It’s common for women to experience aches and pains during their monthly menstrual cycle. Hips hurting is one of the most common complaints. The pain can range from a mild ache to severe cramps that disrupt daily activities. There are several reasons why hips may hurt during periods. Understanding the causes can help find relief.
What causes hip pain during periods?
Here are some of the main reasons hips may hurt before or during your period:
Hormonal changes
The rise and fall of reproductive hormones during the menstrual cycle, especially estrogen and progesterone, triggers processes in the body that can lead to pain. Estrogen levels peak in the middle of your cycle. Right before your period, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly.
This decline contributes to the shedding of the uterine lining. The fluctuations in hormones also make some women more prone to inflammation and muscle contractions that can cause hip, back, and abdominal discomfort.
Prostaglandins
The release of prostaglandins, inflammation-causing chemicals in the body, is higher during menstruation. Your uterus contracts to shed its lining, and the contractions are triggered by prostaglandins. When the uterus contracts, it can press on nerves in the surrounding area and other internal organs. This can radiate pain to the hips and lower back.
Uterine inflammation
Many women experience inflammation in the uterus and pelvis before and during menstruation. This monthly inflammation is called menstrual endometritis. Endometriosis, which causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus, can also trigger inflammation each month when new tissue grows and breaks down. Inflammation involves swelling, which can put pressure on nerves and cause cramping and aching.
Bowel issues
Prostaglandins and hormones influence bowel function. It’s common to experience constipation, bloating, or diarrhea around your period. These issues can make hips feel achy and sore due to intestinal cramping and gas pressure. Changes in bowel habits before periods are also referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Stress and lack of exercise
High stress and sedentary lifestyles are linked with increased period pain. Exercise helps reduce inflammation and boosts feel-good endorphins that combat discomfort. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also minimize aches.
Ovulation
Some women experience aches during ovulation which happens about mid-cycle. Shifting hormone levels trigger ovulation, discharging an egg from the ovary. Temporary ovarian inflammation and muscle contractions can cause pelvic and hip discomfort.
When does hip pain happen during menstrual cycles?
The timing of hip pain often depends on the underlying cause:
| Time in Menstrual Cycle | Potential Causes of Hip Pain |
|---|---|
| 1 week before period | PMS symptoms like bloating, constipation, inflammation, stress |
| During period | Uterine contractions, inflammation, prostaglandins release |
| 1-2 weeks after period starts | Ovulation pain due to temporary ovarian inflammation |
So you may feel hip discomfort at regular points in your cycle or sporadically throughout the month. Track your symptoms in a journal to identify patterns.
When to see a doctor
Mild to moderate hip pain related to your menstrual cycle is usually normal. But see your doctor if you have:
- Severe hip pain that regularly disrupts daily activities
- Hip pain throughout your cycle, not just during periods
- Joint swelling or redness
- Hip pain that doesn’t respond to home remedies and OTC painkillers
- Other concerning symptoms like fever or abnormal discharge
This can indicate an underlying medical condition needing evaluation. Seek prompt care if you have sudden, severe pelvic pain along with nausea, vomiting or fainting as this may indicate an ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy.
Tips for relieving hip pain from periods
Here are some home remedies and lifestyle habits to help ease aches in the hips before and during your period:
Take anti-inflammatory medication
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation causing hip discomfort. Take as directed on the bottle starting 1-2 days before your period is due.
Apply heat
Heat helps relax tense muscles and increases blood flow. This reduces cramps and aches. Try a heating pad, hot water bottle, warm bath, or heat patches on your hips and lower back.
Massage
Massaging your lower back and hips can help relieve cramped muscles. Use circular motions and medium pressure. Ask a partner to massage the area or use a tennis ball between your back and a wall.
Exercise regularly
Being active helps reduce period pain. The best exercises are low impact like walking, swimming, and yoga. Aim for 30 minutes daily except the heaviest bleeding days if you have extreme pain.
Improve posture
Standing and sitting tall with shoulders back reduces strain on the hips and back. Poor posture contributes to aches.
Watch your diet
Limit salty foods before your period to avoid bloating. Increase magnesium and calcium intake with foods like spinach, tomatoes, yogurt and milk as deficiencies are linked with worse cramps. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol which can worsen pain.
Reduce stress
Anxiety and high stress make period symptoms worse. Try relaxing activities like meditation, deep breathing, gentle stretching, and listening to music to calm your mind and body.
Consider supplements
Some supplements that may ease period hip pain include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Help limit inflammation.
- Magnesium: Helps relax muscles.
- Vitamin B1: May reduce bloating and fluid retention.
- Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory effects.
Always check with your doctor before taking new supplements, especially if you take other medications.
Use a heating pad
Applying localized heat to your hips and lower back helps increase blood flow and relaxes tight muscles. Try using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or wrap for 15-20 minutes a few times a day.
Get enough rest
Be sure to get adequate sleep in the days before your period and during your cycle. Fatigue can exacerbate aches and pains.
Consider acupuncture
Studies show acupuncture may help relieve menstrual cramps. Acupuncture involves placing thin needles at specific pressure points in the body to reduce pain.
Pamper yourself
Take warm baths, get a massage, meditate, or do other relaxing activities that make you feel cared for. Being kind to yourself can help you manage pain.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- Hip pain is severe and regularly interferes with daily life.
- OTC medication doesn’t relieve the pain.
- You have additional symptoms like fever, nausea/vomiting, or abnormal discharge.
- Hip pain occurs throughout your cycle, not just during your period.
- You have other concerning pelvic symptoms.
Your doctor can check for underlying problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts if appropriate. For debilitating hip and pelvic pain, they may prescribe stronger pain medication or hormonal birth control to ease symptoms.
When hip pain may indicate pregnancy
Some women first notice mild abdominal or hip discomfort as an early sign of pregnancy, even before missing their period. Pain on one side of your hips or pelvis can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.
See your doctor right away or go to urgent care if you have:
- Severe, one-sided hip pain.
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder tip.
- Weakness or dizziness.
An ectopic pregnancy requires prompt treatment, usually with medication or surgery. So always contact your doctor if you have unusual hip pain along with bleeding or other concerning symptoms. Routine prenatal care is also crucial if you suspect you may be pregnant.
When to seek emergency care
Seek immediate medical care by calling 911 or going to the ER if you have:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain that makes you double over or fall to your knees.
- Fever over 101 F (38.3 C).
- Fainting, dizziness, weakness.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding with clots.
- Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Shoulder pain along with abdominal or pelvic discomfort.
These may be signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst, miscarriage, infection, or another medical emergency needing urgent treatment. So don’t hesitate to seek emergency care if your symptoms are severe or you have other concerns.
Conclusion
Hip discomfort is common during menstrual cycles due to hormonal changes, inflammation, muscle contractions, GI issues and more. The pain often comes and goes at certain points in your cycle. Home remedies like heat, OTC medication, massage, exercise and relaxation techniques can typically provide relief. See your doctor if the pain is severe or abnormal for you. Prompt medical care is crucial if you have concerning symptoms like vomiting, fever or one-sided pelvic pain along with bleeding. So pay attention how your body feels throughout your cycle and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With the right treatment, you can manage periodic aches in the hips from your period.