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From cramps to back pain, take a look at these tips to help take the discomfort out of your period
Many women experience period pain each month, but what exactly is it, what causes it and what can help ease it?
Period pain is caused by contractions in your womb as it works to shed and expel the lining. It's usually felt as cramping pain in your stomach, which can spread to your back and thighs. Period pain is different for each woman, and can vary from one period to the next.
Although these contractions are a natural and normal part of your menstrual cycle, they can be disruptive and uncomfortable.
When to seek advice
If period pain significantly disrupts your everyday life (like if you regularly need time off work), you should see your GP. Severe period pain can be a symptom of other conditions, such as endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where parts of the womb lining are found outside of the womb. Find out more by reading our handy article.
You should speak to your GP if the normal pattern of your period changes, for example if your periods become irregular or heavier than usual.
PRODUCTS TO HELP MANAGE PERIOD PAIN
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TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines deliver a mild electrical current to help provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains.
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Headspace Mind Giftcard
Meditation can help to distract you from the pain. Take a look at our mindfulness advice for more relaxation techniques.
The benefits of exercise
Gentle exercise can help relieve period pain. Exercise has a host of mind and body benefits, including stimulating the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.
Which pain relief medicines might help with period pain?
Medicines containing ibuprofen or aspirin are often recommended for period pain. These ingredients are available in many forms including tablets, caplets, capsules and liquids.
Ibuprofen and aspirin aren't suitable for everyone, and you should always read the label before taking. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you're unsure. View our ibuprofen and aspirin options.
Medicines containing paracetamol can also be used for period pain, although some studies have shown that paracetamol may be less effective than ibuprofen or aspirin. Paracetamol is available in many forms including tablets, caplets, capsules and liquids.
Paracetamol is considered suitable for most people to take, but as for any medicine, you should check the label to ensure it's suitable for you. You can visit our paracetamol page or ask your pharmacist for advice. Take a look at our paracetamol options.
If other painkillers haven't been effective, talk to your pharmacist about your options. You may want to consider a medicine containing codeine.
Codeine-containing medicines often have another ingredient such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin. Remember to check the ingredients of all the medicines you're taking, to make sure you're not accidentally taking too much of any one ingredient. As codeine can cause dependency, you shouldn't take codeine-containing medicines for longer than three days unless advised by your GP.
If you take too much pain relieving medicine
If you think you’ve taken too much of any pain relieving medicine, you should go to your nearest A&E department straight away.
Next steps
• Consider ibuprofen or aspirin for period pain, but remember the ingredients aren't suitable for everyone. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you
• Consider taking paracetamol, although it may not be as effective as ibuprofen or aspirin at reducing period pain
• Visit your GP if your periods are very painful, or the normal pattern of your periods changes
Alternatively, use our Period Pain Relief – Online Doctor.*
