FAQ

Period cramps are one of the most common symptoms experienced by women during periods. Here are a few frequently asked questions about cramps.¹

At what age does period pain starts

Primary dysmenorrhea begins soon after a girl starts having menstrual periods. In many women with primary dysmenorrhea, periods become less painful as they get older.

Should I tell my Ob-Gyn about my period pain

Yes, if the pain is extremely severe and persistent, preventing you from working, studying, or just going about your day (and nothing seems to help), you should consult a doctor.

My mother had painful periods. Will I too suffer from the same condition?

Family history of dysmenorrhea is one of the risk factors. However, the severity of pain also depends on other risk factors such as age, smoking, higher body mass index, earlier age at menarche, nulliparity, and longer and heavier menstrual flow.

What should I do to stop my severe cramps immediately?

1. Apply heat to the lower abdominal area with a heating pad, hot water bag, or hot towel.

2. Try gently massaging the abdominal area.

3. Take over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol, mefenamic acid, and other analgesics, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these medicines.

Is it normal to poop more when you have period cramps?

Excess prostaglandins, associated with period cramps, can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea.

Can what seems like a really bad menstrual cramp be an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts can cause pain if they are too large or block the blood supply to the ovaries. In some cases, pain doesn’t depend on the size of the cyst- small ones can be painful, and large ones can cause no pain. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the pain is sudden (not cyclic) and severe.

Sexual activity reduces period pain?

Sexual activity a few days before period onset can help reduce period pain through endorphin release.

Are the supplements safe to consume?

Supplements are safe to consume and can be beneficial when appropriate dosage guidelines are followed.

What tests are done to find the cause of dysmenorrhea

To find the cause of dysmenorrhea, a complete medical history is taken by the doctor, followed by physical examination like ultrasound, pelvic exam, and if required, lab investigations may also be taken, such as a complete blood count, urine test, quantitative B-HCG, etc.

What should be avoided during periods to relieve period cramps

Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during periods that can aggravate period cramps.

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