Period Pain Flashcards
Period pain
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Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
8-minute read
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Listen
Key facts
Period pain is pain in your lower abdomen (tummy) around the time of your period.
Sometimes period pain can be caused by an underlying health problem.
There are many things you can try to help ease period pain, such as a heat pack, regular exercise and pain-relief medicines.
It’s important to see your doctor if you have any change in your period pain or bleeding pattern.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on medicines that may help your period pain.
On this page
What is period pain?
What symptoms are related to period pain?
What causes period pain?
How is the cause of period pain diagnosed?
When should I see my doctor?
How is period pain treated?
Complications of period pain
Resources and support
Related information on Australian websites
What is period pain?
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is usually felt in your lower abdomen (tummy).
Many people will have some form of pain during their period. Some people experience mild discomfort while others have severe pain.
Your period pain is normal if:
it happens on the first 2 days of your period
it doesn’t affect your daily life
it goes away with self-care measures — such as pain-relief medicines or using a hot pack
What symptoms are related to period pain?
There is a wide range of how period pain feels and how severe it is. It may feel like cramps, heaviness or a constant, dull pain in your abdomen.
You may also get pain in your stomach, back and thighs.
You may also have:
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
paleness
fatigue (tiredness)
insomnia (sleep problems)
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Period pain may affect more than 9 out of 10 people who have periods.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes period pain?
There are 2 types of period pain:
Primary dysmenorrhoea — pain caused by prostaglandins (chemicals made in the lining of your uterus that cause it to contract)
Secondary dysmenorrhoea — pain due to a health condition.
Primary dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea is the more common type of period pain. It typically:
feels like crampy pain in your lower abdomen
happens just before or during your period
lasts 8 to 72 hours
starts 6 to 12 months after first getting your period
The pain is caused by contractions (tightening) of the muscle in your uterus. These contractions help your uterus shed its lining during a period. The contractions are caused by natural prostaglandins.
You are more likely to have primary dysmenorrhoea if:
you started your periods before 12 years of age
you are aged under 30 years
your body mass index (BMI) is low (less than 20) or high (over 30)
you haven’t given birth before
you smoke
other people in your family have painful periods
Secondary dysmenorrhoea
This type of period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition that affects your uterus. Conditions that can cause painful periods are:
endometriosis — when tissue from the lining of your uterus (womb) also grows in other parts of your body
adenomyosis — when the cells that normally line the inside of your uterus also grow in the layer of muscle in the wall of the uterus
fibroids — when you have non-cancerous growths in the muscle layer of your uterus (womb)
pelvic inflammatory disease — which is often caused by sexually transmitted infections
How is the cause of period pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may do a physical examination. They may recommend tests for some people, such as:
blood or urine tests
an ultrasound scan
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if your period pain stops you going to work or school.
It’s helpful to make a record of:
when you get your period
how long it lasts
how heavy your period is
how your period pain affects you
You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following:
you start to get period pain when you haven’t had it in the past
your period pain gets worse
your period pain lasts longer than it used to
you have pain (similar to period pain) between periods
you have pain during sex
you bleed between periods or have irregular periods
Your doctor should do their best to listen to you and take your concerns seriously. If this doesn’t happen, do not be afraid to find a new doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is period pain treated?
There are many ways to treat period pain.
Self-care at home
You can help reduce period pain by trying the following:
using a heat pack or hot water bottle
having a warm bath or shower
regular, gentle exercise — 45 to 60 minutes, 3 or more times a week
relaxation techniques to lower stress
Medicines for period pain
Over-the-counter medicines can give relief from period pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) stop the enzyme that makes prostaglandins, which cause your period pain. They should be taken:
1 to 2 days before your period starts
regularly for your first 2 to 3 days of bleeding
Some examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid.
These medicines are not appropriate for some people. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they are safe for you.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
Other treatment options
Painful periods can be treated with combined hormonal contraception such as:
the oral contraceptive pill (OCP, or ‘the pill’)
a contraceptive vaginal ring
Long-acting reversible contraception can also be used to treat painful periods. Options include:
a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
contraceptive implants
contraceptive injections
Some alternative therapies have also been shown to help painful periods, such as:
high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
ginger — which also helps reduce nausea and vomiting
dietary supplements — thiamine, pyridoxine, magnesium or fish oil
physiotherapy
acupuncture or acupressure
Always check with your doctor before starting any complementary or alternative treatments.
Complications of period pain
People with bad period pain are more likely to get other chronic (ongoing) pain conditions, such as:
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
low back pain
fibromyalgia
chronic headaches
chronic fatigue syndrome
Resources and support
Learn more about the menstrual cycle on the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website.
