Period Pain: What's Normal and When Should You Seek Help?

Period Pain: What's Normal and When Should You Seek Help?

Period pain is common, but pain that is severe, getting worse or interfering with everyday life deserves proper assessment. Pain around the start of a period is often caused by the womb contracting, but conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause painful periods.

Book a confidential women's health consultation

What does typical period pain feel like?

Cramping or aching in the lower abdomen around the start of a period can spread to the back and thighs. NHS guidance says period pain commonly lasts for up to three days, although experiences vary.

What can help period pain?

Measures such as warmth, gentle exercise and suitable pain relief can help some people. Medicines are not appropriate for everyone, so check suitability if you have other health conditions, take medicines or are unsure what you can use.

When should period pain be assessed?

Seek medical advice if periods become more painful, heavier or irregular; pain is stopping normal activities; you have pain during sex or when passing urine or stools; or you have bleeding between periods. These symptoms can have several causes and should not be self-diagnosed.

When is urgent help appropriate?

NHS guidance advises urgent GP or NHS 111 assessment when pelvic or period pain is severe or worse than usual and painkillers have not helped. Severe or unusual pelvic pain, particularly where pregnancy is possible, should be assessed promptly.

Period health support in Rochdale

Visit our Period Pain service or explore our Women's Health services. A pharmacy consultation can help determine whether support is appropriate within the service or whether GP or specialist assessment is the safer next step.

Longeva Wellness is at Unit 1 Chichester Court, Milnrow Road, Rochdale, OL16 1UG.

GPhC registered pharmacy: 9012378.

This article is general information and is not a diagnosis. New, severe, persistent or changing symptoms may require medical assessment.