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The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhea

	There are two types of painful periods. Painful periods that are caused by a medical condition, and those that are not. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn about treatments for both types of pain.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for help relieving your menstrual cramps, whether they are mild or severe.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating painful periods. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for women with painful periods

• Painful periods may be caused by a chemical your body makes to help contract your womb and to push out your uterine lining when you menstruate.
• Painful periods may also be caused by medical conditions.
• If you have painful periods that are not caused by a medical condition, the pain usually begins when your bleeding starts and is worse on your heaviest days.
• Your painful period may be caused by a medical condition if you experience pain in your abdomen on days other than the first couple of days of your period.
• Several treatments can relieve painful periods including painkillers, vitamins, and heat.

Painful periods are very common. If you get painful periods when you're young, they may get better by your thirties or after you have a baby. It's not always clear what causes women's menstrual pain later in life, but if your doctor finds out what's causing the pain, he or she may be able to find a treatment that helps.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for painful periods is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.