Menstrual pain (also known medically as dysmenorrhea) refers to cramps in a woman’s lower abdomen that occur when her menstrual period begins (or just before) and may continue for a few days.


Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe pain that interferes with everyday normal activities. The pain can be throbbing, aching, dull or sharp.


Menstrual cramps/pain are the leading causes of absenteeism in women of ages between 13 – 30 years. Research shows that half of the population of women will experience some discomfort during their periods, with about 10% temporarily disabled by symptoms.


Other conditions experienced by women around the reproductive tract include:

  • Endometriosis - tissue similar to uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus (womb);

  • Fibroids and ‘adenomyosis’ - non-cancerous (benign) growths in the uterus;

  • Infections in the reproductive organs;

  • Abnormal pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy, (pregnancy in the fallopian tubes or outside the uterus).

  • Ovarian Cyst

  • Narrow cervix

Symptoms of Menstrual pain:

  1. Pains in the lower abdomen

  2.   Lower back pain

  3. Leg pain, radiating down the legs

  4. Nausea

  5. Vomiting

  6. Diarrhea

  7. Headaches

  8. Irritability

  9. Weakness

  10. Fainting spells (in extreme cases)

When to seek medical help:

Most women have significant improvement with home care and the use of some over-the –counter pain relief medications.

However, it is advisable to seek medical help when:

  • Menstrual cramps continue to be painful for longer than usual.

  • The pain suddenly worsens or is different from past experience.

  • Bleeding is excessive, requiring more than one pad or tampon per hour.

  • Signs of infection spring up like fever; chills and body aches are present at the time of the period.

  • You suspect you may be pregnant.

Emergency medical help should be obtained if any or all of these occur:

- A woman faints.

- Experiences dizziness when standing.

- Has intense pelvic pain that causes a woman to bend over, 

-Tissue is passed in the menstrual flow or appears silvery/ grayish.

- If a woman is pregnant and has severe menstrual-type pain.