Period Pain: Symptoms and Treatment 

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, occurs when the muscles of the womb contract or tighten as it sheds the lining of the uterus. The pain often feels like cramping or heaviness in the pelvic area, lower back, or stomach – enter the term “menstrual cramps”. 

Affecting almost 90% of us, period pain is a regular visitor for many menstruators…yet it has only been examined in Australian women in a small number of studies. 
‍

We have the research gap to thank for that. 

‍

Period Pain Symptoms

Period pain typically starts when your period begins or even earlier, with the first 24 hours usually being the most painful. How painful? Well, for some patients...
‍

Dysmenorrhea is equal to the pain of a heart attack, meaning women and people who menstruate experience pain equivalent to a heart attack every 21-35 days.
‍

On top of the period pain and menstrual bleeding itself, you may also experience the following symptoms: 

• Severe menstrual aches and menstrual pain 
• Mood changes 
• Headaches 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Periodic pain in the thigh and leg 
• Fainting 
• Digestive issues (including constipation and diarrhoea) 
• PMS symptoms like sore breasts and bloating 

It’s worth noting that while period pain is a common companion to the menstrual cycle, unbearable period pain is not normal, and you don’t have to live with it. If your periods are so painful that they interrupt your daily activities and seriously disrupt your everyday life, we recommend speaking to a doctor with experience in painful periods, dysmenorrhoea, and period pain relief. 

‍

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Severe period pain is categorised as primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to recurrent period pain that is not caused by an existing medical condition. 
‍

Primary dysmenorrhoea often improves among many women after childbirth and with age. 

‍

Secondary Dysmenorrhoea

Secondary dysmenorrhoea refers to period pain that is caused by other medical conditions. These can include: 

• Infections (including pelvic inflammatory disease) 
• Endometriosis 
• Adenomyosis 
• Fibroids 

While primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea may share similar symptoms, the symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhoea, such as extreme period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, are more persistent and severe. 
‍

Unlike primary dysmenorrhoea, secondary dysmenorrhoea does not improve with age or after childbirth. Long term approaches to treatment (including pain relief and hormonal therapy) can help to manage the symptoms of the underlying condition and reduce associated period pain. 
‍

Diagnosis and Tests 

Period pain sucks - really bad. 
‍

The good news? You don’t have to live with it. 
‍

If you’re in search of a diagnosis or treatment for dysmenorrhoea, your doctor may choose to run the following tests: 

• Pelvic exam: a pelvic exam enables your doctor to check your reproductive organs for any abnormalities and rule out any potential conditions 
• Pap smear: a pap smear checks for infections, bacteria, STIs, and other issues that could be contributing to your period pain
• Blood tests: blood tests can help to identify hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and other infections that a pelvic exam and pap smear may have missed
• Laparoscopy: if your doctor suspects endometriosis, they may refer you for laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery allows for a closer examination of your reproductive organs and is commonly used for the diagnosis of endometriosis and other invisible conditions 

Treatment for Period Pain 

Nowadays, effective treatments for period pain can extend further than paracetamol and warm baths (but if they’re your preferred treatment method, power to you). 
‍

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the diagnosis of either primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea, your care team will work with you to establish a treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms. 
‍

Treatment for period pain can involve the following methods: 

‍

Pain Relievers

For those looking for rapid relief and easy-to-access treatments, NSAIDs are a popular period pain reliever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin – the hormone-like substance responsible for triggering contractions and inflammation within the uterine muscles. 
‍

As with every medication, prolonged usage or misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to adverse side effects. Potential side effects of NSAIDs include:  

• Nausea
• Heartburn 
• Stomach pain 
• Gastrointestinal bleeding 
• Kidney damage 
  ‍

Hormonal Treatments 

‍

Hormone treatments 

Hormone treatments such as birth control pills (aka The Pill), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and patches release hormones that can help to regulate hormones and provide relief of menstrual cramps and period pain. 
‍

But how do they work? 

Many hormone treatments, like The Pill, help to regulate or suppress the menstrual cycle by preventing ovulation, stabilising hormone levels, reducing the production of prostaglandins, and decreasing the intensity of uterine contractions – making them a popular choice for period pain relief.  
‍

Like any treatment option, hormone treatments also come with the risk of potential side effects. These include: 

• Weight gain 
• Mood swings
• Break-through bleeding 
• Breast tenderness 

If you’re considering exploring hormone treatments to help you manage period pains, we recommend speaking to a trusted doctor or an expert in women’s health. 

‍

Other Treatments 

Medications and hormonal treatments aren’t the only treatment options available 
‍

Prescription Natural Medicine

Some active ingredients found in prescription natural medicine are known for their potential to reduce inflammation and muscle tension. A 2022 Australian study found that participants experienced a reduction in their period pain after incorporating prescription natural medicine into their treatment plan. 
‍

Some active ingredients found within prescription natural medicine have the potential to reduce inflammation and muscle tension, which can help to reduce period pain. 

‍

Supplements 

Studies have shown that certain supplements can be used to help manage period pain. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 and magnesium are just some examples of supplements that may help to reduce menstrual pain. 

‍

Heat therapy 

Applying heat to the lower abdomen or back can provide relief from menstrual cramps. Some examples of heat therapy that can be utilised for period pain include: 

• Hot water bottle 
• Heat packs 
• Heating pads 

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that can reduce period pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, encouraging the flow of blood circulation, and balancing energy. 

‍

When to seek medical advice 

Repeat after us: period pain is common, not normal.
‍

If you’re experiencing period pain that is severe enough to impact your quality of life, we recommend reaching out to a doctor or healthcare provider who you know and trust. 
‍

Whatever your desired approach to managing your period pain is, we’ve got you covered from doctors to dietitians, naturopaths to psychologists and anything and everything in between. Our collaborative care team work with each other, and with you, to focus on holistically healing the whole you…whatever that may look like for you. 
‍

We recognise the significance of personalised treatment plans when it comes to managing period pain, and our team will always take your own unique situation, experiences, and wishes into account when preparing your comprehensive care plan.