Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, is something most women experience at some point in their lives. While mild discomfort is often considered a normal part of menstruation, ongoing or severe menstrual pain may indicate an underlying condition that requires professional medical care. Knowing when to seek help is key to maintaining your reproductive health and overall quality of life.
At Sirona Women’s Health in Brisbane, our all-female GP team supports women with personalised care for period concerns — from regular cramping to complex diagnoses like endometriosis or adenomyosis.
What Is Normal Period Pain?
Mild to moderate cramping is a common part of the menstrual cycle and is caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. This type of pain is called primary dysmenorrhoea. It usually begins a day or two before your period and lasts for up to three days.
Common normal period pain include:
- A dull ache or cramp in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
- Pain that responds to over-the-counter pain relief (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen)
- Discomfort that doesn’t interfere significantly with work, school, or daily activities
- Cramping that occurs around the same time in each cycle
While unpleasant, these symptoms are generally manageable and not linked to an underlying medical issue. Warm compresses, gentle exercise, and pain relief medications are often effective at reducing discomfort.
What Period Is Not Normal?
If your period pain is getting worse, lasts longer than usual, or disrupts your life, it may not be ‘normal’. This type of pain — called secondary dysmenorrhoea — is often caused by a reproductive health condition and should be investigated by a GP.
Warning signs that your period pain may not be normal:
- Severe cramps that stop you from attending work, school, or normal activities
- Pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications
- Cramping that lasts beyond the first few days of your period
- Irregular periods or bleeding between cycles
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through pads or tampons every hour)
- Pain during sex or pain occurring outside your period
- Bloating, fatigue, or changes in mood around your cycle
These symptoms may be associated with conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If left undiagnosed, they can affect your quality of life, fertility, and mental health.
Common Conditions Linked to Severe Period Pain
Several medical conditions can cause or worsen period pain. Early diagnosis and management are important for relieving symptoms and preventing long-term complications.
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can lead to inflammation, scar tissue, and intense pelvic pain — especially during menstruation.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe period pain
- Pain during or after sex
- Heavy bleeding
- Infertility
2. Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis happens when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It can cause a heavy, enlarged uterus and ongoing cramping that worsens over time.
Symptoms may include:
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Deep pelvic pain or pressure
- Cramping that gets worse with age
3. Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pressure symptoms like bloating.
Signs can include:
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Heavy or irregular periods
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, usually caused by bacteria from a sexually transmitted infection. It can lead to chronic pelvic pain if left untreated.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Painful urination
- Pain during sex
- Irregular or painful periods
When to See a Doctor About Period Pain
It’s time to see a GP if your period pain affects your ability to function day-to-day or if symptoms have changed over time. Ignoring abnormal pain can lead to delayed diagnoses of conditions like endometriosis or PCOS — which benefit from early intervention.
You should see a GP if you have:
- Pain that persists longer than 2–3 days each cycle
- Menstrual pain that interferes with daily life
- Bleeding that’s unusually heavy or lasts more than 7 days
- Severe cramping not relieved by painkillers
- Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or pelvic pain between periods
- Fertility concerns
At Sirona Women’s Health, our Brisbane period pain doctors are experienced in identifying and managing complex period-related issues. We take the time to listen, investigate thoroughly, and provide you with answers and support.
Can Period Pain Cause Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhoea?
Yes, it’s common for some women to experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea during menstruation. These symptoms are typically due to the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause uterine contractions and can also affect the digestive tract. However, if these symptoms are severe or persist beyond your period, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions.
Is It Normal to Have Period Pain After My Period Ends?
Experiencing cramps or pelvic pain after your period may not be typical and could indicate an underlying condition such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you notice persistent or worsening pain following your menstrual cycle, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and management.
Can Severe Period Pain Affect Fertility?
Yes, certain conditions associated with severe menstrual pain, like endometriosis and PID, can impact fertility if left untreated. These conditions may cause scarring or damage to reproductive organs, leading to difficulties in conceiving. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and preserve fertility.
Why Is My Period Suddenly More Painful?
A sudden increase in the severity of menstrual cramps after years of mild discomfort could signal a new or progressing medical issue, such as uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional to investigate the cause of this change and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Period Pain
If you’ve been wondering whether your period pain is normal, or you’ve been putting up with discomfort for too long, now is the time to act.
At Sirona Women’s Health Clinic in Brisbane, we offer a compassionate and evidence-based approach to women’s health. Whether you’re experiencing mild irregularities or debilitating pain, our GPs are here to help.
Book an appointment online or call our friendly team today.