Period pains, also known as menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, are those aches and pains women feel during menstruation. It affects most women, with 80% reporting that they have experienced period pains at some point in their lives—however, the type of pain and its intensity range from inconvenient to excruciating.

Types & Causes

There are two types of period pains: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts a day before menstruation begins and lasts a few days, but sometimes more. Prostaglandins are related to hormones and are a naturally occurring substance released by the body during menstruation which causes the uterine muscles to painfully contract. As you age, the pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea lessens. Many women also experience less pain after childbirth.

With secondary dysmenorrhea, other causes are responsible for pain and discomfort. This includes conditions like uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis. The type of pain that comes with secondary dysmenorrhea happens at any stage during the menstrual cycle and often gets worse as time passes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of period pain vary by person. Common symptoms include pain:

  • In the lower abdomen
  • Beginning 1-3 days before menstruation and ending 2-3 days afterward
  • That feels like a continuous ache
  • That spreads into your thighs or lower back
  • Besides pain, it is also common to experience:
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Risk factors

Some women are more prone to period pains than others. Many of the risk factors are related to the history of your period. You are at an increased risk for period pains if you:

  • Are 30 or younger
  • Started your period before you were 11
  • Bleed heavily
  • Have irregular cycles
  • Have other family members with period cramps or pains
  • Smoke

Diagnosis

When seeking help for period pains, a doctor’s first step is to get a detailed medical history. Next, they perform a pelvic exam to look for any abnormalities. They may also request an ultrasound or other imaging to explore the issue further.

In severe cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, your doctor might perform a laparoscopy, an exploratory surgery of your abdomen.

Treatment

There are many treatments available for period pains. This includes addressing the symptoms through self-care and lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Warm baths and massages
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Exercise like yoga
  • Reducing alcohol consumptions
  • Avoiding fats and sugary foods
  • Medical treatments prescribed by your doctor are:
  • Hormonal birth control, including the pill, patch, ring, or an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Non-hormonal medications such as tranexamic or Mefenamic acid
  • Stronger or prescription pain relievers

When to see a doctor?

With periods, it’s challenging to know what’s ‘normal’ and what’s not. If you ever have questions about your periods, reach out to your doctor or organizations like Planned Parenthood.

If you experience the following symptoms, please contact your doctor:

  • Possibility of pregnancy
  • Changing heavy flow pads or tampons hourly
  • Unusual bleeding before or after your menstrual cycle
  • Irregular cycles
  • A sudden stop to your cycle
  • Bleeding that prevents you from everyday activities
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Depression or anxiety during, before, or after your period

It is especially important to seek medical help if you have a fever associated with period pain. We are here to help you with all concerns regarding your gynecological health. Request an appointment online or contact us today at 540-605-7566