Painful Periods Issues
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Periods are menstrual cycles that occur every month as the uterus releases its inner lining. Pain, cramps, and discomfort are considered normal during this time. But when the pain is excruciating, and individuals experience cramps, it interferes with daily life, making it difficult to do even the simplest tasks. This situation is also called Dysmenorrhea or painful periods, and it is a sign of medical intervention.
Types of Menstrual Pain
Period Pains are of two kinds:
- Primary Dysmenorrhea: The usual period pain is faced by nearly all women. The pain begins a day or two before menstruation and ends on the second or third day.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhea: When a woman faces tremendous pain due to an infection or a medical condition. This pain lasts for a long time, and its intensity remains very high. This is not a very common pain, though.
Causes of Period Pain
Some of the causes of intense period pain would be:
- Prostaglandins: During periods, the uterus makes itself tight so that its inner lining is removed. Certain hormone-like substances known as Prostaglandins give rise to tightness in the uterine muscles. The more painful the muscle cramps, the higher the prostaglandins are secreted.
Other reasons why the menstrual cramps are caused are because of medical conditions like:
- Endometriosis: When the inner lining of the uterus forms outside the uterus on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, or even the inner pelvic area.
- Uterine Fibroids: These lumps come outside the uterus and cause pain; however, these are not cancer-prone.
- Adenomyosis: Here, the tissue starts growing into the walls of the uterus.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: This is a problem that happens due to sexual transmission in women.
- Cervical Stenosis: In some women, the cervix opening is small, so the flow gets jammed and results in unbearable pain in the uterus.
Common Symptoms Associated with Painful Periods
These are the symptoms of period pain:
- Cramping up or heaviness in the pelvic area
- Feeling pressurised in the stomach
- Intense aching in the stomach, lower back, inner thigh and legs
- A consistent pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
There are some emotional and psychological symptoms of painful periods as well, which are:
- Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Pre-menstrual Exacerbation (PME)
Consult Top Gynaecologist
Diagnosis of Painful Periods
Consult Top Gynaecologist
The first and foremost check that the doctor will perform after a complaint of period pain is the medical history of the individual. They will ask thoroughly about the kind of problem that the person faces and the nature of the pain. As part of the physical examination, the doctor will execute a full pelvic test and check for any infections, inflammation, or abnormalities.
If the doctor further feels, they may ask the individual to go further tests like:
- An ultrasound
- A CT scan
- An MRI
The doctor may further suggest a laparoscopy. Here, they will be able to put a camera and, through a small cut, will be able to enter the abdominal cavity to find issues there.
Treatment and Management of Painful Periods
There are a few medications that the doctors might prescribe to be used when treating a painful period issue, which are:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Women can buy some medicines over the counter from a medical store to relieve pain. Medicines like Ibuprofen or naproxen really work well when consumed during the initial days of periods as they help diminish the prostaglandins in the body.
- Anti-Depressants: When women get bothered by PMS, this is prescribed by the doctors for relief.
- Other Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen like Tylenol works very well when period cramps become unbearable.
- Hormonal Medications: Doctors sometimes suggest hormonal pills to diminish the period pain that women experience. Other birth control options would be vaginal rings, injections or even a patch.
There are even some home remedies that can provide relief during periods of pain. These are:
- Taking a warm shower
- Massaging the belly and back
- Putting a hot water bottle or a hot bag wrapped in a towel on the lower abdomen and back.
- Trying gentle exercises and yoga
Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief
There are a few alternative therapies which can be used to relieve the period pain. One such therapy is heat therapy. This is an old way in which the inner muscles of the uterus are relaxed, and the number of cramps and their intensity are reduced. It also improves blood circulation in the pelvic area. So, the muscles get oxygen and nutrients. This method has no side effects.
Acupressure and Acupuncture can also be very helpful in ending period pains. These therapies are totally safe and make use of pressure points in the body to eliminate the pain induced during periods. This method is very effective whenever it is done; however, it is advised to start treatment as soon as possible.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Period pains should never be left untreated, and individuals should immediately seek help whenever they face the symptoms of severe Dysmenorrhea:
- Cramp and pain in the lower abdomen
- Lower back pain moving down to the legs
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Long-Term Impact of Period Pains
Some of the long-term consequences of period pains are –
- Chronic pain in the pelvic area
- Digestive issues like nausea, bloating, constipation or even diarrhoea
- Headache
- Tiredness
Additionally, the prolonged period of pain can also be a symptom of Endometriosis and Pelvic Inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy if not treated on time.
Conclusion
Painful periods are a common challenge for many, but they should not be dismissed as a mere inconvenience, especially when they interfere with daily life. Dysmenorrhea, particularly when severe or prolonged, can be a sign of underlying health issues that require medical attention. While over-the-counter remedies, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies can offer relief, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if the pain is persistent. Also, individuals witness symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or digestive issues. So, women suffering from this condition should not hesitate to seek medical advice, as relief is possible through proactive steps.
Consult Top Gynaecologist
Consult Top Gynaecologist
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
Dr. Asha Rani Singh
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
24 Years • MBBS DGO
Delhi
Dr Asha Rani Singh Clinic, Delhi
Consult Top Gynaecologist
Dr Swatika Kumari
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
Dr. Asha Rani Singh
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
24 Years • MBBS DGO
Delhi
Dr Asha Rani Singh Clinic, Delhi
