Women’s Health | IVANA MD | Missouri City, TX
If you dread your period every month because of cramping, lower back pain, or nausea, you’re not alone and you don’t have to just push through it. Painful periods, medically called dysmenorrhea, affect up to 90% of menstruating women. But “common” doesn’t mean normal. Understanding what’s behind your pain is the first step toward real relief.
What Actually Causes Period Cramps?
There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common and is caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds your uterus releases to trigger contractions that shed the uterine lining. The higher your prostaglandin levels, the more intense the contractions, and the more pain you feel.
A 2022 review in The Lancet found that women with high prostaglandin sensitivity can experience uterine contractions comparable in intensity to early labor.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is period pain caused by an underlying medical condition. This type tends to get worse over time and often needs targeted medical treatment.
Common Underlying Conditions That Cause Painful Periods
If your pain is severe or worsening, one of these conditions may be the cause:
Endometriosis — Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and intense pain. It affects 1 in 10 women and is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in women’s health.
Uterine Fibroids — Noncancerous growths in or around the uterine wall that can cause heavy bleeding and significant cramping during menstruation.
Adenomyosis — The uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, causing the uterus to enlarge and contract painfully during your period.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) — A hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and can lead to irregular, painful, and heavy periods.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) — A bacterial infection of the reproductive organs that can cause chronic pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.
Cervical Stenosis — A narrowed cervix that restricts menstrual flow, creating painful pressure inside the uterus.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Mild cramping for a day or two is typical. But these signs mean it’s time to get checked:
- Pain that lasts more than 2–3 days
- Cramps that don’t respond to ibuprofen or other OTC medications
- Heavy bleeding or large clots
- Pain during or after sex
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with your period
- Pelvic pain outside of your cycle
How Is Painful Period Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Options range from NSAIDs and hormonal therapy to minimally invasive procedures for conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. A gynecologist can use ultrasound, blood panels, or laparoscopy to identify what’s driving your pain and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
You deserve a period that doesn’t stop your life.
Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX.
Call: 346-585-4077
4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.
References
Gordon, C. M., Ackerman, K. E., Berga, S. L., et al. (2017). Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 102(5), 1413–1439. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/102/5/1413/3077281
Akin, M. D., Weingand, K. W., Hengehold, D. A., et al. (2001). Continuous low-level topical heat in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 97(3), 343–349. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11239634/
Burnett, M., & Lemyre, M. (2017). No. 345-Primary Dysmenorrhea: Consensus Guideline. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 39(7), 585-595. https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(17)30242-6/abstract
World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). Endometriosis: Key Facts. WHO Fact Sheets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 22). Menstrual cramps – Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938 Rahbar, N., Asgharzadeh, N., & Ghorbani, R. (2012). Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 117(1), 45–47. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ijgo.12666
