Period pain (Dysmenorrhoea)

Period Pain (Dysmenorrhoea): Understanding Your Symptoms and Finding Relief

For many women, period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is just part of life — but when the pain is severe, overwhelming or starts to interfere with daily activities, it’s time to get support.

While period pain is common, conditions like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause complications.

At Happiher, we believe women shouldn’t have to “put up” with debilitating periods. As a private gynaecologist in London, I help women find the cause of their period pain and develop tailored treatments to ease symptoms and get their life back.

What is Period Pain

Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods), is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. It’s characterised by painful periods which can range from mild to severe pain in the lower abdomen. The pain can start before or during the period and can last for several days. Period pain happens when your womb tightens during your period. In some cases period pain can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Understanding the causes and symptoms of period pain is key to management and treatment.

What is Dysmenorrhoea?

Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for painful periods. It’s cramping, aching or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis that happens just before or during menstruation.

The main symptom of dysmenorrhoea is cramp like pain in the lower abdomen which may also radiate to the lower back and legs.

There are two types:

• Primary dysmenorrhoea: painful periods not linked to another health condition, often starts in adolescence. Primary dysmenorrhoea often affects teenagers and women in their 20s.

• Secondary dysmenorrhoea: painful periods caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids

Both can be physically and emotionally draining and both deserve attention.

Types of Dysmenorrhoea

There are two types of dysmenorrhoea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the most common type and occurs when there is no underlying medical condition causing the pain. It’s often characterised by crampy pain in the lower abdomen which can radiate to the back and thighs. Some women may have more painful periods due to higher levels of prostaglandins or underlying health conditions. Secondary dysmenorrhoea on the other hand is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease. This type of dysmenorrhoea can cause more severe pain and other symptoms like heavy bleeding and vaginal discharge. Secondary dysmenorrhoea tends to occur in women in their 30s and 40s.

Symptoms of Period Pain

Common symptoms include:

• Cramping or aching pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

• Pain radiating to the lower back and thighs

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Headaches

• Fatigue or low energy during periods

• Period pain usually lasts for up to 3 days

Individuals experiencing these cramps may feel various symptoms such as cramping pain in the abdomen and lower back discomfort.

Tracking how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally, during your period can help you better understand and manage these symptoms. Keeping a diary of your period dates and symptoms can help manage period pain.

While mild discomfort can be normal, severe pain that affects your daily life is not something you should have to put up with.

What causes Severe Period Pain?

Primary dysmenorrhoea is thought to be caused by high levels of prostaglandins — chemicals that cause the womb to contract during menstruation, sometimes too strongly. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers can help ease period pain.

Secondary dysmenorrhoea can be caused by underlying conditions including:

• Endometriosis (tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the uterus)

• Adenomyosis (endometrial tissue within the uterine wall)

• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Pelvic adhesions (scar tissue from surgery or infection)

Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.Identifying the cause is key to the right treatment.

When to See a Gynaecologist?

You should seek help if:

• Your period pain is severe and affects your daily life

• Pain isn’t relieved by regular painkillers

• You develop new or worsening period pain after years of lighter symptoms

• You experience other symptoms like heavy bleeding, irregular periods or pain during sex

• You’re concerned about fertility or underlying health issues

Your healthcare provider may recommend tests such as ultrasounds or internal examinations to diagnose the underlying causes of your period pain.

Consulting a healthcare provider can rule out complications associated with underlying conditions like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

At Happiher we offer prompt private consultations to investigate persistent or severe period pain.

How is Dysmenorrhoea Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a full history and if needed investigations to rule out underlying causes.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to get a better understanding and support.

At Happiher diagnosis may include:

• Consultation about menstrual cycles, pain pattern and overall health

• Pelvic examination (only if appropriate and comfortable for you)

• Pelvic ultrasound to assess the uterus and ovaries

• MRI scan if conditions like deep endometriosis are suspected

• Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) for definitive diagnosis in complex cases

• Internal examination to assess the womb and pelvis for possible causes of painful periods

We always try to find the root cause, not just manage symptoms superficially.

Treatment for Period Pain

At Happiher treatment is personalised to you based on whether your pain is primary or secondary and your health goals. You should discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider to find the best way to manage period pain.

Aside from general pain relief options there are other types of medication that require a prescription from a doctor.

Options include:

Medical Management

• Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen) to reduce prostaglandin production. Taking anti-inflammatory medications as soon as the pain starts can help alleviate symptoms effectively. Some women don’t want to take medication and instead opt for devices like the TENS machine.

