What Are Painful Periods?
Menstruation, or a period, is the normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Many women experience painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea. The most common symptom is menstrual cramps — a throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
Along with cramps, you may also experience other symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
It’s important to note that period pain is different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS involves a range of symptoms like weight gain, bloating, irritability, and fatigue, and usually begins one to two weeks before your period starts.
Symptoms of Painful Periods
- Cramping or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen
- Lower back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Pain radiating to thighs
These symptoms typically occur during menstruation and can range from mild to severe.
Causes of Painful Periods
Painful periods can be caused by various factors, including:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: Common cramps caused by natural menstrual contractions and prostaglandins (hormone-like substances).
- Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus causing pain and heavy bleeding.
- Endometriosis: A condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
- Adenomyosis: When uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, leading to painful periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs causing pain.
- Cervical stenosis: Narrowing of the cervix can block menstrual flow and cause pain.
If you experience severe or worsening pain during your periods, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Who Is More Likely to Have Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) is more common in:
- Teenagers and young women, especially in the first few years after their periods begin
- Women with a family history of painful periods
- Those who smoke or have a high stress level
- Women with certain medical conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids
- Those who have heavy or irregular periods
If you experience severe menstrual pain, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider for evaluation and care.
How Is Dysmenorrhea Diagnosed?
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your healthcare provider will:
- Ask about your menstrual cycle, pain symptoms, and medical history
- Perform a physical and pelvic exam
- Recommend tests like ultrasound or blood tests if needed to rule out underlying conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis
- In some cases, procedures like laparoscopy may be done for a closer look inside the pelvis
Accurate diagnosis helps your provider tailor the best treatment plan for your painful periods.
Treatments for Severe Period Pain
If you have severe period pain (dysmenorrhea), treatment options may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce cramps and inflammation
- Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, IUDs) to regulate or lighten periods and reduce pain
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, heat therapy (warm baths or heating pads), and stress management
- Prescription medications for more severe cases or underlying conditions like endometriosis
- Surgical options may be considered if there’s an underlying issue such as fibroids or endometriosis that doesn’t respond to other treatments
Consult with your gynecologist, like Dr. Sadhana Gosain – Gynecologist in Delhi, to find the best treatment plan tailored for you.