Medical expert of the article
New publications
Menstrual pains
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Some sources claim that 56% of women experience moderate menstrual pain that does not prevent them from doing their daily activities. At the same time, about 35% of women experience such severe menstrual pain during their period that not only do they experience changes in body temperature, chills, but they also lose consciousness.
As a rule, the duration of menstrual pain is insignificant, often 1-3 days, and it is characterized by abundant bloody discharge.
In addition to menstrual pain, the onset of critical days may also be indicated by pain in the mammary glands, their enlargement or some hardening.
If the pain is extremely severe and regular painkillers do not help, you should contact a gynecologist and consult with him about further actions aimed at overcoming the pain.
[ What is menstrual pain?
Menstrual pain is called dysmenorrhea. This is a condition characterized by painful sensations in the abdomen, pelvis, and genitourinary system in a woman's body during or before menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is divided into two types - primary and secondary.
Primary or functional dysmenorrhea is usually observed in adult women. It is characterized by pain of varying severity in the lower abdomen, which is observed for 1-3 days before or during menstruation. Over time, the strength of menstrual pain decreases, and after childbirth, the pain may disappear completely.
Symptoms of functional menstrual pain may appear as early as a couple of years after the onset of menstruation. However, this in no way indicates a malfunction of the body or the cessation or disruption of the uterus and its appendages.
Doctors consider two most common causes of menstrual pain. Doctors call sharp or prolonged contractions of the uterus the main cause of menstrual pain. In this case, the blood flow to the uterus in the woman's body decreases and the substance prostaglandin is released, which promotes contraction of the internal female muscles.
Another reason can also be the release of very large blood clots with heavy bleeding, which creates discomfort in the cervical canal.
Also, lack of mobility, smoking, obesity, stress, heredity and other factors may not be the best way to participate in the formation of painful sensations during menstruation. Additional symptoms of dysmenorrhea are also diarrhea or, on the contrary, constipation, frequent urination, and headaches.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is more pronounced, longer lasting and is characterized by diseases of the urinary and reproductive system. Secondary menstrual pain is most common in women aged 20 to 30 years. Pain is observed not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and legs. The pain can be different - stabbing, dull, aching - and it lasts much longer than in the case of primary dysmenorrhea.
The causes of secondary menstrual pain are typical for women who have various diseases of the genital organs, including endometriosis, as well as those who have inserted an intrauterine device. As in primary dimenorrhea, negative factors such as obesity, smoking and stress can also affect the occurrence of secondary menstrual pain.
According to the severity, secondary dysmenorrhea is divided into three subtypes. The first is the mildest, is observed at the beginning of menstruation and does not linger for long, located in the lower abdomen. The second is a longer subtype of dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by incessant 2-3 day pain. Sometimes nausea or diarrhea, discomfort in the whole body appear. The third subtype of dysmenorrhea is the most severe, characterized by pain lasting from 2 to 7 days. Pain is observed not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the back and legs. In addition, the work of the gastrointestinal system is disrupted.
Severe menstrual pains not only exhaust a woman's body, but also temporarily change her perception of the world, her reaction to others, to people's behavior. A woman can become irritable, embittered or, on the contrary, detached, and can fall into depression.
Menstrual pain during pregnancy
In the earliest stages of pregnancy, women may experience pain similar to menstrual pain. If menstrual pain occurs earlier than expected, then you are most likely pregnant. Typically, this phenomenon is observed on the 6th-12th day after fertilization and is characterized by a pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
Severe menstrual pain during pregnancy, especially at the beginning, may mean that the pregnancy is ectopic. If in addition to pain there is also dizziness, nausea or fainting, then you need to immediately go for an ultrasound. And if bleeding begins, only immediate surgical intervention will help you - immediately call an ambulance. Such symptoms may indicate a spontaneous abortion, which is treated only in a hospital setting.
If menstrual pain during pregnancy occurs as a result of injury, excessive physical exertion or the development of some disease, then a negative consequence in the form of untimely placental abruption is possible. Such a phenomenon is dangerous for both the mother and the child and requires immediate intervention of the observing gynecologist and possible premature birth with subsequent treatment of the mother and child.
