Photo courtesy of Denard Thomas
Almost every woman experiences menstruation cycles or “periods”, but some may experience more severe pain than others.
This is where Dr. Christopher C. Sundstrom, obscentrianist/gynecologist and father of three daughters lends his expertise during a short seminar on painful periods on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m., at Premier Health and Fitness.
The Florida State University (FSU) alumni shared statistical information, what causes painful periods and information that could help women.
According to a Dr. Sundstrom, 60-90 percent of young women experience painful periods. Only 15 percent seek help.
“A lot of young girls don’t seek help. They kind of learn to deal with it and continue with the mindset of ‘this is how it is,’” Sundstrom said.
The seminar was not only to share knowledge of painful periods, but to also share personal experiences, while finding someone else who identifies with similar symptoms.
Dr. Molly Lord, who works as an OB/GYN located at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, explains how she can relate to painful periods and how she found this information beneficial.
“I used to experience painful periods, along with my mother. Then once I found out other women didn’t. I would envy them,” Lord stated.
In the seminar, Sundstrom explained that painful periods not only can hinder one's physical being but can take a toll on one’s outside life. Many women who experience these painful periods usually have to miss work or school, which can take a toll in the long run.
“To me, anybody that’s missing school or missing work due to painful periods is a problem. If you have to keep calling off of work or missing class, it’s not going to work out so well sooner or later,” stated Sundstrom.
One of the main causes of painful periods is Endometriosis. Endometriosis causes painful periods and sometimes pain in urination and during intercourse. Signs include: worsened period pains, pain down to the back of the leg and no relief from pain medicine.
Guest and resident of Tallahassee, K.C. Homer, found the seminar helpful and only wished that more women could have been in attendance.
“I wished more people attended the event, especially the younger ones. This affects more of them than it does to older people, such as me,” Homer sai .
Dr. Sundstrom explained that he does similar events every year and said that there is too little time to go over everything in the doctor’s office and there is help.
“I just think that it’s important, that if you’re suffering, you don’t have to suffer. Help is out there,” said Sundstrom.
Fore more information on painful menstrual cycles, please visit http://www.acog.org/.