Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
goodtoknow says: Most women get some period pain, or dysmenorrhoea. But for one in ten the pain is so severe it affects their day-to-day life. Pain often spreads from your womb (uterus) to your lower back and legs. It's common in teenage girls, but normally lessens as you get older. Intense pain in your 30s or 40s however, could be a sign of fibroids, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetemol, may be all you need to ease regular period pain. But see your GP if your pain is severe.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of dysmenorrhoea from patient.co.uk, read on.
Painful periods are common in teenagers and young adults. Periods tend to become less painful as you get older. An anti-inflammatory painkiller often eases the pain. In most cases, the cause of the pain during periods is not clear. In some cases, usually in women in their 30's or 40's, a disease of the uterus (womb) causes the pain.
Who gets painful periods?
Most women have some pain during periods. The pain is often mild, but in about 1 in 10 women the pain is severe enough to affect day-to-day activities.
- Primary dysmenorrhoea is the common type of painful periods. This is where there is no disease of the uterus (womb). It often occurs in teenagers and women in their 20's.
- Secondary dysmenorrhoea means that the pain is caused by a disease of the uterus. This is less common, and is more likely to occur in women in their 30's and 40's.
- Next: Find out more about primary dysmenorrhoea
More help and advice
- Expert advice on how heat can help period pain
- Tips on easing period pain
- What you need in your medicine cabinet
- Next: Primary dysmenorrhoea
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tanya, about 1 year
no useful tips at all am 23 and am missin out on money coz have to take another day of work laying with constant hotwater bottles in and out of the bath bent over and really uncomfortable maybe u would have some information on things we can get from the doctor to stop our periods.
Report this commentgraciee, about 1 year
none of the advis you gave was anygood im only 14 and my periods happen but wen im stressed i miss.. WHAT THE POINT?????? well when i am on im pain as all day long and my friends all no to ignor me cos ill bit there heads off and it just does my nuttin becoz water bottles dont work for me it never has i always try it nothing works please help xx gracie xx
Report this commentMaureen, about 1 year
as a 47 year old who suffers some serious serious pain when having my period for at least the past 10 years. I can sympathise with the likes off Gita. I have been to my doctor and not a lot suggested. I have taked Max strength pain killers sometimes needing more than two to get some sort off relief But NOTHING TAKES THE PAIN AWAY. I have recently tried tramadol but it makes me feel sick, and that whoosy out of control feeling which i also hate, I raise my legs and use a hot water bottle. I cry and roll in pain most months ,other months i can manage to stay on my feet pumped with pain killers with know managable relief. I am now awaiting a second appointment at the hospital where they intend to fit a Marina Coil which they are hoping will help some what, I cant wait to have some relief off this curse. at this time i am sitting in some discomfort as it is due which means i will be in agony tonight, and tomorrow unable to attend church. Some one needs to look at this particular issue in woman seriously Surely in this day and age there is NO reason for this sort off pain and discomfort.
Report this commentGita Gaire, about 1 year
hi! i just like to infourm that, when i have a periode then allwayse i have really dengerous pain i cant control it.i don't have a pain in evening but in the morning alltime of periode. i alwayse drink lots of water and i even put the blue thing with water inside sometime it does work but bot all the time.will you please help me to get out oof this problem.thanku bye bye
Report this commentstacey, about 1 year
i dont think that this helps y alot because u don describe enough pain killers and pads
Report this commentHollie, about 1 year
I have period pains in my stomache and they hurt lots xxx x x x x x can i stop em :( xxxxxxxx
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katrien, 5 months
Hai, Well i am 38 now and i have been suffering since i started menstruating. I have tried all painkillers and i would say that tramadol makes it better. The pain does not go away complete but it helps.I am always 2 days in bed, use heating pads or water bottles.Than when i can not handle the pain anymore i take tramadol. First i took 100 mg makes you feel ill.Now i take 75 mg still feel some nausea but not so bad, also i feel drowsy, itchy and get flashes in my head, sometimes headaches. Even with all the side effects its nice to have some relief of this nightmare pain. My gynecologist says to me i go through labour pains every month. My nice from belgium has the same problem and she tells me that having children was less painfull than her monthly period. Try tramadol maybe start with 50 mg it might do the trick...
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