I agree with the posters who indicate it’s actually been more helpful than painful. I feel more “tired” the week before and the week of, however, I have had my best workouts three to five days before my period starts – and that includes heavy power lifting moves. There is something to be said for that burst of hormones, I think. I know for sure that I have less cramping and shorter periods when I am consistently working out HARD. Good luck to you!