Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods. It usually means cramping pain in the lower tummy, back or thighs before or during menstruation, which can be strong enough to interfere with daily activities.
Primary dysmenorrhea is common period pain with no underlying condition. It is linked to prostaglandins, chemicals that make the womb muscle tighten. Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by another condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Secondary pain often starts later in life and may last longer than the period itself.
Period pain often improves with simple measures. Many people find heat on the tummy, gentle exercise, warm baths and over-the-counter painkillers helpful. A doctor may also suggest hormonal contraception for some people. What works differs from person to person.
A GP visit is a good idea if pain is severe, gets worse over time, does not respond to painkillers or stops you from doing normal activities. Pain together with heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or pain during sex should also be checked.
Strong cramps can make concentration and commuting hard for a day or two each cycle. Flexible start times, working from home on bad days, access to a hot drink or heat pad and an open culture around menstruation at work can make a real difference.
Sources: MedlinePlus, ACOG, NHS.
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