Period Pain: Causes and What Really Helps
Period pain is so common that it is often dismissed as normal, and many women believe they simply have to put up with it. Yet the pain has specific causes, and understanding them matters because it points towards what actually helps and when something more serious might be going on.
Why periods hurt
The pain comes from prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that make the uterus contract to shed its lining. Higher levels of prostaglandins mean stronger contractions, a temporarily reduced blood supply to the womb, and more pain. This is why the cramping usually starts just before or at the start of the period and tends to ease over the first couple of days.
The two types of period pain
Primary dysmenorrhoea is period pain without an underlying condition; it typically begins in the teenage years and often improves with age and after childbirth. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is pain caused by a condition such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease; it tends to start later, worsen over time and last longer than the period itself.
What actually helps
- Ibuprofen or naproxen, which reduce prostaglandin production and work better for cramps than paracetamol alone.
- Heat, in the form of a hot water bottle or heat pack on the lower abdomen.
- Gentle movement and stretching, which improve blood flow.
- Rest and regular sleep, which help the body recover.
- A warm bath or relaxation techniques for the tension that accompanies pain.
If you are unsure which medicine suits your situation, our guide to choosing pain relief walks through the options and their limits.
Which medicine, when
| Pain type | Better first choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cramps at period start | Ibuprofen | Targets the prostaglandins driving the pain |
| Heavy pain with nausea | Ibuprofen plus paracetamol as directed | Covers pain from both angles |
| Mild background ache | Paracetamol | Gentler on the stomach |
| Pain that does not settle | Speak to a pharmacist or GP | May need prescription options |
Red flags that warrant a GP visit
See a GP if the pain has changed, is getting worse, lasts beyond the first days of the period, or stops you from working and studying. Also seek advice for pain with heavy bleeding, pain during sex, pain between periods or symptoms that began after age 25. These patterns can point to conditions like endometriosis, and the earlier they are investigated the better.
The bigger picture
Period pain often sits alongside other menstrual symptoms, and patterns such as irregular periods or severe PMS deserve attention too. It can also overlap with conditions like PCOS. Tracking your symptoms for a few months gives you and your doctor a clear picture to work from.
Most period pain is manageable at home with the right anti-inflammatory medicine and heat, but "manageable" does not mean you must suffer silently. If your pain is interfering with your life, that is a reason to seek help, not a sign of weakness, and a conversation with a pharmacist or GP is a good first step.