Pain similar to menstrual pain may also occur in the mother's body if the digestive system reacts negatively to food - colitis may occur, gases may form, dysbacteriosis or a feeling of heaviness may appear. Also, digestive system disorders are associated not only with food, but also with the expansion of the uterus, which can compress the gastrointestinal tract of the pregnant woman. In this case, correction of diet and nutritional regimen will help.
If menstrual pain occurs during pregnancy in the last stages, it may be caused by constant tension in the abdominal muscles. To relieve the pain, try to relax your tummy.
During pregnancy, there may also be sensations similar to menstrual pain, which arise as a result of the development of an infectious disease in the mother's urinary system, and exacerbations of appendicitis, inflammation of the pancreas or other diseases of a surgical nature are also possible. They are usually accompanied by additional symptoms - dizziness, severe nausea, fever. In such cases, you should immediately seek help from your gynecologist, who will certainly eliminate the unpleasant sensations and help cope with all the causes of pain in such a way as not to harm the baby.
Treatment and how to get rid of menstrual pain
Primary menstrual pains, not accompanied by pathologies, are treated by adjusting the diet, changing the lifestyle, stopping the use of nicotine and alcohol, and combating constant stress. In case of functional dysmenorrhea, relaxation will help cope with the pain - lie down on a horizontal surface and apply, if possible, a hot water bottle.
In case of secondary dysmenorrhea, such methods will not help – medical assistance is needed.
What to drink for menstrual pain?
First of all, it is important to remember that any form of self-medication is dangerous, so to choose a treatment method, you need to consult a specialist and undergo a comprehensive examination.
Non-steroidal medications are quite effective in combating period pain. Pills such as aspirin, voltaren, and ibuprofen can help relieve period pain.
No less effective means for menstrual pain are antispasmodic drugs, such as no-shpa, buscopan, which regulate the level of prostaglandin in your body. For the most effective effect, experts recommend starting to take the drugs a couple of days before the onset of menstruation and stopping taking them on the 2nd day after the onset of discharge. However, it is not recommended to constantly use these drugs, especially without consulting a doctor, since this is fraught with inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The doctor may prescribe paracetamol or other analgesics instead of these drugs.
There are cases when, in case of very severe pain during menstruation, the use of contraceptive pills is prescribed. These drugs regulate the production of eggs in the female body by increasing the amount of hormones estrogen and progesterone. They also reduce the amount of blood flowing to the uterus during menstruation. This leads to a decrease in the abundance of bloody discharge and, consequently, to a decrease in painful sensations. The doctor may prescribe you contraceptives for menstrual pain - danazol, progestrogen or other drugs that release gonadotropin, but the latter can have many negative side effects.
How to relieve menstrual pain?
First of all, take care of your own nutrition - some foods can increase pain during menstruation, so you should avoid eating them before and during menstruation. Most often, foods that contain arachidonic acid have a negative effect on the body during menstruation - these are animal products, saturated fats. Instead, it is better to increase the consumption of fish products, which help relax muscles and relieve spasms - tuna, salmon, mackerel and others. Also increase the consumption of nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits, products containing calcium. Calcium helps to normalize muscle tone and reduce the intensity and number of spasms. Products containing magnesium have a similar effect - beans, dried fruits, cereals, yogurts, as well as green vegetables.
As for physical activity, do not strain your muscles too much, as this can increase the abundance of discharge and increase blood flow. However, lying down all the time is also not recommended. It is recommended to do exercises that help strengthen and stretch your muscles - walking or light jogging, aerobic exercise, cardio exercise, yoga.
Hot compresses and warm baths will help relieve pain, helping to relax muscles and relieve pain in the lower abdomen.
Drink plenty of fluids – juices, water, herbal teas – they will help avoid dehydration and speed up blood circulation in the body. Warm milk mixed with half a teaspoon of cinnamon has a special effect – it removes spasms and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Medicines used for menstrual pain:
Analgin for menstrual pain
Analgin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. It is prescribed orally after meals at 0.25-0.5 g twice or three times a day. The maximum daily dose is 3 g of the drug.
Side effects include a decrease in the number of granulocytes or platelets in the peripheral blood, vascular leakage (hemorrhage), decreased blood pressure, intercystic inflammation of the kidneys, and allergic rashes.
