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Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is a common condition characterised by cramping and discomfort in the lower abdomen. While Period Pain is generally a normal part of the menstrual cycle, it can significantly impact daily activities for some individuals. NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid are an effective and frequently used treatment option.
Period Pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common condition characterised by cramping and discomfort in the lower abdomen, which can sometimes radiate to the lower back and thighs.
This pain typically begins with the onset of menstruation and can vary in intensity from mild to severe. It is often associated with the contraction of the uterine muscles as the body sheds the uterine lining.
While Period Pain is generally a normal part of the menstrual cycle, it can significantly impact daily activities for some individuals. In cases where Period Pain is unusually severe or persists despite treatment, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.
Period Pain, also known as Dysmenorrhoea, is very common and a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
Period Pain is typically experienced as muscle cramps in the tummy, which can often spread to the back and thighs. The intensity of the pain can vary with each period; some cycles may cause minimal discomfort, while others can be significantly more painful. Many women find that Period Pain is most intense during their teenage years and twenties, often becoming less severe with age.
Period Pain can vary in its presentation; it may be felt as a constant dull ache or as intermittent sharp spasms. The severity of the pain often peaks on the heaviest day of bleeding. For some women, Period Pain is mild, while for others, it can be severe and debilitating, disrupting daily activities.
Period Pain can be classified into two main types: Primary Dysmenorrhoea and Secondary Dysmenorrhoea.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Primary Dysmenorrhoea is the more common type of Period Pain and occurs without an identifiable cause. There is no underlying medical condition or disease affecting the womb (uterus) or pelvis. Primary Dysmenorrhoea often occurs in teenagers and in women in their twenties.
Period Pain caused by Primary Dysmenorrhoea occurs when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). While mild contractions happen continuously in the womb, they are usually so subtle that most women do not feel them. However, during menstruation, these contractions become more intense, leading to noticeable Period Pain.
During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed. When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining the womb. This temporarily cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in the womb release chemicals that trigger pain.
While the body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it is also producing other chemicals called Prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract even more, further increasing the level of pain.
The contractions of the wall of the womb are the reason why many women experience Period Pain as spasms, rather than a continuous ache. It is also believed that one of the main reasons why women experience different levels of pain during their period is likely due to the individuality of each woman’s hormonal and chemical balance.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea is where an underlying medical condition or problem of the womb or pelvis is the cause of Period Pain. Secondary Dysmenorrhoea is much less common and is more likely to occur in women in their 30s and 40s.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea can often start after several years of painless periods. If you haven’t experienced painful periods until recently, a specific medical condition might be the cause. Additional signs of Secondary Dysmenorrhea may include pain at times other than during your period, irregular periods, bleeding between periods, a thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse.
Conditions known to cause Period Pain include: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Adenomyosis. Pain can also sometimes be caused by an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD), particularly during the first few months after insertion.
It is important to consult your GP if you think your painful periods may be caused by a medical condition.
The main symptom of Period Pain is painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can radiate to the lower back and thighs. The pain usually starts as the bleeding begins, but it may appear several days earlier. The pain tends to last for around 24 hours but can last for 2-3 days in some cases, the pain is normally at its worst on the heaviest day of bleeding.
Period Pain is often accompanied by other menstrual symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, breast tenderness, emotional changes, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Period Pain can vary with each cycle; some periods may cause minimal or no discomfort, while others can be more severe. The pain may present as waves of intense spasms or as a dull, constant ache.
Period Pain affects women differently; some may experience very mild discomfort or none at all, while others may endure severe, debilitating pain that disrupts their daily lives. It is believed that these varying pain levels are largely due to the individual differences in each woman’s hormonal and chemical balance.
Period Pain without an underlying cause tends to become less severe as a woman gets older. Many women also notice an improvement after they’ve had children.
Certain factors can increase the risk of experiencing Period Pain, including a family history of painful periods, having your first period at an early age, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity have all been linked to an increased likelihood of Period Pain.
Simple steps that may help to prevent or reduce the severity of Period Pain include:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid are a very effective and commonly used treatment choice for Period Pain. It is estimated that they offer efficient pain relief in 70% of cases. These medications work by blocking the effect of the prostaglandin chemicals that are thought to cause the pain, they also play a role in reducing menstrual bleeding.
The first dose should be taken as soon as the pain starts or bleeding begins, whichever comes first. Tablets should be taken regularly, for 2-3 days each period, rather than ‘now and then’ when the pain intensifies. Paracetamol can also be taken in combination with NSAIDs if stronger pain relief is required.
Hormonal contraception is a treatment option for women who do not wish to conceive. There are various different options available, each with their own benefits and disadvantages that should be carefully considered in consultation with your GP.
You should consult your GP if you develop any of the following symptoms alongside Period Pain:
You should also see your GP if your Period Pains are severe or if there has been a change in your normal pattern of periods.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve despite treatment. If your Period Pain remains uncontrolled after three months of treatment, your GP may refer you to a specialist, typically a gynaecologist, who will conduct further tests to identify or rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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Rest assured that your treatment will be delivered in plain packaging for complete discretion.
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