Share
7th August 2025
04:17pm BST
We've been dealing with periods since our teenage years, but they only seem to get worse as we get older.
You never quite get used to the immense pain or the wave of symptoms your period brings every month. It's something many of us simply have to cope with monthly.
Many of us will agree that the second day of your period can often knock you for six. You may think day one will be the worst, but there's something about day two that feels immensely worse.
If, like us, you're often found curled up in a ball with the worst cramps on day two, then there's actually a scientific reason why.
In an interview with Metro, Dr Fatema Mustansir Dawoodbhoy, an academic doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, explained why day two is so much worse for many women.
She explained that a lot of it has to do with your hormone levels.
She said the hormone-like chemicals prostaglandins increase when your progesterone levels lower.
"As the lining of your uterus breaks down, prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals) are released in the body."
"The prostaglandins also constrict the blood vessels in the uterus, reducing the amount of oxygen the uterine tissue receives, and this leads to cramping and pain."
The number of prostaglandins peaks on day two of your period, which is why your symptoms often worsen.
The struggle really never ends, does it?
Top Story
The perfect gifts for the fitness guru in your life This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. If you’re still in the middle of your Christmas shopping, then Gym Plus Coffee is one place you need to check out, especially if you have a fitness-obsessed friend […]
5 days ago
The perfect gifts for the fitness guru in your life This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. If you’re still in the middle of your Christmas shopping, then Gym Plus Coffee is one place you need to check out, especially if you have a fitness-obsessed friend […]
Health
5 days ago
‘It’s exceeded my expectations’ This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. A ‘fantastic’ treadmill for at-home workouts has been given a huge, limited time discount. During the winter months you might not be as excited about getting outside for a walk or run anymore, well this […]
Health
1 week ago
The national rate of caesarean sections is at a record level A new HSE report has confirmed a stark rise in the number of women having caesarean sections in Ireland. The HSE confirmed the figure has increased from 29.6% of all women in 2014 to 40.6% in 2024. The Irish Maternity Indicator System report analyses […]
Health
2 weeks ago
Is the Peloton worth the hype? This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. We want to make sure we don’t miss a bargain throughout Black Friday. We’re buying everything from the perfect travel bag and Christmas sweets to serums from our favourite skincare brands. However, there’s […]
Health
2 weeks ago
Blackrock Health Women’s Health Centre has officially opened Blackrock Health, a cornerstone of Irish healthcare for over 40 years, has opened the Blackrock Health Women’s Health Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, backed by a previously announced €16 million investment, is now open at 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2, marking a pivotal moment in delivering truly holistic […]
Health
3 weeks ago
The HSE believes this step will help reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. The Government has confirmed plans to roll out at-home smear tests from 2026. The HSE believes the rollout will increase the uptake in cervical checks and will help achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. A home […]
Health
3 weeks ago
Expert reveals the benefits of period sex and you may be surprised
Health
1 month ago
