Loose Women star Coleen Nolan opened up about her ‘debilitating’ health issue

Period pains: NHS gives advice on helping cramps

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“The best thing that’s ever happened to me is the menopause, because my periods stopped,” said Coleen Nolan. “Mine were debilitating.” The former performer continued: “Anything the menopause throws at me is never going to be as bad as what I’ve gone through since I was 12 years old.” Coleen revealed that her period pains were so disturbing that it would make touring, for the pop group The Nolans, arduous.

The Irish girlband, who she formed with her sisters – Maureen, Denise, Linda and Bernie – came together in 1974 and Coleen left in 1994. This means that Coleen experienced debilitating periods for the majority of her singing career. Not only that, when she did Dancing On Ice in 2009, Coleen decided to take medication to stop her periods for the whole time she was a contestant. “I had to take medication to stop my periods for the whole time I was on [the show], because I wouldn’t have been able to do it, because [Dancing On Ice] went on for three or four months,” Coleen revealed.

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While finishing off in fourth place, the mum-of-three can now let out a sigh of relief that she no longer endures painful periods. The NHS says period pains are “muscle cramps” that can “spread to the back and thighs”. The pain can be likened to “intense spasms” or a “dull but more constant” achiness, and each period can vary in terms of the pain felt. “Some periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful,” the NHS elaborates.

Why does period pain occur?

The NHS explains: “Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens. During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period. When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your womb. This temporarily cuts off the blood supply – and oxygen supply – to your womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain.”

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When the body releases pain-triggering chemicals called prostaglandins, they encourage the womb muscles to contract even more, further increasing the level of pain. Most commonly, period pain can be eased by taking painkillers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. “If ordinary painkillers do not help, your GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as naproxen or codeine,” the NHS adds. Lifestyle adjustments can also help to alleviate painful periods, such as exercising more and not smoking.

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A post shared by Col Nol (@coleen_nolan)

Pain management also includes using a heating pad or hot water bottle, or taking a warm bath or shower. Massaging the lower abdomen in “light, circular” motions can be helpful; as can doing yoga or Pilates to help distract you from the pain. “See a GP if you have severe period pain,” the NHS recommends, as it could be indicative of an underlying health condition. Examples include: endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and adenomyosis.

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