Period?

If you are wondering, What causes leg pain during my period, there can be several physiological or pathological (disease-related) reasons:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

• A study shows that low levels of estrogen during menstruation or periods cause fluid retention. This contributes to leg pain and swelling.

• Also, the high progesterone levels during menstruation can cause leg swelling and discomfort due to the relaxation of the vein walls. 

2. Excessive Prostaglandin Production

• The body releases prostaglandins to ease uterine contractions. However, excessive release can lead to stronger contractions, causing pain.

• Moreover, prostaglandins help with blood vessel constriction, which lowers the blood flow to certain body areas, like the legs, causing pain and discomfort.

3. Cramps That Travel to Your Legs (Referred Pain)

• The nerves in the legs and uterus are closely connected, especially through the pelvis and lower back. This is why lower back pain during periods can radiate to the legs.

• This referred pain can feel like sharp, shooting sensations or a dull ache. 

4. Sciatica During Periods

• As the uterus sits close to the sciatic nerve (which runs down the back of each leg), the inflammation and swelling in the uterus during periods can put pressure on it, leading to shooting pain in one or both legs.

• This painful condition is referred to as “sciatica during menstruation,” which is also followed by numbness and tingling sensations. 

5. Muscle Fatigue

• A decrease in levels of progesterone and estrogen before periods impacts muscle function, which leads to cramps and leg pain.

• Also, a deficiency of magnesium (which is vital for muscle function) during periods can contribute to leg muscle pain and cramps. 

6. Endometriosis or Other Medical Conditions

• Research reveals that if endometriosis (a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterine cavity) affects the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain radiating to the legs.

• Fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can also cause inflammation and pressure that can radiate to the leg and cause pain and discomfort. 

7. Fluid Retention

• Hormonal fluctuations during periods can lead to water retention, especially in the legs, causing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.

• This added pressure can contribute to pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs.

8. Poor Circulation

• An increase in progesterone levels before periods can cause dilation and relaxation of the vein walls, which allows excessive blood to accumulate in the legs.

• The increased blood volume and its pressure can stretch and cause damage to the veins, especially varicose veins, which are found in the legs. This, in turn, causes pain, soreness, and heaviness. 

What Does Period-Related Leg Pain Feel Like?

The sensation of leg pain can vary based on the causes. Mostly, it feels like:

• General achiness: A heavy and tired feeling in the calves or thighs.

• Localized pain: Sharp or shooting pain in certain areas, such as the shins and knees.

• Radiating pain: Discomfort that begins in the pelvis or lower back and radiates to the legs, frequently along the sciatic nerve.

• Throbbing pain: Feels like a pulsating sensation in the lower legs, thighs, or calves. 

• Tingling or numbness sensations: Though less common, it can occur if it affects the sciatic nerve. 

Is it Normal to Have Leg Pain During Your Period?

Yes, it’s normal to have leg pain during menstruation or periods because of hormonal fluctuations, which cause uterine contractions and blood vessel constrictions. However, if the pain is sharp, long-lasting, or accompanied by leg heaviness or swelling, it’s not normal. Seek medical attention to find out underlying conditions like endometriosis, which can be one of the potential reasons. 

Leg Pain and Its Link to Endometriosis

In general, endometriosis is a disorder where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis-related leg pain is different from usual muscle cramps and pain. It feels like a sharp, shooting, or radiating pain that travels down the thighs or into the buttocks. This pain often increases during or right before periods.

This is how it can lead to leg pain:

• Sciatic Nerve Irritation: Adhesion of endometrial tissue near the pelvis can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve, which causes pain, tingling, or numbness sensations in the legs.

• Nerve Inflammation: Inflammation of the nerves, like pelvic nerves, sciatic nerves, and obturator nerves, can lead to leg pain along with pelvic and abdominal pain.

• Nerve Compression or Damage: Compression or damage to nerves around the ovaries and uterus can impair the sensory and motor functions, which lead to tingling, heaviness, and numbness sensations in the legs.

If the pain worsens with walking and exercise, see a doctor. The providers can help confirm the endometriosis and provide treatment like pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery, like laparotomy or hysterectomy.

How Is Period-Related Leg Pain Different From Usual Muscle Soreness?

It can differ based on cause, timing, pain location, and many other aspects: 

When to See a Doctor?

Leg pain during your period is usually normal, but see a doctor if the pain:

• is sudden or severe

• interferes with everyday activities

• last even after the period

• accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, fever, numbness, or unusual vaginal discharge

How to Relieve Leg Pain During Periods?

Here are effective ways to find relief:

• Use heat pads: Apply a heating pad to the lower back or legs to relax or calm muscles and relieve pain.

• Practice stretching or exercise: Do gentle yoga, walking, and specific stretches to boost circulation and alleviate pain and stiffness.

• Take pain medications: Have over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen to lower inflammation and discomfort.

• Try massage: Try massaging your lower back and legs to relieve tension and increase blood flow.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to alleviate bloating and reduce muscle cramps.

• Consume a balanced diet: Eat lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, nuts to reduce inflammation. Avoid refined sugar, saturated fats, red meat, caffeine, and alcohol as they trigger inflammation.

• Reduce salt intake: Cut down on salt to reduce water retention and swelling in the legs.

• Elevate your legs: Raise your legs above heart level to ease drainage of excessive fluid, which reduces leg swelling.

• Try Supplements: Take magnesium supplements if magnesium deficiency is the cause of leg pain and cramps. However, always consult a doctor first before using the supplements.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering, “Why do my legs hurt on my periods?” now you know there are several potential causes, ranging from hormonal imbalances and nerve issues to underlying medical conditions like endometriosis.

While occasional leg pain is usually harmless, if it’s intense, long-lasting, or interfering with your routine, don’t ignore it. Talk to a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions and find lasting relief.

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