If you have any concerns about your periods, go to your doctor or local sexual health clinic.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources:
Therapeutic Guidelines (Primary dysmenorrhoea), Australian Journal of General Practice (Dysmenorrhea: An update on primary healthcare management), Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (Period pain), Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (Different types of period pain and what they might mean)
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2024
Top
Related pages
Hormonal contraceptives and periods
Irregular periods
Menstruation (periods)
Search our site for
Painful MenstruationEndometrial AblationOestrogensFemale Hygiene ProductsPolycystic Ovarian SyndromeFemale Genital DiseasesFemale Reproductive SystemPremenstrual SyndromeBreakthrough Bleeding
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
General search results
Results for medical professionals
Top results
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) | Jean Hailes
Period pain happens when your uterus muscles tighten (contract). Pain might include cramping and heaviness in the pelvic area, and pain in the lower back,…
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
Period pain – dysmenorrhoea - Better Health Channel
Women of any age can experience painful periods and some women find periods are no longer painful after pregnancy and childbirth.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Menstruation problems - myDr.com.au
Find out about common menstruation problems: amenorrhoea (absence of periods), dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy periods).
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Period Pain: Symptoms and Treatment - myDr.com.au
Period pain is common, and when severe it can stop you from doing your usual activities. However, there are treatments available for painful periods.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Period pain: self-care - myDr.com.au
Period pain can be caused by prostaglandins, produced by the uterus, leading to cramping pain in your lower abdomen and stomach.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Managing period pain - NPS MedicineWise
Period pain is one of the most common health issues for women. Find out which pain relief medicine might be the most effective for you.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise websiteNPS MedicineWise
The different types of period pain… And what the pain… | Jean Hailes
The different types of period pain… And what the pain might mean
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
VWD in females - Haemophilia Foundation Australia
Information about the key issues for living with von Willebrand disease for women and girls. Symptoms in females include heavy and painful periods. This explains how VWD is diagnosed and treated; how things might change over a lifetime, through puberty, childbirth and menopause; and how to manage health care.
Read more on Haemophilia Foundation Australia websiteHaemophilia Foundation Australia
Periods | Jean Hailes
Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what to expect during your period, period products, conditions related to your period and when to see your doctor.
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
Menstrual Conditions - Sexual Health Victoria
Sexual Health Victoria (formally Family Planning Victoria) focuses on reproductive and sexual health care, education and advocacy. Our vision is to improve ever
Read more on Sexual Health Victoria websiteSexual Health Victoria
Show more
Check your symptoms Find a health service
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
1800 022 222
Government Accredited with over 140 information partnersHealthdirect logo
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo
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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited
Period pain
healthdirect australia logoSign in Menu
HealthdirectFree Australian health advice you can count on.
Search our site
MenuClose
Home
COVID-19
Health topics A-Z
Conditions
Symptoms
Procedures
Life stages
All topics
Medicines
Symptom checker
Service finder
beginning of content
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
8-minute read
Share Save
Listen
Key facts
Period pain is pain in your lower abdomen (tummy) around the time of your period.
Sometimes period pain can be caused by an underlying health problem.
There are many things you can try to help ease period pain, such as a heat pack, regular exercise and pain-relief medicines.
It’s important to see your doctor if you have any change in your period pain or bleeding pattern.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on medicines that may help your period pain.
On this page
What is period pain?
What symptoms are related to period pain?
What causes period pain?
How is the cause of period pain diagnosed?
When should I see my doctor?
How is period pain treated?
Complications of period pain
Resources and support
Related information on Australian websites
What is period pain?
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is usually felt in your lower abdomen (tummy).
Many people will have some form of pain during their period. Some people experience mild discomfort while others have severe pain.
Your period pain is normal if:
it happens on the first 2 days of your period
it doesn’t affect your daily life
it goes away with self-care measures — such as pain-relief medicines or using a hot pack
What symptoms are related to period pain?
There is a wide range of how period pain feels and how severe it is. It may feel like cramps, heaviness or a constant, dull pain in your abdomen.
You may also get pain in your stomach, back and thighs.
You may also have:
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
paleness
fatigue (tiredness)
insomnia (sleep problems)
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Period pain may affect more than 9 out of 10 people who have periods.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes period pain?
There are 2 types of period pain:
Primary dysmenorrhoea — pain caused by prostaglandins (chemicals made in the lining of your uterus that cause it to contract)
Secondary dysmenorrhoea — pain due to a health condition.
Primary dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea is the more common type of period pain. It typically:
feels like crampy pain in your lower abdomen
happens just before or during your period
lasts 8 to 72 hours
starts 6 to 12 months after first getting your period
The pain is caused by contractions (tightening) of the muscle in your uterus. These contractions help your uterus shed its lining during a period. The contractions are caused by natural prostaglandins.
You are more likely to have primary dysmenorrhoea if:
you started your periods before 12 years of age
you are aged under 30 years
your body mass index (BMI) is low (less than 20) or high (over 30)
you haven’t given birth before
you smoke
other people in your family have painful periods
Secondary dysmenorrhoea
This type of period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition that affects your uterus. Conditions that can cause painful periods are:
endometriosis — when tissue from the lining of your uterus (womb) also grows in other parts of your body
adenomyosis — when the cells that normally line the inside of your uterus also grow in the layer of muscle in the wall of the uterus
fibroids — when you have non-cancerous growths in the muscle layer of your uterus (womb)
pelvic inflammatory disease — which is often caused by sexually transmitted infections
How is the cause of period pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may do a physical examination. They may recommend tests for some people, such as:
blood or urine tests
an ultrasound scan
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if your period pain stops you going to work or school.
