I’ve always struggled with period pain, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized it might be more than just physical discomfort. The constant cramps left me feeling low, and I found myself spiraling into depression. Turns out, the two are linked—something I wish I’d known sooner.

For many people who menstruate, experiencing pain during their periods is a normal part of life. Up to 90% of those who menstruate will report some degree of discomfort, with severe cases suffering from cramps, pelvic pain, and other symptoms of dysmenorrhea. However, a study published in the journal Briefings in Bioinformatics suggests that for some individuals, the link between period pain and depression may not just be circumstantial. Instead, the study reveals a strong genetic connection between depression and menstrual pain, raising important questions about the deeper causes of this widespread issue.

How is Period Pain Linked to Depression?

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is often ascribed to physical factors, such as the contractions of the uterus stimulated by hormone-driven chemicals known as prostaglandins. This usually lasts for a few days and occurs in the pelvis or abdomen during the beginning of menstruation. Many people attribute this to the mood swings and irritability that often come with having a period, sometimes concluding that depression is just a response to the physical pain.

However, the recent study led by Dr. John Moraros from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China suggests that depression itself could be contributing to the severity of period pain. This research challenges the traditional understanding of dysmenorrhea by identifying specific genes that appear to influence both menstrual pain and depression, establishing a genetic pathway through which these two conditions may be intertwined.

This study employed a technique called Mendelian randomization, which can help researchers to establish causal relations without conducting direct experiments. Based on the analysis of genetic data from over 600,000 individuals in European populations and 8,000 in East Asian populations, the authors searched for correlations between genes associated with depression and genes associated with menstrual pain. What they found was important: depression appeared to increase the risk for menstrual pain by 51%. In addition, they identified several genetic pathways and proteins by which depression could influence reproductive function, and their findings suggest that the mood disorder may not simply worsen pain but may even contribute to causing it.

Further complicating the relationship, the study found that sleep disturbances, common among those with depression, might worsen the connection between depression and dysmenorrhea. However, no evidence was found to suggest that menstrual pain directly caused depression, challenging previous theories that period pain might trigger depressive symptoms.

One of the most interesting aspects of this study is the identification of specific genetic pathways that may link depression with menstrual pain. The genetic information indicates that some genes may both regulate mood and function in reproductive systems, thus opening a novel perspective of how mental health is interlinked with physical well-being. This discovery does open up new avenues for therapy and preventive measures, but it might be possible that these treatments target the genetic pathways common to both conditions in order to treat both concurrently.

While the finding is exciting, experts say that the relationship cannot be nearly as simple. "Genetic connections make for very good associations, but that's not the same thing as saying that they're causal, that environmental factors aren't much of the game," points out Claudio Soares, a president of the Menopause Society. He said environmental factors, for instance lifestyle choices, could be crucial in the interplay between depression and menstrual pain. Since personal data on the severity and treatment of depression was not present in the study, the results may not hold for every individual in the same manner.

Interplay of Hormones, Genetics and Mental Health

It's a two-way street between depression and menstrual pain. Many report suffering more intensely from pain if their brain is processing pain differently than before. This heightened sensitivity makes menstrual pain feel impossible, adding to the cycle of discomfort. The emotional stress associated with chronic pain can further create or exacerbate feelings of depression, making things more complicated.

Secondary causes of dysmenorrhea include conditions like endometriosis. It's a chronic disorder in which tissue like that of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and causes severe pain, inability to conceive, and predisposition to developing mood disorders. A condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids may make it harder for women to fight against chronic pain and mental illness.

Managing Depression and Period Pain: What You Can Do

If you have debilitating pain during your periods, remember that it does not mean you are depressed. However, if this pain is affecting your quality of life and ibuprofen, heat pads, or even over-the-counter remedies have failed to provide relief, professional evaluation is in order. It may help to evaluate for underlying mood disorders or secondary causes of dysmenorrhea, such as fibroids or infections.

As regards managing both depression and painful periods, holistic management is crucial. Exercise, yoga, stress-reduction techniques, dietary changes, and good sleep hygiene have been shown to improve both menstrual pain and mood. In individuals who are unable to control symptoms by modifying lifestyle, some form of medication such as antidepressants, pain relievers, or hormonal treatments will be needed.

Could Early Menarche Play a Key Role in Mental Health

An important but not much addressed aspect of menstrual health is the age when an individual starts menstruating. According to research, early-aged starters are at a higher risk of experiencing depression later in life. It might be due to hormonal imbalance that affects the regulation of emotions and reproductive health. Even though early menarche is not discussed in detail within this study, perhaps recognizing the role it can play might be useful in both handling period pain and the related depression of those affected by such factors.

