Period Pains: How to Tell What’s Normal & What’s Not

Why Period Pain Deserves Your Attention

Almost every menstruating woman will experienceperiod cramps(dysmenorrhoea) at some point. For many, it’s a dull ache in the lower abdomen that lasts a day or two — manageable with rest or over-the-counter pain relief.

But for others, the pain is intense, disrupts daily activities, or is accompanied by unusual symptoms. This could signal anunderlying health conditionthat needs medical attention.

Knowing the difference between“good” (normal)and“bad” (abnormal)period pain is key to protecting your reproductive health.

What Causes Normal Period Pain?

Normal period pain happens when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. During menstruation, your body releases chemicals calledprostaglandinsthat trigger these contractions. Higher prostaglandin levels usually mean more intense cramps.

Normal cramps are usually:

• Felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back

• Start 1–2 days before your period and last 1–3 days

• Mild to moderate in intensity

• Relieved by rest, heat packs, or mild painkillers

When Period Pain Might Be a Red Flag 🚩

If your cramps aresevere, persistent, or getting worse over time, it may be linked to an underlying condition such as:

1. Endometriosis

• Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus

• Causes severe cramps, heavy periods, and pain during sex or bowel movements

2. Fibroids

• Noncancerous growths in the uterus

• Can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and prolonged periods

3. Adenomyosis

• Uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus

• Leads to intense cramps, bloating, and heavy bleeding

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Infection of the reproductive organs

• Can cause pain, fever, unusual discharge, and fertility issues

Signs Your Period Pain Needs Medical Attention

See a doctor if you experience:

• Pain so severe it disrupts work, school, or sleep

• Pain that doesn’t improve with medication or home remedies

• Pain outside your menstrual period (e.g., during ovulation or sex)

• Very heavy bleeding (soaking through pads/tampons every hour)

• Irregular cycles or sudden changes in your period pattern

• Fever, foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic pain between periods

Managing Normal Period Pain

If your cramps are within the normal range, you can often manage them with:

• Heat therapy:Hot water bottles or heat pads

• Light exercise:Walking, yoga, stretching

• Over-the-counter medication:Ibuprofen or naproxen (if safe for you)

• Hydration & balanced diet:Reducing caffeine, salt, and processed foods before your period

How Pistil Can Help

Pistil offersprivate, women-focused healthcare accessso you can get answers without the stigma or discomfort of traditional clinics.

With Pistil, you can:

• Bookteleconsultationswith licensed doctors for period pain evaluation

• Getreferrals for ultrasound & further testsat partner clinics

• Track your cycle & symptoms in the Pistil app

• Receivepersonalised treatment plansfor underlying conditions

• Accesspain relief and prescription medicationdiscreetly

The Bottom Line

Some cramps are just part of the menstrual cycle — butpain that’s extreme or getting worse is not normal.
Ignoring abnormal period pain can delay the diagnosis of conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which are easier to treat when caught early.

💗Your body knows when something’s wrong. Listen to it.
📲 Speak to a doctor today viaPistil.ioand take the guesswork out of your period pain.