It’s helpful to make a record of:
when you get your period
how long it lasts
how heavy your period is
how your period pain affects you
You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following:
you start to get period pain when you haven’t had it in the past
your period pain gets worse
your period pain lasts longer than it used to
you have pain (similar to period pain) between periods
you have pain during sex
you bleed between periods or have irregular periods
Your doctor should do their best to listen to you and take your concerns seriously. If this doesn’t happen, do not be afraid to find a new doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is period pain treated?
There are many ways to treat period pain.
Self-care at home
You can help reduce period pain by trying the following:
using a heat pack or hot water bottle
having a warm bath or shower
regular, gentle exercise — 45 to 60 minutes, 3 or more times a week
relaxation techniques to lower stress
Medicines for period pain
Over-the-counter medicines can give relief from period pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) stop the enzyme that makes prostaglandins, which cause your period pain. They should be taken:
1 to 2 days before your period starts
regularly for your first 2 to 3 days of bleeding
Some examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid.
These medicines are not appropriate for some people. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they are safe for you.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
Other treatment options
Painful periods can be treated with combined hormonal contraception such as:
the oral contraceptive pill (OCP, or ‘the pill’)
a contraceptive vaginal ring
Long-acting reversible contraception can also be used to treat painful periods. Options include:
a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
contraceptive implants
contraceptive injections
Some alternative therapies have also been shown to help painful periods, such as:
high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
ginger — which also helps reduce nausea and vomiting
dietary supplements — thiamine, pyridoxine, magnesium or fish oil
physiotherapy
acupuncture or acupressure
Always check with your doctor before starting any complementary or alternative treatments.
Complications of period pain
People with bad period pain are more likely to get other chronic (ongoing) pain conditions, such as:
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
low back pain
fibromyalgia
chronic headaches
chronic fatigue syndrome
Resources and support
Learn more about the menstrual cycle on the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website.
If you have any concerns about your periods, go to your doctor or local sexual health clinic.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources:
Therapeutic Guidelines (Primary dysmenorrhoea), Australian Journal of General Practice (Dysmenorrhea: An update on primary healthcare management), Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (Period pain), Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (Different types of period pain and what they might mean)
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2024
Top
Related pages
Hormonal contraceptives and periods
Irregular periods
Menstruation (periods)
Search our site for
Painful MenstruationEndometrial AblationOestrogensFemale Hygiene ProductsPolycystic Ovarian SyndromeFemale Genital DiseasesFemale Reproductive SystemPremenstrual SyndromeBreakthrough Bleeding
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
General search results
Results for medical professionals
Top results
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) | Jean Hailes
Period pain happens when your uterus muscles tighten (contract). Pain might include cramping and heaviness in the pelvic area, and pain in the lower back,…
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
Period pain – dysmenorrhoea - Better Health Channel
Women of any age can experience painful periods and some women find periods are no longer painful after pregnancy and childbirth.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Menstruation problems - myDr.com.au
Find out about common menstruation problems: amenorrhoea (absence of periods), dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy periods).
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Period Pain: Symptoms and Treatment - myDr.com.au
Period pain is common, and when severe it can stop you from doing your usual activities. However, there are treatments available for painful periods.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Period pain: self-care - myDr.com.au
Period pain can be caused by prostaglandins, produced by the uterus, leading to cramping pain in your lower abdomen and stomach.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Managing period pain - NPS MedicineWise
Period pain is one of the most common health issues for women. Find out which pain relief medicine might be the most effective for you.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise websiteNPS MedicineWise
The different types of period pain… And what the pain… | Jean Hailes
The different types of period pain… And what the pain might mean
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
VWD in females - Haemophilia Foundation Australia
Information about the key issues for living with von Willebrand disease for women and girls. Symptoms in females include heavy and painful periods. This explains how VWD is diagnosed and treated; how things might change over a lifetime, through puberty, childbirth and menopause; and how to manage health care.
Read more on Haemophilia Foundation Australia websiteHaemophilia Foundation Australia
Periods | Jean Hailes
Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what to expect during your period, period products, conditions related to your period and when to see your doctor.
Read more on Jean Hailes for Women’s Health websiteJean Hailes for Women’s Health
Menstrual Conditions - Sexual Health Victoria
Sexual Health Victoria (formally Family Planning Victoria) focuses on reproductive and sexual health care, education and advocacy. Our vision is to improve ever
Read more on Sexual Health Victoria websiteSexual Health Victoria
Show more
Check your symptoms Find a health service
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
1800 022 222
Government Accredited with over 140 information partnersHealthdirect logo
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo
About
How we can help
Our mobile app
Linking to us
Information partners
Register your service
Terms of use
Privacy
Contact us
About us
Discover
Blog
BMI calculator
Health apps
Medicines
Service finder
Symptom checker
Question builder
Risk Checker
Resources in your language
Arabic عربى
বাংলা Bengali
简体中文 Chinese Simplified
繁體中文 Chinese Traditional
Tiếng Việt Vietnamese
download from the App store download from google play
healthdirect’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited
