Right Time to Visit

When Is the Right Time to Visit the Doctor for Period Cramps?

The right time to visit your doctor is when:¹

• Severe abdominal cramp located on one side of the abdomen (either left or right): Could indicate ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Severe cramps along with sudden and severe headache: Could indicate migraine or another neurological issue.

• Fainting due to period pain and excessive blood loss: Could indicate anemia.

• Any symptom not cyclic or having a sudden onset.

When Is It an Emergency As per Guidelines?

• Pain that doesn’t improve with painkillers or hormonal contraceptives.

• Pain that has become more severe than usual.

• Pain during other times of the cycle, and not just when bleeding, or that starts several days before and continues after bleeding.

• Bleeding or pain during/after sex.

• Pain when urinating or passing stool.

• Other menstrual symptoms like heavy bleeding, bleeding during other times of the cycle, abnormal vaginal discharge.¹

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Medically reviewed by

Dr Yash Bahuguna

Researched by

Dr Inara Isani

Written by

Dr Diksha Sheoraut

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods [Internet]. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2020 [cited 2025 May 15]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods