Period Pain
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common condition that many women experience before or during their menstrual cycle. While it's a typical part of the menstrual process, the pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps that affect daily activities. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage and ease period pain.
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Treatments
- Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: When the lining of the womb grows outside the womb or into the womb walls.
- Fibroids: Non-cancerous lumps that can grow in or around the womb.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection affecting the womb, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD): Some women may feel more cramping or pain for the first few months after having an IUD fitted.
- Take a warm bath or shower to help your muscles relax.
- Place a heat pad or hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) on your tummy.
- Try gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.
A TENS machine, which sends mild electrical pulses to ease pain, can also be a helpful alternative.
If your period pain is severe or keeps coming back, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional. A GP may refer you for further tests, such as an ultrasound scan, or offer treatment for conditions like fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Pain in your lower abdomen at the start of your period or a few days before.
- Painful cramps that can radiate to your back and thighs.
- A sharp or dull ache in your tummy.
- Period pain typically lasts for up to 3 days and may impact your ability to carry out daily tasks.
Period Pain Guides
Simply find your medical condition below to read helpful information written and reviewed by our healthcare professionals.
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
FAQ’s
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is the pain or discomfort that many women experience before or during their menstrual cycle. It usually occurs in the lower abdomen and can vary from mild to severe.
Period pain is caused by the contraction of the womb muscles during menstruation. These contractions help shed the womb lining, which leads to bleeding. In some cases, underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease can cause more severe pain.
Yes, it’s normal for many women to experience some level of period pain each month. However, if the pain is severe or affects your ability to perform daily activities, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
You can relieve period pain at home by taking a warm bath, using a heat pad on your abdomen, doing gentle exercises like yoga, or taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
You should see a doctor if your period pain is severe, worsening over time, or not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers. Additionally, consult a doctor if you experience pain during sex, when urinating or defecating, or if you have unusually heavy or irregular periods.
Yes, in some cases, period pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or adenomyosis. If your period pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Yes, hormonal contraceptives like the pill, implant, or injection can help reduce period pain by thinning the womb lining, which can make periods lighter and less painful.
Yes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce period pain. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to lessening the severity of period pain.
Period pain can change over time. For some women, it may improve with age, especially after childbirth. However, if period pain worsens or changes in nature, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, and you should seek medical advice.
