Signs Your Period Cramps Should Be Evaluated by a Health Care Provider

Here's when to be concerned that your cramps might be something more.

Period cramps are never a good time, but they're a common occurrence for people who menstruate. Expert research shows that about half of all people with periods experience a pelvic achy feeling during menstruation, otherwise known as "cramps."

But sometimes, it can be difficult to know whether or not the pain you're experiencing during your period is considered "normal." Severe cramps, while also not entirely uncommon, can sometimes signal a larger medical concern that should be evaluated by a health care provider. And if you are experiencing period cramps that are so bad you can't move, it's an indicator that further examination is definitely needed.

With that, we've rounded up a few sighs that your period cramps are outside the realm of what's considered average. If you experience any of the below symptoms, it would be a good idea to reach out to an OB-GYN or health care provider for further evaluation.

illustration reading signs you period cramps aren't normal

Brianna Gilmartin

Your Cramps Interfere With Your Daily Life

We've likely all had a day here and there where our cramps were bothering us to the point of climbing in bed and taking off work or school. But if this is a routine occurrence, and you find yourself unable to complete daily tasks while experiencing period cramps, you should consider mentioning it to a health care professional. If this describes you, it's important to know that you aren't alone; research suggests that between 5% and 20% of menstruating people experience painful periods that interfere with their daily life.

Pain Medication Doesn't Relieve Your Cramps

Most people who experience period cramps can typically get relief with over-the-counter pain medications, like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). But if you find that over-the-counter medication is not enough to help you get on with your day, it's another sign that you should bring up your discomfort to a medical professional.

With that being said, never take more pain medication than is indicated on the label or prescribed to you by a health care provider. Over-use of medication, even those that are over-the-counter, can lead to serious injury or death.

You Experience Pelvic Pain at Other Times of the Month

Pelvic discomfort just before your period and during the first few days of your period can be normal. You may also experience some sensitivity around ovulation.

But if you have pelvic pain at other times during your cycle, that may signal a problem.Another possible sign your cramps are atypical is if you experience pain during sex. Some causes of painful sex are also responsible for abnormally bad period cramps.

If severe cramping is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or if the pain is especially severe, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Your Period Cramps Last a Long Time

It’s normal for bleeding during menstruation to last anywhere from two to seven days. It’s not typical, however, to have bad period cramps that entire time. Cramps may start the day of or day just before the bleeding starts, but they should not continue all the way until the end of your period. They certainly shouldn’t still be there after your period ends. If this is something you experience, it's a good idea to get it checked out.

You Experience Additional Symptoms

If your painful cramps are accompanied by any of these additional symptoms, it's definitely worth mentioning to a health care provider:

  • Cramps accompanied by nausea or diarrhea
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Irregular cycles
  • Pain during sex
  • Spotting between cycles

Your Period Cramps Just Don't Feel "Normal"

You know your body best. If something just feels off and not right, it's always worth mentioning to a health care provider. Worrying isn’t a sign that something is wrong, but it could suggest things might be wrong. But many people are sometimes afraid to talk to doctors about symptoms that can’t easily be quantified. It's important to know that your discomfort is valid, and should be taken seriously.

Some of the possible causes for painful cramps—like endometriosis—are diseases that take years to get properly diagnosed. Keep asking for help until someone hears you.

What Might Be Causing These Severe Cramps?

Let’s say your cramps are worse than average. There are a range of possibilities for the root cause, some of which could include the following issues:

  • Adhesions
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • IUD birth control devices
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

To evaluate what may be wrong, your healthcare provider may suggest blood work, an exploratory laparoscopy, a pelvic exam, and/or a pelvic ultrasound.

It’s important to know that some conditions like endometriosis can only be diagnosed with exploratory laparoscopy. However, laparoscopy is an invasive, surgical procedure, so a health care provider may not recommend it until other conditions are first ruled out.

Severe abdominal or pelvic pain may indicate something more concerning than your period, like an ectopic pregnancy, toxic shock syndrome, acute PID, or appendicitis. However, it's important to note that these conditions would present with additional symptoms, not just painful cramps alone.

Treatment for Severe Period Cramps

Occasionally, it happens that you see a health care provider and are told everything is fine, particularly if underlying causes have been ruled out. If your cramps aren’t interfering with your daily life, this may be a reassuring and acceptable answer. In that case, you can turn to some of the below treatment options to manage your painful cramps:

  • Medications
  • Heating pads
  • Rest
  • Exercise
  • Breath work
  • Taking a warm bath
  • Getting extra sleep
  • A tracking app to prepare for pain before it presents
  • Occasionally, certain types of birth control medication (but be sure to speak to a health care provider)

The right treatment for you will depend on your personal situation and medical history, so consult with a health care provider to create a plan that will reduce your monthly discomfort.

However, if your period pain is so intense that your life continues to be disrupted, you don't have to accept "you're fine" as an answer. Remember, you know your body best. It's important to ask for help if you are experiencing pain, and your pain should be heard and listened to, no matter what.

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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