Depression and menstrual pain present an intriguing interaction that begs to be studied in greater detail as well. While there is still much that needs to be learned, the findings are still hopeful for an integrated manner of treating both conditions. By addressing the genetic and hormonal pathways that contribute to both menstrual pain and depression, we may make more effective, personalized treatments aimed at improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

A 59-year-old woman came in for a follow-up visit for her shingles. During her appointment, she mentioned a small detail: she'd been feeling some skipped heartbeats, and her heart rate was a bit jumpy.

The woman had some preexisting health issues like being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes. Her comment about the jumpy heartbeat caught the attention of the doctor.

These small complaints led her doctor to do a more detailed check-up. An EKG, a test that checks the heart's electrical activity, revealed some key signs. The results showed that she had already suffered a heart attack, even though she hadn't felt it.

This was a 2023 case study published in the Cureus, doctors call this a "silent heart attack," or silent myocardial infarction (SMI). Unlike a typical heart attack, a silent one has no symptoms or only very mild ones, so people don't realize what's happening and don't get medical help. These cases are often discovered by chance during a routine check-up.

While you may not have heard of such cases before, they are not as uncommon as you may think they are. According to American Heart Association, of the estimated 805,000 heart attacks each year in US, 170,000 of them are silent heart attacks.

As the name suggests, these attacks are difficult to recognize but not impossible. We spoke to consultant interventional cardiologists Pankaj Vinod Jariwala of Yashoda Hospitals and Dr. P Praveen Kumar of Karpagam Hospital Dr. Krunal Tamakuwala KD Hospital, to understand more about it.

Who Is At Risk for Silent Heart Attacks?

Silent heart attacks are becoming more common, and they aren't just affecting older men. Doctors are now seeing them in people as young as their late 30s and early 40s, especially those with high-stress jobs. Dr Jariwala said, “They mistake early signs for lifestyle issues: acidity after a heavy dinner, shoulder pain from sitting at a laptop, or tiredness from long hours.”

As Dr. Krunal Tamakuwala points out, the real danger is not that these heart attacks are completely "symptomless," but that their symptoms are so common that they are easily ignored. By the time a person finally sees a doctor, their heart may already be seriously damaged. “Sometimes, it arrives silently, hidden behind complaints we consider minor. That is why doctors urge patients not to ignore symptoms that linger or feel unusual, even if they seem harmless at first.” explained Dr Tamakuwala

What Are The Symptoms Of Silent Heart Attacks?

Many people mistake the early signs of a silent heart attack for everyday issues. Symptoms like

• Acidity
• Shoulder pain
• Tiredness

These are often brushed off as normal problems from a busy lifestyle. In places like India, people tend to make the problem worse by self-medicating with antacids or painkillers, which only delays getting proper medical help.

The reason these heart attacks are so confusing is due to something called referred pain. According to Dr. P Praveen Kumar, the nerves that carry pain signals from the heart are the same ones that connect to the stomach, back, and shoulders. This means that a problem with your heart can cause discomfort in another part of your body.

For people with diabetes, the situation is even more complicated. They may not feel the classic chest pain at all because their nerve sensitivity is reduced. For them, a silent heart attack might feel like

• Simple bloating
• Indigestion
• A dull backache.

The key is to remember that not all heart attacks announce themselves with a dramatic crushing pain. Dr Praveen warns, “f these symptoms are joined by sweating, breathlessness, or dizziness, you should seek medical help immediately.”

Doctors emphasize that lifestyle choices are key to keeping your heart healthy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress are no longer optional, especially in countries like India, where heart disease is affecting younger people. “Everyday aches may feel ordinary, but when it comes to the heart, they could be the difference between early intervention and irreversible damage.”

If you’re someone who loves walking fast and maybe even got teased for it, here’s some good news. A research team from the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has found a strong link between walking speed and cancer risk. According to their study, people who walk at a faster pace have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, especially lung cancer.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with nearly 20 million new cases each year. The American Cancer Society already recommends regular physical activity and strength training to help reduce cancer risk. Walking, being the most accessible form of exercise, has long been at the center of these efforts and now, speed may matter too.

How Walking Fast Can Reduce Cancer Risks

According to Professor Cheung Ching-lung, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at HKUMed, walking speed is a quick and reliable measure of physical function. It has long been linked to age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even overall mortality.

Recent evidence suggests skeletal muscle may help regulate inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which could explain the biological connection between walking speed and cancer risk. To explore this further, researchers at HKUMed examined the relationship using two approaches: self-reported walking pace among participants in the U.K., and a timed six-meter walking test in Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: Can Leg Workouts Help Protect Your Brain From Ageing? Expert Weighs In

The results were striking. Fast walkers in the U.K. showed a 13% lower overall risk of cancer, while participants in Hong Kong recorded a 45% decrease. The most dramatic effect was seen in lung cancer, where the risk dropped by as much as 53%. This points to faster walking as a potential way to protect the respiratory system and lower cancer risk.

“Walking speed may be an important marker of physiological resilience linked to cancer risk,” said Professor Cheung. “The lower levels of inflammation and healthier lipid profiles observed among fast walkers support the idea that they are in better overall health. This makes walking speed a simple yet effective tool for assessing health status.”

