Every Period Shouldn’t Be a Struggle
It’s common to feel some discomfort during your period — mild cramps, bloating, or fatigue are part of many women’s monthly experience. But when period pain becomes unbearable, interferes with school, work, or daily life, and doesn’t respond to regular painkillers — it may be more than just a “normal” cycle.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we often meet young girls and women who have lived with severe period pain for years, believing it’s just something they have to tolerate. The truth is: painful periods should not be dismissed — especially when they could be a sign of underlying conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or PCOD.
Let’s explore what’s normal, what’s not, and how you can find relief and clarity.
What’s Considered Normal Period Pain?
Mild to moderate cramps — also called primary dysmenorrhea — are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. This type of pain:
- Starts 1–2 days before your period or on the first day
- Feels like dull or throbbing cramps in the lower abdomen or back
- Lasts 1–2 days and improves with rest, warm compress, or over-the-counter pain relief
These cramps are common in teenagers and early adulthood, especially in the first few years of getting periods. They usually improve with age or after childbirth.
When Is Period Pain Not Normal?
If your period pain checks any of the following, it’s time to seek help:
1. Pain That Disrupts Daily Life
You miss school, college, work, or social events every month because of the pain — this is not normal.
2. Pain That Begins Days Before Period and Lasts Beyond It
Severe cramps that start 3–5 days before bleeding, continue during the period, and sometimes linger afterward may suggest something deeper.
3. Pain That Doesn’t Respond to Medication
If paracetamol or ibuprofen doesn’t ease the cramps, or the pain increases with time, it may need medical evaluation.
4. Pain During or After Intercourse
Pelvic pain during sexual activity (dyspareunia) could signal endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
5. Accompanying Digestive or Urinary Symptoms
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Bloating, nausea, or constipation only during periods
…could be related to endometriosis or adenomyosis.
Possible Underlying Conditions Behind Severe Period Pain
🔹 Endometriosis
- Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus
- Causes inflammation, scarring, and intense pelvic pain
- May lead to infertility if untreated
Many women with endometriosis are misdiagnosed or told their pain is “normal”. Early diagnosis can prevent progression.
🔹 Adenomyosis
- Occurs when the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus
- Causes heavy bleeding, enlarged uterus, and painful cramps
- Common in women in their 30s or after childbirth
🔹 PCOD/PCOS
- While not always painful, some women with PCOD experience heavy, irregular, and painful periods
- May also have acne, weight gain, or excess hair growth
🔹 Fibroids
- Non-cancerous growths in the uterus
- Can cause heavy bleeding, cramping, and pressure symptoms
- May need medication or surgery based on size and location
🔹 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Infection of the reproductive organs
- Causes lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal discharge, and pain during periods or intercourse
- Needs prompt treatment to avoid complications
How We Diagnose the Cause
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we use:
- Detailed menstrual and pain history
- Pelvic examination (if appropriate for age and comfort)
- Ultrasound or pelvic scan
- Blood tests for hormonal balance
- Laparoscopy in rare or complex cases
We believe in gentle, non-judgmental care, especially for teenagers and young women.
Treatment Options for Painful Periods
🧘 Lifestyle Support
- Warm compresses or hot water bags
- Gentle exercise like yoga or walking
- Adequate sleep and hydration
💊 Medical Management
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs like mefenamic acid)
- Hormonal treatment: Birth control pills, hormonal IUD, or progesterone therapy
- Anti-inflammatory diets (low sugar, high fiber, omega-3-rich)
🩺 Surgical Support (if required)
- For large fibroids or confirmed endometriosis not responding to medication
- Laparoscopy (minimally invasive) is used for diagnosis and treatment
We offer personalized treatment plans based on your pain level, future pregnancy goals, and lifestyle.
Don’t Suffer Silently — Help Is Available
Too many women grow up believing period pain is just something they must bear. It’s not. Your pain is valid. Your experience matters. And with the right support, it can be managed or even eliminated.
