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Painful Periods

About 10 percent of adolescent and young adult women experience pain during their periods that is so severe that it interferes with normal daily activities. While the severity of this pain usually decreases with age or after childbirth, painful periods can happen to women of any age.

Painful periods that are a symptom of another medical condition are called secondary dysmenorrhea. This health topic covers primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain that does not result from another medical problem. The exact cause of primary dysmenorrhea is not known, however it is thought to result from contractions of the uterus.

Cramping usually starts just before the period and continues for the first day or two. The pain can be sharp or dull and may be felt in the abdomen, back, vagina, or thighs. The pain can also be accompanied by headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and the urge to urinate frequently. It can be so severe that some women may faint, vomit, or stay in bed.

There are chemicals, called prostaglandins, that are released from female organs with the normal period. These are the pain causing chemicals in the body. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the prostaglandins in the body before the period begins, as well as during menstruation. Getting control before the full flow of the period is key, so starting treatment right before bleeding starts is critical.

There are several medications available over-the-counter that work for this. They include naproxen, ibuprofen, and even aspirin. Many more are available by prescription. Birth control pills are also useful in stopping the natural cycle of prostaglandins.

In addition to medication, regular exercise throughout the month will help relieve painful periods. Reduced amounts of caffeine, salt, and alcohol also help. No vitamin has been found to help; yet many are being tested.

You should not have to live with painful periods. It may take a few months to find the correct treatment, but it is worth finding what works for you.

If the pain continues despite treatment, or if pain is new and sudden, contact a healthcare provider. There may be a more serious problem that needs medical attention.

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