Period pain – dysmenorrhea

Period pain happens when the muscles in the uterus contract or tighten strongly. It is more common in younger women.

What is normal period pain?#

It is normal to have some pain during your period. Period pain is usually considered normal if:

• you have pain on the first day or two of your period
• it does not stop you from going about your daily life
• it eases when you use pain-relief medicine, hot or cold packs, or TENS (a small device that helps block pain signals).

People who have painful periods may have higher levels of natural chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract.

Symptoms of period pain#

Symptoms may include:

• cramping or a feeling of heaviness in your pelvic area
• pain in your stomach, lower back and legs
• a constant ache
• nausea or diarrhea.

Causes of period pain#

Some period pain is caused by other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis.

Treatment for period pain#

Things that may help include:

• taking pain-relief medicine (for example, ibuprofen) when the pain starts
• regular exercise, which releases natural chemicals (endorphins) that relieve pain
• putting a heat pack or hot water bottle on your abdomen and lower back to help relax the muscles
• relaxation techniques
• complementary therapies such as acupuncture or naturopathy
• supplements such as fish oil and magnesium.

You can also talk to your doctor about hormonal treatments, such as the contraceptive pill or the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD).

When to see your doctor#

Talk to your doctor if simple treatments for period pain do not help, or if your symptoms are so painful that they affect your quality of life.

It can be helpful to keep a record of your periods so you can discuss them with your doctor. Things to record include when your period starts, how long it lasts, how heavy it is, and how it affects your daily life.

Where to get help#