More than half of those who menstruate have mild to moderate pain for a couple of days.
What Qualifies as Severe Period Cramps?
Severe period crampingis intense lower abdominal (belly) pain.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Its typically constant and may feel like a dull ache or a throbbing pain (like muscle contractions).
Its challenging to find relief from severe cramps, which can be debilitating.
They can make it hard to get out of bed or do anything other than focus on the pain.
A few causes of severe period cramps include:
‘Normal’ vs.
Unbearable Period Pain
Some mild to moderate cramps for a couple of days with your period are typical.
Normal period cramps should be an annoyance but not excruciating.
Unbearable period pain is so intense it affects your ability to move around or participate in regular activities.
However, several underlying medical conditions can contribute to secondary dysmenorrhea.
Symptoms typically begin during adolescence and are one of the leading causes of school or work absenteeism.
Endometrial-like tissue or lesions bleed but dont have a way to leave the body, causing pain.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)such aschlamydiaandgonorrheaare the most common cause.
But other non-STI vaginal infections, such asbacterial vaginosis(unbalanced vaginal flora), can also cause PID.
The following signs indicateheavy periodbleeding:
How Are Bad Period Cramps Diagnosed?
If the pain persists, seek emergency care.
If they disregard your symptoms, consider talking to them again or seeking another opinion.
Keep Supplies Handy
Keep medications, tampons, pads, and disposable heat wraps nearby.
Supplies can also include extra water, snacks, or arnica pellets.
Schedule Pain Medicine
Scheduling pain medicine can help prevent severe pain.
Massage
Amassagecan help relax your muscles andreduce stress.
The stress hormone cortisol causes inflammation and muscle tension.
Some find it helpful to give themselves a gentle tummy massage before and during their period.
This helps release muscle tension and stress.
Remember to drink plenty of water (plain or infused) or non-caffeinated herbal or arnica tea.
Summary
Mild to moderate period cramps that last a couple of days are typical.
You should find relief with natural remedies or over-the-counter pain medications.
Excruciating period pain affects your ability to move around or participate in regular activities and is not normal.
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