It’s common to feel cramps and lower abdominal discomfort during your period. But for some people, the pain doesn’t stay in the pelvis — it spreads to the hips, thighs or even down the legs. If your leg pain feels sharp, persistent, or different from your usual symptoms, it might be time to take a closer look.
Understanding why leg pain can happen during your period, and knowing when to seek medical advice, can help you feel more in control of your cycle and health.
Is Leg Pain During Your Period Normal?
Mild leg aches at the start of your period aren’t unusual. For many people, it’s part of how the body responds to hormonal changes and uterine cramps. But if the pain is strong, ongoing, or affects how you move or feel, it might be caused by something more than just menstrual cramps.
What Can Cause Leg Pain During Your Period?
Several things can lead to leg pain around your period. These include hormonal activity, nerve involvement, and underlying health conditions. Common causes include:
1. Uterine Contractions and Prostaglandins
During your period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are driven by prostaglandins — natural chemicals that trigger inflammation and muscle tightening. When prostaglandin levels are high, the pain can be more intense and spread to other areas, like your lower back or legs.
You may feel:
- Dull aching in your thighs or calves
- A heavy or tired feeling in the legs
- Pain that starts with your menstrual flow
2. Referred Pain from the Pelvis
Sometimes, pain felt in the legs is actually coming from the pelvis. This is called referred pain. The nerves that supply the uterus, lower back, and legs are closely connected, so discomfort in one area can be felt in another — especially around your cycle.
What it might feel like:
- Deep, throbbing pain in the upper legs or groin
- Pain that flares up in time with your period
3. Sciatic Nerve Irritation
Hormonal changes or inflammation during menstruation can sometimes affect the sciatic nerve — the large nerve running from your lower back down each leg. If this nerve gets irritated, you may feel pain that’s more intense or one-sided.
Possible signs include:
- Sharp, shooting pain down one or both legs
- Numbness, tingling, or leg weakness
- Pain that gets worse when you sit or move
4. Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, while adenomyosis involves this tissue growing into the uterine wall. Both conditions can cause significant pelvic pain that radiates to the lower limbs.
Other signs to look for:
- Ongoing pelvic or back pain during period
- Period pain that doesn’t improve with usual treatments
- Leg discomfort that coincides with menstruation
These conditions are often underdiagnosed and may need imaging or specialist care for a diagnosis.
5. Fluid Retention and Circulatory Changes
Hormonal changes before and during your period can cause your body to hold onto more fluid. This can lead to swelling in your legs, especially by the end of the day.
You might notice:
- Puffy or swollen calves and ankles
- A feeling of tightness or dull pain in your legs
- Temporary weight gain
When Should You Be Concerned About Leg Pain?
It’s important not to dismiss leg pain that feels unusual or worsens over time. You should seek medical advice if you experience:
- Pain that grows more intense with each cycle
- Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief
- Radiating or shooting pain into the legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- One leg that feels red, swollen, or hot (possible sign of a blood clot)
A medical evaluation may include a physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or referral to a specialist such as a gynaecologist or neurologist, depending on your symptoms.
Is Leg Pain Linked to a Medical Condition?
Sometimes, leg pain during your period can be a sign of an underlying health issue. These may include:
- Endometriosis — including sciatic or deep-infiltrating types
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic nerve entrapment or compression
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Spinal or musculoskeletal conditions
A GP with experience in women’s health, or a gynaecologist, may recommend investigations such as pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or diagnostic laparoscopy to get to the root of your symptoms.
Can Period Pain Cause Numbness in Legs?
While mild leg discomfort is common during menstruation, numbness is not a typical symptom of period pain. If you’re experiencing leg numbness, tingling, or weakness, it may indicate nerve involvement—such as sciatica or, in rare cases, sciatic endometriosis. These symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional, especially if they persist beyond your menstrual cycle or affect your mobility.
Is Leg Pain a PMS Symptom?
Yes, leg pain can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although it’s not as common as abdominal cramps or mood changes. Hormonal changes that occur before your period, particularly shifts in prostaglandins, can cause muscle tension, fluid retention, and inflammation.
These effects may lead to aches or heaviness in the legs, especially in the thighs or calves. For most people, this pain is mild and resolves once menstruation begins.
How Do I Know if Leg Pain Is from My Period or Sciatica?
Menstrual-related leg pain is typically dull, aching, or heavy, and often occurs in both legs or is linked to other period symptoms like cramping or fatigue. In contrast, sciatica usually involves sharp, shooting, or burning pain that radiates down one leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling.
If your leg pain worsens when sitting, standing, or walking and is concentrated on one side, sciatica may be the cause. A doctor can help identify the underlying issue with a physical exam and imaging if needed.
Should I Be Worried if Only One Leg Hurts During My Period?
Pain in just one leg during your period could be due to a variety of causes, including muscle strain, sciatica, or less commonly, conditions like endometriosis affecting pelvic nerves. While occasional mild discomfort may not be a concern, unilateral pain that is sharp, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth may be a sign of something more serious, such as a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis). If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Managing Leg Pain During Your Period
If you regularly experience leg pain during your period, don’t brush it off as just another cramp. Whether it’s hormonal cramping, nerve-related pain, or a sign of something like endometriosis, there are ways to get answers and find relief.
Speak with your GP or a women’s health specialist to explore the cause and get a tailored management plan.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Please speak with your doctor about your individual symptoms or concerns.