Painful periods
What will happen to me?
What happens to you if you get painful periods seems to depend on your age, and whether you have another medical condition.
It's hard to say what will happen to you if you get painful periods because there's been very little research looking at this.
But if you get painful periods when you're young, there's some research to suggest that it may get better by your 30s or after
you have a baby.
1
Source:
Sundell G, Milsom I, Andersch B.
Factors influencing the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea in young women.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1990; 97: 588-594.
Sundell G, Milsom I, Andersch B.
Factors influencing the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea in young women.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1990; 97: 588-594.
There's less information about what will happen to you if you get painful periods in your 40s or 50s. But there's a chance
that another medical condition could be causing your pain. For example, you could have
endometriosis or
cysts on your
ovaries. For this reason it's a good idea to see your doctor if you get painful periods at this age. Getting treatment for another
condition may help reduce pain during your periods. To learn more, see our information on endometriosis.
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 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.
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.
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.
ovaries
Women have two ovaries, one on each side of their womb. They are small glands that store eggs. Inside the ovaries are millions of pre-eggs, called follicles. Some of these grow into eggs.
Women have two ovaries, one on each side of their womb. They are small glands that store eggs. Inside the ovaries are millions of pre-eggs, called follicles. Some of these grow into eggs.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Sundell G, Milsom I, Andersch B.Factors influencing the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea in young women.British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1990; 97: 588-594.
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.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional.
The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.
Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
Find a condition
Search
Condition name not found!
