How to stop bad cramps

Period cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining. Painful periods can be mild and short-lived, but pain that is severe, worsening, lasts beyond the period, or affects work and sleep may have another cause. Endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, ovarian endometrioma, and pelvic inflammatory disease can present with pelvic pain. A painful period is a common presentation of these conditions, but pain alone cannot identify which one is responsible.

Place a covered heat pack on the lower abdomen or back, take a warm shower, and try walking or gentle stretching. Use an anti-inflammatory medicine only if it is appropriate for you and follow the label or clinician’s instructions; some people need to avoid these medicines because of stomach, kidney, bleeding, allergy, or pregnancy concerns. If cramps recur, record their timing, severity, bleeding pattern, bowel or bladder symptoms, and response to treatment.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, fever, repeated vomiting, unusual discharge, or possible pregnancy. Arrange a medical appointment when pain is new, progressively worse, occurs between periods, or is not controlled by usual measures. Prompt review can distinguish period pain from infection, an ovarian problem, or a uterine condition.

Ask whether your pattern suggests endometriosis or another cause, which pain medicines are safe with your health history, and whether hormonal treatment such as a combined pill or hormonal coil could help.