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.

The Stratus strain, also known as the ‘Frankenstein’ variant, belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 XFG and XFG.3 lineages and has been spreading swiftly across the United Kingdom, with evidence suggesting it is also circulating globally. According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these variants now account for nearly 30 percent of all COVID-19 cases in England, with XFG.3 emerging as the most dominant strain.

In recent weeks, medical experts have voiced concerns that the Stratus variant might have the ability to partially evade immunity built through vaccination, potentially increasing infection risks across all age groups.

What Sets the Stratus or ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Apart?

One of the unusual symptoms linked to this strain is a hoarse or raspy voice, which doctors say was rarely reported with previous variants. “Unlike earlier strains, Stratus carries specific mutations in its spike protein that may allow it to slip past antibodies formed through prior infection or vaccination,” explained Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street general practitioner and founder of the Hannah London Clinic.

Is the Stratus Variant More Transmissible?

The XFG or Stratus strain is a member of the Omicron family and is a hybrid of two subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. This combination of genetic material helps the virus attach more tightly to human cells, making it potentially more contagious. Like other variants, it also contains several mutations that may enhance its ability to evade antibodies produced either through infection or vaccination.

Could The ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Be The Most Vaccine-Resistant?

Early reports from health authorities suggest that existing COVID-19 vaccines still provide a degree of protection against the Stratus variant. Vaccines designed for earlier strains continue to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization across multiple variants, and experts remain cautiously hopeful that they will do the same against Stratus. However, studies are ongoing to determine how much protection current vaccines actually provide against this specific strain.

As the situation develops, public health recommendations may change. Officials are urging people to follow reliable updates and continue to follow safety advice. Vaccination appointments remain widely available in the UK, and eligible individuals are encouraged to receive their doses or boosters as recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Stratus?

The most common symptom so far appears to be a sore throat, though overall, the symptoms are similar to those caused by other COVID-19 variants. People infected with Stratus may experience:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

So far, XFG has not been linked to more severe illness compared to previous variants, and hospitalization rates have not shown a sharp increase, which is reassuring.

Why The Stratus Variant Still Deserves Attention

Although it does not appear to cause more severe disease, the Stratus variant is a reminder that COVID-19 continues to evolve. Vaccines remain the strongest line of defense, and researchers are continuing to study how well they perform against this strain. Staying informed through credible sources and following updated health guidance can help limit the spread and keep communities safer.

Infertility impacts millions across the globe, touching both men and women alike. According to the World Health Organization, around 17.5% of the global population, roughly one in six people, experience fertility challenges. This condition can significantly reduce or even prevent natural conception.

Yet, despite its prevalence, infertility remains clouded by myths and misconceptions, many of which unfairly place the blame solely on women. Seeking to debunk these long-held beliefs, Dr. Holly Miller, an American Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, took to Instagram to share three important truths every woman should know about fertility.

3 Truths About Fertility Women Should Know

With the help of modern medicine and medical interventions like IVF, fertility treatment can help people boost their chances of reproducing.

Infertility Isn't Just a Woman's Issue

It’s important to understand that infertility affects both partners — it’s not solely a woman’s issue. Blaming only the woman is both unfair and inaccurate. In fact, experts find that the causes of infertility are almost evenly split between men and women.

Roughly one-third of infertility cases are linked to the woman, another third to the man, and the remaining third result from issues affecting both partners — or from causes that doctors are unable to clearly identify.

To identify the cause of infertility, both partners should undergo testing simultaneously. For men, a semen analysis — a quick and straightforward test — is often the easiest and most informative first step.

The "Wait One Year" Rule Changes with Age

Most couples automatically try to conceive for a full 12 months before they think about seeing a fertility doctor. However, the doctor emphasizes that the woman's age is the single most important factor that affects the chances of successful treatment.

If you are under 35 years old: You can safely try for a full 12 months of regular, unprotected sex before seeking a specialist.

If you are 35 or older: You should contact a specialist after only 6 months of trying without success.

If you are 40 or older: You need to see a specialist right away—as quickly as you possibly can.

The doctor explains that after age 35, the woman's egg supply starts to decline more quickly. Time is essential, so couples should strongly ask their doctors for an early referral.

"Unexplained Infertility" Often Means "Undiagnosed Problem"

When a couple is diagnosed with "unexplained infertility," which happens in about 10% to 20% of cases, it means the basic first tests did not find a clear reason. This can be upsetting, but it does not mean you can never have children. In the doctor's experience, the term "unexplained" often means there are hidden problems, such as:

• Small issues with the male partner's sperm that were missed by the basic tests.
• A hidden condition called Endometriosis, which can only be confirmed by a surgical procedure.
• Not having sexual intercourse at the best time or not often enough.

In today's corporate world, desk jobs have become the order of the day and so are the health problems associated with them. Endless typing, long hours of sitting, and poor posture are silently taking their toll on young professionals who spend most of their day glued to screens. Many don't realize that their daily work habits could trigger unexpected medical conditions.

Such a growing concern was once highlighted by Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, who recently shared a case on X. He wrote about one such case of Riya (name changed), a 25-year-old software engineer who developed a sharp, burning pain in her elbow-a pain which began as a minor ache while typing and gradually became so severe that even lifting a teacup felt unbearable.

What was the cause of the sharp elbow pain that Riya experienced?

Riya tried everything she could think of: Rest, pain relief balms, painkillers, even switching hands while using her computer, but the pain refused to fade. When she finally decided to visit the doctor, her symptoms immediately pointed to something unexpected: Tennis elbow. The diagnosis came as a surprise, considering she had never even held a tennis racket. On examination, Dr Sudhir Kumar found the tell-tale signs of the condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis — tenderness along the outer elbow and pain when she tried to extend her wrist. He explained that the culprit wasn’t a sport, but repetitive strain from long hours at the computer — a problem increasingly common among desk workers.

What is Tennis Elbow?

The Mayo Clinic describes tennis elbow, medically termed lateral epicondylitis, as a painful condition resulting from the overuse of muscles and tendons in the forearm. It develops where these tissues are repeatedly strained by similar wrist and arm movements, leading to tiny tears and inflammation near the elbow.

The name is misleading, and you don't have to be an athlete to get tennis elbow. As a matter of fact, most people who develop it never have used a racket. It's common for the condition to strike people in jobs that require repetitive motions: plumbers, carpenters, painters, butchers, and yes, office workers who spend hours typing or using a mouse.

The pain generally arises on the outside of the elbow, precisely at that bony prominence to which the muscles of the forearm attach. For some, the discomfort may extend into the forearm or even the wrist, making most activities quite arduous.

How Can Tennis Elbow Be Treated?

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, Dr Sudhir Kumar focused on addressing the underlying cause — repetitive stress and poor workstation ergonomics. The holistic treatment for Riya included the following:

• Avoided repetitive activities that triggered her pain.
• Adjusting the computer setup and improving posture.
• Establish a physiotherapy regimen to stretch, strengthen, and gradually build muscle endurance.
• A short course of anti-inflammatory medication

Employing a counterforce brace-a tennis elbow strap-to reduce strain in daily activities. By her six-week follow-up, Riya’s pain had completely resolved. Her grip strength was back, and she could type, lift, and exercise without discomfort. Three months later, she was symptom-free — and far more aware of how small ergonomic changes can make a big difference.