How do I stop period cramps?

Period cramps occur when the womb contracts as its lining is shed. Pain can spread to the lower back or thighs and may come with nausea, loose stools, headache, or tiredness. Painful periods can sometimes be linked with adenomyosis, endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids. A painful period is a symptom, not proof of any one condition.

Place a heat pad or warm bottle over the lower abdomen, take a warm bath, and try gentle walking or stretching. An anti-inflammatory painkiller may work best when taken at the beginning of symptoms, if it is safe for you; check with a pharmacist or clinician if you have stomach, kidney, bleeding, asthma, or pregnancy concerns. Keeping a cycle and pain diary can show whether symptoms are worsening. A clinician may discuss hormonal options such as the combined pill or hormonal coil when cramps repeatedly disrupt daily life.

Arrange medical care if pain is new, severe, lasts beyond your period, causes missed activities, or is not helped by usual measures. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, faintness, fever, repeated vomiting, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Heavy periods, pain during sex, difficulty passing urine or stool, or bleeding between periods also warrant an assessment.

Could my pain suggest adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids, infection, or an ovarian endometrioma? Which pain relief is safe with my health history? Would hormonal treatment be appropriate, and what examination or scan might help?