Painful Periods Are Not Normal

Oct 22

Painful Periods Are Not Normal: When to See a Doctor

For many women, period pain is an accepted standard routine. Something many women push through with a heating pad, painkillers, and perseverance. While mild cramping or discomfort can be normal, severe pain that disrupts your life is not. Painful periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea, can be a sign of underlying health conditions that deserve medical attention.

Menstrual health is an important indicator of your overall well-being. Ignoring severe period pain can delay diagnosis of treatable conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or hormonal imbalances. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you take control of your health and decide when it's time to ask for help.

What’s Normal During a Period

Menstrual cramps happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. For most, this causes mild to moderate pain that lasts one to three days and can be managed with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter pain relief. Other normal symptoms may include bloating, mild fatigue, breast tenderness, and mood changes.

However, if your cramps are so intense that you miss work, lose sleep, or rely heavily on pain medication, it’s time to talk to a doctor. You don’t need to suffer in silence or accept extreme pain as a normal part of being a woman.

When Period Pain Becomes a Problem

Severe or worsening period pain that interferes with your quality of life should always be investigated. Signs that your menstrual pain might indicate something more serious include:

• Pain that prevents you from going about daily activities
• Cramps that last longer than three days
• Pain that radiates to your back, pelvis, or legs
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness during menstruation
• Painful bowel movements or urination around your period
• Heavy bleeding or large clots
• Pain during sex or between periods

Possible Causes of Painful Periods

Painful periods can result from a variety of conditions, many of which can be effectively managed once properly identified.

• Endometriosis: A chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of severe menstrual cramps.
• Adenomyosis: Occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle, leading to heavy, painful periods and a tender, enlarged uterus.
• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in or around the uterus that can cause intense cramping, heavy bleeding, and pelvic pressure.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can result in inflammation, pain, and irregular bleeding.
• Cervical stenosis: A narrowing of the cervix that can block menstrual flow and increase uterine pressure.
• Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can amplify period pain and cause irregular cycles.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Keeping a symptom diary tracking pain intensity, timing, and related symptoms—can also help your doctor pinpoint patterns and determine the next steps in care.

Sometimes, a Maud Medical pelvic floor physiotherapist may be recommended, especially if muscle tension or pelvic dysfunction is contributing to discomfort.
Always reach out for support if you are uncertain.

Treatment Options

There are many effective treatments for painful periods, depending on the underlying cause.

• Medication management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease cramps. In some cases, hormonal contraceptives or IUDs may be prescribed to regulate cycles and reduce pain.
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy can relieve muscle tension, improve pelvic blood flow, and reduce cramping.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can improve menstrual comfort.
• Heat therapy: Using a heating pad or warm bath helps relax uterine muscles and increase circulation.
• Advanced care: For conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, your doctor may recommend specialized medical or surgical options to manage pain and restore normal function.

The key takeaway is that relief is possible no matter how long you’ve been living with painful periods.

Below is a short video on painful periods:

Emotional and Mental Health Considerations

Chronic menstrual pain doesn’t just affect your physical body; it can also take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Many women with ongoing pain report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

When to See a Doctor in Calgary

If your period pain has become more severe, unpredictable, or unmanageable, it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t wait until it interferes with your daily life. At Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary, our team of physicians and women’s health specialists can assess your symptoms, identify the cause, and create a treatment plan that helps you feel like yourself again.

Severe period pain is not something you should have to endure. Early evaluation can prevent complications, improve your quality of life, and empower you to take charge of your reproductive health.

Empowering Women Through Awareness and Care

At Maud Medical Clinic, we believe that education and awareness are powerful tools for empowerment. Understanding your body, recognizing red flags, and seeking timely medical support are key steps toward lasting wellness.

Our clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for women at every stage of life from adolescence through menopause. Whether you’re struggling with painful periods, hormonal imbalance, or pelvic floor dysfunction, we’re here to help you find answers and solutions.

If painful periods are affecting your daily life, book an appointment at Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary. Our expert physicians and pelvic floor physiotherapists will work with you to identify the cause and develop an effective, personalized treatment plan.