Learn about Painful periods symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Painful periods

What are the symptoms of painful periods?

The symptoms you have will depend on what's causing your pain.

See What are painful periods? for more about the two types of menstrual pain.

If you have pain during your periods that isn't caused by any medical condition, you may get:

Source:
Coco AS.
Primary dysmenorrhea.
American Family Physician. 1999; 60: 489-497.

Source:
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Medline Plus medical encyclopedia: dysmenorrhea in the adolescent.
May 2006. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001194.htm (accessed on 30 April 2009).

Sharp spasms (cramps), usually in the middle of your lower abdomen (pelvis)
Pain that shoots to the back of your legs
Pain that shoots to your lower back
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Fever
Headaches
A light-headed feeling
A tired feeling.

The pain usually comes on when your bleeding starts, and is worst during the heaviest days of your period.

If you have menstrual pain that is caused by a medical condition such as

endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue from the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or the intestines. It can make you bleed more and have more pain when you get your period. It can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant.

endometriosis, an

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infection or a

cysts
A cyst is a sac or cavity that develops under your skin and is filled with fluid. Cysts are benign, which means that they are not cancerous.

cyst, you may have:

Source:
University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
Recommendations for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
2000. Available at http://www.guideline.gov/guidelines/ngc_1963.html (accessed on 30 April 2009).

Pain that starts later in life
Pain that's not just in your middle or lower abdomen
Pain at times other than the first couple of days of your period
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain that is not helped by medication
A discharge from your vagina.

You should talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Your doctor will want to find out what is causing your menstrual pain.

Sources for the information on this page:

Coco AS.Primary dysmenorrhea.American Family Physician. 1999; 60: 489-497.

U.S. National Library of Medicine.Medline Plus medical encyclopedia: dysmenorrhea in the adolescent.May 2006. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001194.htm (accessed on 30 April 2009).

University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.Recommendations for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.2000. Available at http://www.guideline.gov/guidelines/ngc_1963.html (accessed on 30 April 2009).

This information was last updated on May 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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