'If it's not the pain, it's that I'm exhausted from being in pain.' The research revealed that girls who experienced severe period pain at 15 had a 76 per cent higher risk of chronic pain at 26. According to charity Wellbeing of Women, 69 per cent of women aged 16-24 say they have been shamed, compared to 33 per cent of women aged 45-65. Ms Ikegwuonu hopes to raise awareness around period pain through her artwork (pictured)The health service assistant and artist has suffered indescribable pain since she was 15 – a pain so intense it can make her vomit. Their stories are a stark reminder that for millions of women, monthly pain is not 'just part of being a woman'.

Source: Daily Mail March 05, 2026 07:16 UTC