• Hormonal treatments (the pill, progestogen therapies, hormonal IUS like Mirena)### Newer Treatments

Surgical Options

• Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and fibroids

• Some women may experience a decrease in menstrual cramp severity and frequency after having children

• Robotic-assisted surgery for precision and minimal recovery

Dr Kaur is experienced in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery, with quick recovery times.

Holistic Approaches

• Pelvic physiotherapy for muscle tension and pain management

• Nutritional support and stress management

• Acupuncture or other therapies for symptom relief

• Applying heat to the tummy with a hot water bottle during periods

• A warm bath or shower can help with period pain

Some periods are worse than others, so a comprehensive approach to pain management is needed.

Often a combination of medical and holistic approaches gives the best long term results.

Alternative Therapies

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Period Pain

Making lifestyle changes can help manage period pain and overall women’s health. Some ways to manage period pain include exercising regularly (yoga or swimming) and applying heat to the lower abdomen with a hot water bottle. Gentle exercise (yoga, swimming, walking or cycling) can help with period pain. A healthy diet and avoiding triggers (caffeine and alcohol) can also help reduce symptoms. Getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques (meditation or deep breathing) can help with stress and pain. By incorporating these lifestyle changes into daily life, women can better manage their period pain and improve their wellbeing.

Contraception

Some contraception can help with period pain. For example the combined pill or patch can reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding. The IUS (intrauterine system) is another option which releases a progestogen hormone that thins the lining of the uterus, reducing bleeding and pain. Other progestogen contraception (implant or injection) can also help with period pain. Discuss with your doctor to find the best contraception for your needs.

Living with Period PainChronic period pain can affect more than your body — it can affect your work, your social life, your mental health and your relationships.

These pains can vary in severity and duration and can impact daily activities.

Severe period pain can impact daily activities including school, work and social events.

You deserve more than quick fixes or being told “it’s just part of being a woman.” At Happiher we take your experience seriously and with empathy.

Get Support

If period pain is severe or impacting daily activities, you need to seek support from a healthcare provider. A doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and recommend treatment. In some cases further testing such as an ultrasound scan may be needed to rule out underlying medical conditions. Women shouldn’t hesitate to discuss their symptoms and concerns with their doctor as there are many treatments available to manage period pain. By getting support and working with a healthcare provider women can find relief from painful periods and improve overall health and wellbeing.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about women’s health and painful periods is key to managing symptoms and getting the right treatment. One of the best ways to stay informed is to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Regular check ups and discussing your symptoms can help you stay on top of your health and catch any potential issues early.

Reading reputable online sources and medical journals can also provide valuable information about the causes and treatments of painful periods. Understanding the role of prostaglandins and the muscular wall of the uterus in causing menstrual cramps can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Joining support groups online or in-person can offer emotional support and practical advice from other women who are going through the same. These groups can be a great resource for learning about new treatments and coping strategies.

It’s important to understand the different types of painful periods including primary dysmenorrhoea and secondary dysmenorrhoea and the various treatment options available. By staying informed you can take control of your health and make decisions that are right for you.

Understanding the link between painful periods and other medical conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease can help you identify potential underlying causes of your symptoms. This knowledge can help you get the right treatment and improve your quality of life.

Why Happiher for Period Pain Treatment?If you’re looking for a period pain specialist in London, Happiher offers:

• Private consultations with a focus on listening and understanding

• Full diagnosis and tailored treatment plans

• Expertise in managing primary and secondary causes of period pain

• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery when needed

• Supportive, discreet and patient centred care

We encourage you to talk about your symptoms and concerns to help us understand and support you better.

Happiher provides comprehensive care for women’s health including period pain and associated conditions.

Our clinics are located at Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister and The Wellington Hospital.

Conclusion

In conclusion, painful periods are common for many women and can be caused by various factors including prostaglandins, uterine contractions and underlying medical conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Some women may experience mild symptoms while others may suffer from severe period pain, intense pain and other symptoms that impact daily activities.

There are many treatment options available including over the counter pain relief, prescription medication and alternative therapies. By understanding the causes of painful periods, staying informed about women’s health and discussing treatment options with your doctor you can take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Remember painful periods are not just part of the menstrual cycle but can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you’re experiencing severe period pain, heavy bleeding or other symptoms don’t hesitate to discuss treatment with your doctor. Simple home remedies such as using a hot water bottle can also help with period pain.

If you have a history of certain conditions such as cervical stenosis or non cancerous growths you should inform your doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. By prioritising women’s health and getting the right care women can manage their symptoms and live a healthier happier life.

Final Thoughts

Period pain shouldn’t be something you just endure. With the right investigation and expert care relief is possible — and you can get back to feeling comfortable, confident and in control of your life.

At Happiher we’ll listen, diagnose thoroughly and support you with compassion and expertise.