Period pain: relief and when to seek help
Reviewed by the My London Pharmacy clinical team, Yousef Yaghoubi, Pharmacist
·29 July 2026
·6 min read
Quick answer
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is cramping in the lower tummy caused by the womb contracting during your period. Most cases ease with heat, gentle activity and anti-inflammatory pain relief. If pain is severe, getting worse, or stopping you from daily activities, a clinician can review the cause and discuss stronger or hormonal options.
Why period pain happens
Period pain, known medically as dysmenorrhoea, comes from the muscular wall of the womb tightening to help shed its lining. These contractions can briefly reduce blood flow and oxygen to the womb, which is felt as cramping in the lower tummy, and sometimes as an ache in the back or thighs. Natural chemicals called prostaglandins drive this process, which is why anti-inflammatory treatments that lower prostaglandin levels often help. For some people the pain comes in waves that mirror the contractions; for others it is a more constant, dull ache. It may be accompanied by nausea, loose stools, headache or tiredness, all of which are common and usually settle as the period eases.
For many people this is primary dysmenorrhoea: common, not linked to any underlying condition, and often most noticeable in the teens and twenties. It frequently begins shortly before or as the period starts and lasts for one to three days. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or pelvic infection, and it may appear later in life, feel different from your usual cramps, or gradually worsen over time. Knowing which type you have guides the right approach, which is why persistent, changing or new pain is always worth discussing with a clinician rather than assuming nothing can be done.
How period pain can affect you
Period pain sits on a wide spectrum. For some people it is a mild niggle easily managed with a hot water bottle; for others it is intense enough to disrupt work, study, exercise and sleep for a day or more each month. Neither experience is wrong, and the level of pain does not always reflect how heavy a period is. What matters is the effect it has on your life.
It can help to keep a simple record over two or three cycles, noting when pain starts, how severe it is, how long it lasts and what relieves it. Many people also track their periods with an app or diary. This picture is genuinely useful in a consultation, because it helps a clinician understand your pattern, judge whether it fits primary or secondary period pain, and measure whether any treatment is working. It also helps you anticipate difficult days and plan pain relief in advance.
Self-care and everyday relief
Simple measures help a great deal for milder cramps and are a sensible first step. A heat pad or hot water bottle on the lower tummy can relax the muscle and ease pain. Gentle movement, such as walking, swimming or light stretching, may reduce discomfort even when resting feels tempting, as activity can improve blood flow and release natural pain-relieving chemicals. Some people find a warm bath, relaxation techniques, or simply prioritising rest and good sleep make cramps more manageable.
- Apply warmth to your lower tummy or back.
- Stay gently active rather than staying completely still.
- Consider transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (a TENS machine), which some people find helpful.
- Keep well hydrated and rest when you need to.
These approaches carry little downside and can be combined with pain relief when needed. They will not resolve an underlying condition, but for everyday primary period pain they are often enough on their own or alongside a painkiller.
Pain relief that works for cramps
Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) are usually the most effective option because they act directly on the prostaglandins that cause cramping. Over-the-counter ibuprofen suits many people and is a reasonable place to start. Where stronger anti-inflammatory relief is appropriate, a clinician may consider Mefenamic Acid 500mg, which is commonly used for period pain, or Naproxen 250mg & 500mg Tablets. Taking an anti-inflammatory as symptoms begin, or just before your period is due if your cycle is predictable, rather than waiting for pain to build, often works best.
Paracetamol can be used if NSAIDs do not suit you, for example if you have stomach ulcers, certain kidney problems or asthma that is sensitive to anti-inflammatories, and it can also be combined with an NSAID for stronger relief when appropriate. Always take any medicine at the recommended dose and for the shortest time needed, and check suitability if you have other health conditions, are pregnant, or take other medications. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on the safest choice for you and how to use it effectively.
When hormonal options are considered
If period pain is frequent, severe, or not controlled by pain relief, hormonal treatment may help by making periods lighter and less painful, or by reducing how often they happen. Combined hormonal contraception and progestogen-only methods are commonly used for this reason, and some intrauterine methods can also reduce period pain considerably. These work by thinning the womb lining and reducing prostaglandin production, so there is less to shed and fewer contractions.
Hormonal treatment is not suitable for everyone, so a clinician will weigh up your health history, any risk factors and your preferences, including whether you also want contraception. It is often considered alongside, rather than instead of, pain relief. The aim is a plan that fits your life, whether you want lighter, more comfortable periods, contraception at the same time, or both. A consultation is the best way to talk through the options and what each involves.
When to seek help
Most period pain is manageable, but some signs mean you should speak to a clinician rather than manage it alone. Seek advice if your pain is severe, is getting worse over time, or is not helped by usual pain relief. The same applies if pain has recently changed in nature, appears between periods, or is affecting your ability to work, study or sleep.
You should also seek help if you have very heavy bleeding, pain during or after sex, bleeding between periods or after sex, or unusual vaginal discharge, as these can point to an underlying cause that benefits from assessment. NHS guidance encourages people not to accept debilitating period pain as simply normal; conditions such as endometriosis are often under-recognised and can take years to diagnose, yet respond much better when identified and treated early.
What a consultation involves
A period pain consultation usually starts with your symptom pattern: when pain occurs, how severe it is, how it affects you, and what has helped so far. Any diary or app record you have kept is helpful here. A clinician may ask about your cycle, bleeding, sexual health and any other symptoms to work out whether this is primary period pain or points to an underlying condition. In some cases an examination, swabs, blood tests or a scan are arranged to look further.
From there, a clinician can recommend a treatment plan, whether that is optimising pain relief, considering hormonal options, or arranging further investigation and, if needed, referral. The approach is practical and reviewable, so you can adjust it if the first plan does not fully resolve your symptoms. Everything is handled discreetly and at a pace that suits you, and you are always welcome to come back if things change.
Frequently asked questions
Is bad period pain normal?
Mild to moderate cramping is common and usually not a sign of a problem. Pain that is severe, worsening, or stops you doing everyday things is not something to simply put up with and is worth discussing with a clinician.
What is the best painkiller for period cramps?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, mefenamic acid or naproxen are often most effective because they target the prostaglandins that cause cramps. Paracetamol is an alternative if NSAIDs do not suit you.
When should I take pain relief for the best effect?
Anti-inflammatory pain relief tends to work best when started as soon as symptoms begin, or just before your period is due, rather than waiting until the pain is severe. Always follow the dosing instructions.
Can the pill help with period pain?
Yes. Combined hormonal contraception and some progestogen-only and intrauterine methods can make periods lighter and less painful. Suitability depends on your health history, so a clinician will advise.
Could my period pain be endometriosis?
Period pain that is severe, worsening, occurs between periods, or comes with pain during sex or heavy bleeding can be linked to conditions such as endometriosis. A clinician can assess your symptoms and arrange investigation if needed.