What can I do to stop period pains?

Period pains may ease with heat, suitable anti-inflammatory medicine, gentle movement, and treatment for an underlying cause when one is present. Check that a medicine is safe for you, particularly if you have stomach, kidney, bleeding, or pregnancy concerns.

The womb contracts during a period, which can cause cramping in the lower abdomen and pain that spreads to the back or thighs. Severe, new, worsening, or persistent pain can also occur with adenomyosis, endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids. Painful periods are a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Use a heat pad or hot-water bottle wrapped in cloth on the lower abdomen. Gentle walking, stretching, massage, rest, and regular meals may help. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on an anti-inflammatory painkiller and timing; follow the label and do not combine medicines with the same ingredients. If symptoms repeatedly disrupt daily life, discuss hormonal options such as the combined pill or hormonal coil, alongside investigation.

Book a medical review if pain is severe, newly different, worsening, present between periods, or not helped by usual measures. Seek urgent care for severe sudden pain, faintness, heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting, or possible pregnancy. A clinician may ask about bleeding, bowel or bladder symptoms, sex-related pain, and how pain affects work or sleep.

Ask whether your pattern suggests a condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, which pain relief is safe with your medical history, and whether an examination or scan would help.