This is part 2 of my Menstrual Health mini-series (pt1 covered the basics of the menstrual cycle and pt 3 will cover The Missing Menstrual Cycle - stay tuned!) In this episode, we’ll cover dysmenorrhea (from the Greek, meaning ‘painful monthly bleeding’ Did you know that menstrual pain affects 90% of those who menstruate, with 9% of those dealing with severe pain? That endometriosis affects at least 10% of women worldwide? That although meds and surgery are often offered as first line approaches, there’s good evidence to support other self management strategies including a whole person pelvic rehab biopsychosocial approach that includes lifestyle, movement, manual therapy to calm the nervous system and the pelvic floor, tens and pelvic pain education including strategies for bladder, bowel & sexual health. If we remember that lots of things go into the biopsychosocial bucket, including how we move, how we manage stress, how we eat, how we sleep …as well as tissue disorders, then we can provide, in the words of Mardon et al ‘validation, reassurance, education and empowerment’. Have a listen & let me know what you think - if you have any questions you can find me on Instagram as @michellelyons_muliebrity and if you’re a women’s health pro, you can find out more about my online courses at CelebrateMuliebrity.com. Until next time, Onwards & Upwards! Mx