No-spa for menstrual pain
No-shpa is an antispasmodic drug in the form of tablets or capsules. It is prescribed to treat spasms of smooth muscles of internal organs.
The dosage for adults is 40-80 mg three times a day. The maximum daily dose of the drug per day is 200 mg.
Side effects include dizziness, increased heart rate, increased sweating and body temperature, and possible allergic reactions. In unreasonably large doses, it can cause conduction disturbances in the atria and ventricles of the heart, reduce the reaction of the heart muscles, and can cause cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis.
Other tablets for menstrual pain
Nurofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Blocks the production of proglandins. It is quickly absorbed - in 30-60 minutes. Adults are prescribed 0.2-0.8 g 3-4 times a day. It is recommended to take the drug after meals with plenty of liquid. It has a number of side effects.
Novigan is a combination drug with antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The drug is prescribed 1-2 tablets up to 4 times a day. Long-term use of the drug is not recommended. The drug has an impressive list of side effects.
Spazmalgon - has a combined analgesic and antispasmodic effect. It is well absorbed, the greatest effect is observed after 30-120 minutes. In tablet form, the drug is prescribed up to 3 times a day, 1-2 tablets. It is not recommended to take the drug for more than 3 days in a row. It has a number of side effects.
Baralgin - has a combined analgesic and antispasmodic effect. It is prescribed for spasms of smooth muscles of internal organs. It is recommended to use 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day whole, with a small amount of liquid. It has also been established that there are many side effects.
Ketanov is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an analgesic. The concentration of the drug in the blood is achieved in 45-50 minutes. The drug is prescribed 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. Treatment should not exceed 7 days. The instructions recommend reducing the dose of the drug for patients lighter than 50 kg, people over 65 years old, and patients with impaired renal function. Sold only by prescription.
Tamipul is an analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antipyretic agent. It contains ibuprofen, paracetamol and caffeine. It is taken orally. To relieve menstrual pain, 1-2 capsules are prescribed up to 4 times a day, depending on the intensity of the pain. The interval between doses of the drug should be at least 4 hours. It has a number of side effects.
Menstrual Pain Patch
A warming thermal patch used for menstrual pain. Within 20 minutes, the patch temperature reaches 50 degrees, which helps to actively affect the foci of pain, improves blood circulation in soft tissues, and relieves muscle spasms. It is used in the first days of menstruation, when the pain is most severe. The duration of action is up to 6 hours. If used incorrectly, there is a risk of getting a burn. It is not recommended to use the patch for more than 12 hours a day, and the patch should not be applied to affected areas of the body. Avoid getting the contents on mucous membranes and in the eyes.
Folk remedies for menstrual pain
Acupressure. The point on the inside of the leg, located between the knee and ankle, is massaged.
Ichthyol ointment mixed with petroleum jelly, which is applied to the lower abdomen.
Water pepper infusion. To prepare the infusion, pour boiling water (1 cup) over a tablespoon of chopped grass and let it brew. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day.
Ripe burdock seeds, brewed in a glass of boiling water, need to be crushed and left to brew a little more. Strain, add sugar to improve the taste and drink the entire glass of infusion at once.
A decoction of raspberry leaves. Boil them for 15 minutes and take a glass of the strained decoction per day.
Infusion of half a teaspoon of crushed linden blossom, a pinch of St. John's wort, a teaspoon of chamomile. To prepare, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. The cooled infusion is consumed a couple of days before the onset of menstruation. It is used as tea.
Pour 0.8 liters of boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed horsetail, St. John's wort and oak bark. Let it brew, use 3-4 times a day with the addition of a few drops of velerian or motherwort tincture.
Pour half a liter of boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed daisy flowers, St. John's wort, and calendula flowers. Let it brew and drink 3-4 times a day with a few drops of motherwort added.
Add a teaspoon of crushed elecampane root and chamomile plus a tablespoon of St. John's wort and oak bark, pour 0.8 liters of boiling water. Let it brew and drink 3-4 times a day as tea.
Menstrual pain bothers almost all women of childbearing age. Remember that pain should not be tolerated. If you experience menstrual pain, consult a gynecologist and choose the best solution for yourself to relieve the symptoms of period pain. Be careful when using both medical drugs and resorting to traditional medicine.