Brisk Walking Health Benefits

Walking offers a wide range of health benefits, and it is not limited to improving lung function. It also plays a key role in supporting heart health. Contrary to the popular belief that 10,000 steps a day are essential, research shows you can gain significant health benefits with fewer steps. Studies suggest that even 7,000 steps per day can reduce health risks, while as few as 3,867 steps may lower the risk of death. The message is clear: every step counts. Adding even 1,000 more steps than your usual routine is a practical way to begin.

ALSO READ: 5 Heart Attack Warning Signs Women Often Overlook, Blaming Menopause

Other than that, as per Mayo Clinic, Brisk Walking also has other benefits:

Brisk walking supports heart health, uplifts mood, aids weight management, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and stroke. It also strengthens bones and muscles, improves balance, boosts energy and immunity, and sharpens memory and focus.

In his new autobiography Heartbeats, Björn Borg strips away the icy façade that once defined him on court. The book, set for U.S. release on 23 September by Diversion Books, begins with a raw account of his 1990s hospitalization after overdosing on “alcohol, drugs, pills, my preferred ways of self-medication.” It ends with a prostate cancer diagnosis, which he now faces in remission.

“It’s good,” the 69-year-old told The Associated Press in a recent video interview from his Stockholm home, “to have a good beginning and a good ending.” The 292-page memoir is a departure from the silence he cultivated during and after his playing days, offering stories of love, regret, excess and survival.

Walking away from tennis at 25

Borg retired shockingly early, at just 25, after losing both the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals in 1981 to his rival John McEnroe. While others saw a glittering career still ahead, Borg knew otherwise.

“My head was spinning,” he said. “And I knew I’m going to step away from tennis.”

That decision, he explains, left him unmoored. He returned briefly to the professional circuit in the early 1990s but never again at Grand Slam level. What followed was a long descent into substance abuse.

On court, Borg was famously known as “Ice-Borg”, a man of composure who never flinched. But he reveals that this restraint was a learned skill, born from shame as a 12-year-old banned by his local club for bad behavior.

Off court, that discipline dissolved. By his own account, panic attacks and depression pushed him into cocaine use starting in 1982. “The first time I tried cocaine,” Borg writes, “I got the same kind of rush I used to get from tennis.”

The rush quickly became reliance. “It really destroys you,” Borg said of drugs. “I was happy to get away from tennis, to get away from that life. But I had no plan what to do. I had no people behind me to guide me in the right direction.”

Also Read: “Day by day, year by year,” Is How Bjorn Borg Takes Life After His Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Overdoses and shame

Borg details two overdoses that landed him in hospital, one in Holland in the early 1990s, and another in 1989 in Milan, which he insists was an accident rather than a suicide attempt. The darkest moment, he admits, came when he awoke in a hospital bed to see his father looking down at him.

“That was the worst shame of all,” he writes.

These incidents, combined with spiraling personal struggles, forced Borg to confront how far he had fallen from the grace of his early sporting stardom.

Name: drops and surreal encounters

Heartbeats is not a typical sports autobiography. Alongside harrowing stories of addiction and recovery, Borg mixes in extraordinary encounters: a water-skiing shoulder injury before the 1977 U.S. Open, receiving death threats during the 1981 U.S. Open, being robbed at gunpoint after accepting payment in cash, and facing coin-throwing spectators in Rome.

The book name-drops Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, Tina Turner, Andy Warhol, Yasser Arafat, and even “my old friend Hugh Hefner.” These anecdotes place Borg not only in tennis history but within a swirl of 20th-century celebrity and politics.

“People will be very surprised what really happened,” Borg said. “For me to come out after all these years, all I went through, I went through some difficult times, it’s a relief for me to do this book. I feel so much better. No secrets anymore.”

A candid look at survival

The memoir also traces his strained relationships, with parents, with his children, and with his own sense of identity after leaving professional sport. By his account, retirement robbed him of purpose, and drugs filled the void.

Borg acknowledges that his descent was partly a reaction to the structure of his tennis life: “I was happy to get away from tennis … but I had no plan what to do.” Without the rhythm of tournaments and training, he spiraled.

Yet he insists he has rebuilt his life. Now, after cancer treatment, he says he is proud of where he stands: sober, reflective, and still connected to the sport he once dominated.

Looking ahead, without secrets

For Borg, writing Heartbeats is as much about catharsis as it is about record-keeping. He admits that his privacy once shielded him from scrutiny but also kept him trapped in silence about his struggles. Now, at 69, he frames his story differently: beginning with a near-death overdose, ending with cancer remission, and filling the middle with unvarnished honesty.

“I went through some difficult times,” he said, “but now I feel so much better.”

Björn Borg’s memoir offers not just the tale of a tennis great, but a portrait of a man forced to confront addiction, shame, and mortality, and who, at last, seems at peace.