Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but let’s face it, the question of pain is often at the forefront of people’s minds. The buzzing of the tattoo machine alone can send shivers down your spine. If you’re also someone who experiences period pain, the thought of combining these two sensations might seem daunting.
Personally, I hadn’t deeply considered the link between periods and tattoo pain until one tattoo session where the discomfort felt unusually intense. Chatting with my tattoo artist, I mentioned how sensitive I felt. Her immediate question was, “Are you on your period?” And yes, I was. It suddenly clicked – could this be the reason for the heightened pain?
Since then, I’ve tried to avoid scheduling tattoos around my period. Of course, life isn’t always predictable, and sometimes appointments clash. Plus, there’s always the chance that it wasn’t actually more painful that day, maybe I was just having an off day that happened to coincide with my cycle.
This experience sparked my curiosity, leading me to delve into whether there’s a real connection between menstruation and tattoo pain. Let’s explore what I discovered.
Do Tattoos Hurt More During Your Period? Real Experiences
To start, I conducted a quick poll on my Instagram account to get some real-world perspectives.
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A post shared by Alice Snape (@alicecsnape)
I asked my followers, “Calling all tattoo collectors, does it hurt more to get tattooed when you’re on your period?” Over 100 people responded, and the results were quite telling.
A significant 63% of respondents felt that tattoos definitely hurt more when they were menstruating. Only 4% said no, they didn’t notice any difference. And 33% hadn’t observed any change in pain levels.
Tattoo of a tampon with floral designs, symbolizing menstruation and body art
Tattoo by @hexenwerk_tattoos
This informal poll suggests that for many, getting tattooed while menstruating does make the experience more uncomfortable. But what’s the science behind this perception? And what can be done about it?
Hormones and Pain Perception: The Menstrual Cycle Effect
“Sex hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, play a role in how we experience pain,” explains Sam, a midwife and fellow tattoo enthusiast. “Estrogen levels are at their lowest during menstruation, which is when pain sensitivity is often heightened.”
Sam further clarifies, “While the exact hormonal mechanisms are complex and not fully understood, limited research indicates differences in brain activity related to pain processing throughout the menstrual cycle. Theoretically, tattoo pain might be most intense during your period and potentially less so during ovulation. However, any actual difference is likely to be small – tattooing is going to hurt regardless.”
Medical research also touches upon this area, though it’s not extensively studied. “Women’s health research, in general, is underfunded and less prioritized,” Sam points out.
However, studies like “pain perception across the menstrual cycle phases in women with chronic pain” have shown that pain perception does fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. This particular study found that women reported significantly higher pain levels during their menstrual and premenstrual phases compared to the mid-cycle and ovulation phases.
Tattoo Appointment Timing: Period or No Period?
Ultimately, pain tolerance is subjective and varies greatly from person to person. If you’ve been waiting months for a tattoo appointment with a specific artist, rescheduling might not be appealing or even possible. You might also find yourself starting your period unexpectedly on the day of your appointment, making cancellation impractical due to deposit policies and artist scheduling.
Crucially, being on your period won’t negatively impact the tattoo itself. You will still get a beautiful piece of art. It might just require a bit more grit to get through the session.
Tattoo of a mooncup with floral elements, representing period positivity and body ink
Tattoo by hollihorrortattoos
Preparing for a Tattoo During Your Period: Pain Management Tips
Whether you’re menstruating or not, certain precautions are always recommended before getting a tattoo. Avoid alcohol on the day of and the day before your appointment, as it thins your blood. You can learn more about this in our article on drinking alcohol before and after tattoos.
Be mindful of pain medication as well. “Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, commonly used for period cramps, can also thin your blood and hinder clotting, potentially leading to increased bleeding during the tattoo process,” explains a gynecologist in Byrdie.
On the morning of your tattoo, Sam advises, “Eat a nutritious breakfast.” She also suggests, “You could take paracetamol or co-codamol, available over the counter, about 30 minutes before your session. Ibuprofen can be helpful for minimizing swelling after your tattoo.”
Prioritize a good night’s sleep, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear comfortable clothing to your appointment, and bring snacks. Deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial. Distraction is a great tool – listen to music or a podcast through headphones to take your mind off the needle.
Remember, it’s always okay to ask for breaks. Your tattoo artist understands, and they want you to be as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate tattoo pain, period or not, and get the beautiful tattoo you desire. Good luck!
