How to stop stomach cramps during your period

Period pain is felt in the lower abdomen because the uterus tightens while shedding its lining. The sensation can spread into the back or legs and may occur with nausea, diarrhoea, headache, or fatigue. Pain can be part of a normal cycle, yet a new pattern or pain that limits ordinary activities warrants attention.

Abdominal period pain can occur with [Adenomyosis](/conditions/adenomyosis/), [Endometriosis](/conditions/endometriosis/), [Ovarian Endometrioma](/conditions/ovarian-endometrioma/), [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/), or [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/). Having cramps does not tell you which, if any, condition is present.

Apply a warm pack to the lower abdomen, take a warm bath, and change position or walk gently if movement feels manageable. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about an anti-inflammatory pain medicine, particularly if you have digestive, kidney, bleeding, allergy, or pregnancy concerns. Record when the cramps begin, their location, bleeding changes, and what helps. If symptoms recur, discuss options including the [Combined Pill](/treatments/contraception-and-family-planning/combined-pill/) or [Hormonal Coil](/treatments/contraception-and-family-planning/hormonal-coil/).

Seek urgent care for abrupt severe abdominal pain, faintness, fever, repeated vomiting, a rigid abdomen, or pain when pregnancy is possible. Arrange a review if the cramps are worsening, occur outside menstruation, come with unusual discharge or bleeding, or stop you from sleeping, working, studying, or moving normally. The examination should consider both gynaecological and non-gynaecological causes of abdominal pain.

Does the location and timing fit period pain? Could an ovarian, uterine, or pelvic condition explain it? Which medicines are safe for me, and would hormonal treatment or testing be useful?