Ovarian torsion during a period: what should you know?

Menstrual cramps commonly begin around the start of bleeding and may follow a familiar pattern for you. Ovarian torsion is a twist of the ovary that can reduce blood flow, causing sudden pain on one side. The pain may be severe, continue despite usual measures, or return in waves. Nausea, vomiting, marked tenderness, dizziness, or a new change from your normal period pattern makes urgent assessment more important.

A period does not explain every episode of pelvic pain. The [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) guide can help you organise details such as location, timing, and associated symptoms.

If pain is abrupt, one-sided, or unlike your usual cramps, seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for the bleeding to finish. Tell the clinician the first day of bleeding, whether the flow is typical, the pain’s exact location, and any nausea, vomiting, fever, faintness, cyst history, or pregnancy possibility. Examination and ultrasound may be used, but the diagnosis can require urgent gynaecological review. If torsion is suspected, surgery may be needed to untwist the ovary and treat an underlying cyst. [Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/laparoscopic-ovarian-cystectomy/) explains one cyst-removal approach.

Go to emergency care for sudden severe pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, fever, a swollen or very tender abdomen, or pain that keeps returning after temporary relief. Heavy bleeding or possible pregnancy also needs urgent assessment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

How does this pain differ from ordinary menstrual cramps? Could an ovarian cyst be involved? Do I need urgent imaging or a gynaecology review? If symptoms return during another period, what action should I take?