PERIOD PAIN

Editorial assistant Michelle Duffield explores how the menstrual cycle shapes patient care

To quote Fleabag: “Women are born with pain built in. It’s our physical destiny, period pains, sore boobs, childbirth. We carry it within ourselves throughout our lives.”

With such a sensation normalised, it does not come as a surprise that women being more sensitive to pain stimuli during certain stages of their periods gets overlooked in all aspects of life, let alone aesthetics.

When booking aesthetic treatments, women often weigh up various factors: timing, recovery periods, and even seasonal preferences. But how often do we consider the impact of the menstrual cycle on pain sensitivity and healing? Some practitioners in the aesthetics industry are beginning to pay more attention to this often-overlooked factor. From heightened sensitivity to the role of hormonal fluctuations, how is the menstrual cycle shaping patient care?

“There’s a growing awareness of the menstrual cycle’s impact on pain perception, healing, and swelling in aesthetic treatments, including injectables,” says Claudia Brand, an aesthetic nurse prescriber at 111 Harley St. “While it’s not yet standard to routinely consider a patient’s cycle, more practitioners are beginning to pay attention to how the menstrual cycle might influence the patient’s experience with treatments.”

This growing awareness reflects a shift in how clinics approach pain management and patient comfort. Many patients report heightened sensitivity or discomfort during their periods, and as Brand notes, some are concerned about receiving injectables like toxin and fillers during this time. “While it’s safe to proceed with the treatment, they may experience slightly more discomfort or bruising than usual.”

For patients with heightened sensitivity, practitioners like Rachael Myers, a senior aesthetician at 111 Harley St, take an individualised approach. “This varies massively person to person,” says Myers. “Most just know their body and will say this isn’t a good time.” She emphasises that while the menstrual cycle doesn’t always dictate scheduling, patients who feel more sensitive are encouraged to reschedule. For others, strategies such as numbing cream, cold compresses, and even distractions like stress balls or chatting can help ease discomfort.

TREATMENTS TO AVOID

According to Brand, fillers are more likely to cause discomfort and swelling during menstruation compared to toxin treatments. “Because some women experience more bruising and swelling during their period, a practitioner might recommend delaying dermal filler treatments for areas like the lips, which can be particularly sensitive.” However, Brand also mentions that toxin treatments tend to be less painful, meaning patients can more comfortably proceed with those even if they are menstruating.

For more invasive treatments like lasers, Myers mentions another consideration: laser hair removal should be avoided if the patient isn’t comfortable wearing a tampon, making this a key area where the cycle could influence treatment schedules.

Ultimately, a more holistic and patient-centred approach is emerging in the aesthetics industry, as practitioners adapt to the individual needs of patients. “Many women report discomfort, but the degree of sensitivity can vary widely from person to person,” notes Sara Rodrigues, non-surgical department manager at 111 Harley St. “It is important to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique experience, especially those with conditions like endometriosis, which can exacerbate period pain.”