Relief for Painful Periods
Clear evaluation and treatment for cramps that interrupt work, school, or daily life.
Period pain is common, but it should not be disabling. If cramps keep you in bed, disrupt work or school, or fail to improve with usual remedies, there are effective options to help. We focus on identifying the cause and building a plan that fits your goals.
Fast Facts
Primary dysmenorrhea is pain without an underlying condition
Secondary dysmenorrhea can be due to conditions like endometriosis or fibroids
Severe pain that worsens or extends beyond period days deserves evaluation
Many treatments—medical and procedural—can meaningfully reduce pain
Common Symptoms
- Cramping low abdominal or pelvic pain
- Back or thigh pain, nausea, diarrhea, or headache
- Pain starting before bleeding or lasting several days
- Fatigue, missed activities, or sleep disruption
Why It Matters
Uncontrolled period pain affects school, work, exercise, and relationships. It can also signal a treatable condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. Early evaluation helps prevent months or years of avoidable disruption.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Evaluation includes history, exam as appropriate, and sometimes pelvic ultrasound. We review pain timing, severity, and response to medications. If symptoms suggest a secondary cause, we discuss next steps and targeted testing.
Primary vs. Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Primary
- Pain begins within a few years of first periods
- Occurs mainly on period days
- Often improves with anti-inflammatories or hormonal contraception
- No structural cause identified
Secondary
- Pain may start later in life or worsen over time
- May occur outside period days
- Possible causes include endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids
- Needs targeted evaluation and tailored treatment
Treatment Options
Approaches are individualized and may include anti-inflammatory medications, heat and supportive measures, and hormonal options to lighten or suppress periods (pills, patch, ring, IUD). If a condition like endometriosis or fibroids is suspected, we discuss additional therapies and procedures. The goal is reliable pain control with minimal side effects.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- ✓Pain and cycle diary (dates, severity, what helps)
- ✓List of medications or remedies tried and their effects
- ✓Any prior imaging or test results
- ✓Personal goals (pain-free school/workdays, sports, fertility plans)
Frequently Asked Questions
1Are severe cramps normal?
Short-lived mild cramps can be typical, but pain that limits activities, lasts several days, or does not respond to usual remedies is not something you need to live with. Evaluation can identify effective options.
2Do I need imaging?
Not everyone needs imaging. Ultrasound is considered based on symptoms and exam findings, especially if pain is severe, new, or atypical.
3Will birth control help?
Many people get significant relief with hormonal options that lighten or suppress periods. The best choice depends on your preferences and health history.
4What if medications don’t work?
If pain persists, we reassess for conditions like endometriosis or fibroids and discuss additional treatments, including procedures, to meet your goals.
Make Periods Manageable
You don’t have to push through severe cramps. We’ll build a plan for reliable relief.
Book an Appointment