Our lab was very fortunate to recently be featured on the podcast Cramped, which explores the complexities of menstrual pain, the wide gaps in existing research, and the persistent efforts to develop effective treatments. Kate Downey, creator and host of Cramped  (https://www.katehelendowney.com/cramped), interviewed multiple researchers in the episode, including our own study scientist, Dr. Kevin Hellman. We not only give Kate a tour of the lab, but also discussed the mechanisms responsible for menstrual pain and how our research challenges the most prevalent explanation!
The current explanation for menstrual cramps has been that prostaglandins cause uterine muscle contractions, and the restricted blood flow to the uterus is what leads to menstrual pain. However, our research suggests that this explanation may be incomplete. We’ve been able to see in real time that people’s indication of pain does not exactly line up with their uterine cramps and uterine oxygenation can actually be lowered with pain medications like NSAIDs (Aleve). On top of this, we are also seeing that some people may not be fully absorbing NSAIDs, while others’ bodies may not be distributing that medication to the uterus. These conclusions come from our multifaceted, yet non-invasive, approach to research where we utilize methods like physiological assessments, medication, and magnetic imaging!
If you have ever wondered why period pain varies so widely among individuals or why menstruation is such an underrepresented topic in research, this discussion highlights valuable insights into the science behind menstrual health. Check it out here!
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This episode is now available on apple podcast
And Amazon:
For more information about the series and other ways to listen to the podcast see here: