Painful periods can happen to women of any age. Although troublesome, these occur mostly in women with regular periods and who have the ability to get pregnant. Women who have fertility problems are often pain free. An exception to this may be with a condition called endometriosis, where there is an overgrowth of uterine tissue outside the uterus.

Painful periods start just before the period and continue for the first day or two. The pain can be sharp or dull. It may be felt in the abdomen, vagina or thighs. It can be so severe that some women may faint, vomit, or stay in bed.

There are chemicals, called prostaglandins, that are released from our female organs with the normal period. These are the pain causing chemicals in our body. Regular exercise throughout the month will help relieve painful periods. Reduced amounts of caffeine, salt, and alcohol also help. No vitamin has been found to help; yet many are being tested.

The main goal today is to reduce the prostaglandins in our body before the period begins, as well as, during menstruation. Getting control before the full flow of the period is key, so start as soon as you know your period is coming. There are several drugs available over the counter that work for this. They include naproxen, ibuprofen, and even aspirin. Many more are available by prescription if these do not seem to work well for you. Birth control pills are also useful in stopping the natural cycle of chemicals. They provide relief to most women. If the pain continues despite treatment, or if your pain is new and sudden, you will need to see your healthcare provider. There may be a more serious problem within the pelvis, such as endometriosis.

You should not have to live with painful periods. It may take a few months to find the correct treatment, but it is worth finding the thing that works for you.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go