Women’s health week- Pain to Power: Addressing Pain in Women’s Health
Pain is often seen as an inevitable part of being a woman—whether it's the discomfort of menstruation, the aches of pregnancy, or the strains of menopause. For many women, pain becomes something they simply tolerate, thinking it’s just “part of the deal.” However, the Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2025 theme, “Pain to Power,” challenges this narrative and empowers women to recognize that pain is not something to be endured in silence. It’s something that can be addressed, managed, and even overcome.
From menstrual pain to chronic conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and pelvic pain, women face unique health challenges that often go unrecognized or undertreated. But pain is not a normal part of being a woman—it’s a signal that something is wrong, and it deserves attention. In this blog, we’ll explore how women can reclaim their power over pain, backed by evidence-based research, and shift from suffering to self-advocacy and relief.
The Hidden Epidemic of Pain in Women’s Health
Pain is a common experience for women, but the scale and impact of this pain are often underestimated or dismissed. According to the World Health Organization, women are more likely than men to experience chronic pain, and their pain is often underreported and under-treated. Whether it’s due to a lack of awareness, cultural taboos, or misdiagnosis, women frequently suffer in silence.
Some of the most prevalent types of pain affecting women include:
Menstrual pain: Severe cramping, bloating, and discomfort during menstruation are common but often downplayed as just part of being a woman.
Pelvic pain: Conditions like endometriosis and fibroids cause chronic pain, yet many women aren’t diagnosed until years after experiencing symptoms.
Pregnancy-related pain: Backaches, joint pain, and pelvic discomfort are common during pregnancy, but many women aren’t aware that these symptoms can be managed.
Chronic pain conditions: Disorders like fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, and chronic migraine disproportionately affect women, often leading to life disruptions and missed diagnoses.
Evidence-Based Research: Why Women's Pain Is Often Overlooked
Studies consistently show that women’s pain is under-recognized and under-treated compared to men’s. A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis, less aggressive pain treatment, and often have their symptoms dismissed as “emotional” or “psychosomatic.” For example, endometriosis—a chronic, painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—takes an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed in women due to a lack of awareness and misattribution of symptoms to other causes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights the gender differences in the experience and treatment of pain, noting that women’s pain is often treated with less urgency and intensity than men’s. Additionally, the societal expectations of women to "power through" pain often prevent them from seeking proper treatment or advocating for themselves.
The Impact of Ignoring Pain
Ignoring or dismissing pain can lead to significant long-term consequences. Chronic pain is not just physically debilitating—it can also affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a decrease in quality of life. Chronic conditions like endometriosis and fibromyalgia can also interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning. Furthermore, untreated pain can worsen over time, leading to complicated conditions that are more difficult to treat the longer they are left unchecked.
The key takeaway is that pain should never be accepted as “normal.” Whether it’s acute or chronic, pain needs attention, and it’s essential that women take charge of their health by addressing it head-on.
How to Take Action: From Pain to Power
The “Pain to Power” theme of Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2025 empowers women to take control of their pain rather than simply accepting it as part of their life. Here's how women can take charge of their pain management:
1. Acknowledge Your Pain
The first step toward reclaiming power over your pain is acknowledging it. Pain is not something to be ignored or normalized. Whether it’s intense menstrual cramps or persistent pelvic discomfort, recognize that it’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. By acknowledging pain as a signal of potential underlying issues, you give yourself permission to seek help.
2. Seek Accurate Diagnosis
Chronic pain often goes misdiagnosed or undertreated because it is not taken seriously, especially in women. If you experience pain that is consistent, severe, or affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or advocate for further tests. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic floor dysfunction can be diagnosed with imaging, blood tests, or laparoscopic surgery.
For example, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as “just bad periods” or IBS. However, a laparoscopy is the only definitive way to diagnose the condition, and it’s crucial to pursue this if symptoms like severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility are present.
3. Educate Yourself About Pain Management
Effective pain management is not one-size-fits-all. Women should educate themselves about the various options available for managing chronic pain, including:
Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies, and even opioids (when necessary) can help manage pain.
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises or pelvic floor therapy can relieve pelvic pain, back pain, or joint discomfort.
Psychological support: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for managing chronic pain, helping to change negative thought patterns and stress responses related to pain.
Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, yoga, and dietary changes have been found to help some women manage pain naturally.
4. Empower Yourself Through Support
Being in pain can feel isolating, but it’s important to find support. Whether it's joining a support group for endometriosis, fibromyalgia, or chronic pelvic pain, or talking to friends and family, sharing your experience with others can help you feel less alone. Organizations such as the Endometriosis Australia, The Fibromyalgia Network, and The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia offer resources and support for women facing these issues.
5. Advocate for Better Care
Advocacy is a powerful tool for women. Take the lead in your own healthcare and ensure that your symptoms are taken seriously. Ask your doctor about treatment options, don’t be afraid to request a referral to a specialist, and advocate for yourself when you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed.
Conclusion: From Pain to Power
Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2025 invites women to shift the narrative around pain. Instead of accepting it as an inevitable part of being a woman, we should acknowledge pain as a legitimate health concern that can and should be addressed. By recognizing the impact of pain and taking proactive steps, women can reclaim their power and improve their health outcomes.
Pain doesn’t have to define your life. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatments, and strong self-advocacy, women can transform pain into power, embracing a future where their health and well-being are a priority—not an afterthought.
So, this Women’s Health Week, let’s empower women to stand up, speak out, and take control of their pain. Because pain isn’t something to accept—it’s something that can be addressed.
Have you experienced pain that you felt was dismissed? How did you take control of your health? Let’s start the conversation about pain and power.