McKeown Medical
167 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4SQ
Is My Period Pain Normal? When To Seek Advice
Published by Dr Iain Martin
Date posted — 13.05.25
Period pain, medically known as dysmenorrhoea, is a common experience for many women. Although discomfort during menstruation is widespread, distinguishing between typical pain and severe symptoms that warrant medical attention is crucial for your health and well-being.
What is period pain?
Period pain typically manifests as cramping or throbbing sensations in your lower abdomen, which can spread to your back and thighs. It happens due to contractions in your uterus as it sheds its lining during menstruation. There are two main types of dysmenorrhoea:
- Primary Dysmenorrhoea: Commonly experienced since adolescence, caused mainly by natural chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause uterine muscles to contract.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhoea: Pain stemming from underlying reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine polyps.
Symptoms to be aware of
Recognising symptoms can help differentiate between primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea symptoms:
- Mild to moderate cramps
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Mood swings
Secondary dysmenorrhoea symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain or heaviness
- Lower back pain
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Painful intercourse
Possible causes
Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs when prostaglandins build up in the lining of your uterus, intensifying contractions and pain during menstruation.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is associated with conditions such as:
- Endometriosis: When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the pelvis.
- Uterine fibroids: Benign growths within or around the uterus.
- Uterine polyps: Small growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus, which, though less common, can cause discomfort and menstrual irregularities.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection in reproductive organs.
When should I see a doctor?
If your period pain interferes significantly with daily activities or you notice sudden changes in the pattern or severity of your pain, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Tests such as ultrasounds, pelvic examinations, hysteroscopy, or sometimes diagnostic laparoscopy may be required to identify conditions causing secondary dysmenorrhoea.
At McKeown Medical, the team and I can provide thorough assessments and diagnoses, particularly for uterine fibroids and polyps.
MyoSure® treatment – minimally invasive relief
If uterine fibroids or polyps are identified, our minimally invasive MyoSure® procedure can offer effective relief without traditional surgery. MyoSure® gently removes growths from the uterine lining, significantly improving symptoms like heavy periods, irregular menstrual cycles, or fertility issues often associated with these conditions.
Take back control of your period pain with McKeown Medical
Period pain should never diminish your quality of life. At McKeown Medical, our expert gynaecological consultations provide personalised care, addressing your specific health concerns. With my extensive experience in women’s health, I am dedicated to diagnosing and alleviating your pain, helping you regain comfort and confidence in your daily life.
Painful periods can be difficult to manage and can affect your quality of life. At McKeown Medical, we can help investigate what may be causing your pain and provide a thorough diagnosis. Book a consultation to talk to us today.
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