Let’s Talk About: Painful Periods

What Are Painful Periods?

Painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhoea are cramps or discomfort that happen before or during your period. A bit of mild cramping is common, especially in the first few years after your period starts, but pain that stops you from living your life is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored.

Period pain happens when the muscles of the womb contract to help shed the lining. But when those contractions are too strong, or when something else (like endometriosis) is going on, the pain can become intense and even unbearable.

Signs Your Period Pain May Be a Problem

How can you tell the difference between normal cramps and something more serious? Here are some signs to look out for:

• You regularly miss school, sports, or social events because of period pain

• You need strong pain relief (like prescription meds) just to get through the day

• The pain starts days before your period and lasts more than a few days

• Cramps are so bad they make you feel sick, dizzy, or faint

• Pain happens outside of your period, too (like during ovulation or after it ends)

• You feel pain deep in your belly, lower back, or down your legs

• You’ve been told it’s “just part of being a girl” but deep down, "it doesn’t feel right"

  
  

Painful periods can be a sign of conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or other hormonal imbalances. You deserve to be heard and helped.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to suffer quietly. Here are some positive steps you can take to get support and feel more in control:

1. Track Your Pain

Start writing down:

• When the pain starts and how long it lasts

• Where you feel it (lower belly, back, legs)

• How strong it is (use a scale from 1 to 10)

• What helps or makes it worse

• Whether it affects school, sleep, or your mood

This gives you a clear picture and it’s super helpful if you need to talk to a doctor.

2. Talk to Someone You Trust

This might be a parent, older sibling, teacher, or doctor. You don’t have to know all the answers just explain how it’s affecting your life. You could say:

“My period pain is really bad, and I don’t think it’s normal. It’s stopping me from doing things I enjoy. Can we talk to someone about it?”

3. Explore Your Options

There are lots of ways to manage painful periods:

• Heat therapy (hot water bottles or heat patches - do not put hot water bottles directly on the skin)

• Gentle movement like walking or yoga. You might think - 'I'm in so much pain I can't', but start gently and slowly and build on your movement every day. Consistency is key.

• Nutritional support to reduce inflammation and balance hormones

• Pain relief (like ibuprofen, if suitable and required - speak to a parent/caregiver first)

• Medical advice including tests or treatments for underlying conditions

The key is finding what works for you, and not stopping until you feel supported.

4. Remember: You’re Not Being Dramatic

If your period pain is affecting your mental health, your confidence, or your daily routine, it matters. You deserve to feel good in your body and that includes during your period.

Painful periods are common but not something you have to “just deal with.”

If your cramps are stopping you from living your life, they are too much and it’s okay to ask for help.

✨ Understanding your pain is the first step to changing your experience.

You are not alone, and support is out there. Let’s break the silence around period pain together.

If you're a parent reading this (or you want to share this with a parent/guardian), Download our short guide for parents on supporting teens with painful periods and take the first step in helping your daughter manage her cycle with confidence.

Free information sheet

Want more helpful resources and updates? Don’t forget to subscribe!