Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

Primary dysmenorrhoea - the common type of painful periods
What causes the pain?The cause is not clear. The uterus is normal. What is thought to happen is that normal body chemicals called prostaglandins build up in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins help the uterus to squeeze (contract) and shed the lining of the uterus during a period. In women with period pain there seems to be a build up of too much prostaglandins, or the uterus may be extra sensitive to the prostaglandins. This may cause the uterus to contract too hard, which reduces the blood supply to the uterus. This can lead to pain.
What are the treatment options?
Warmth. You may find it soothing to hold a hot water bottle against your lower abdomen, or to have a hot bath. The pain often does not last long, and this may be all that you need. (Be careful not to burn yourself with a hot water bottle which is too hot.)
Paracetamol usually helps if the pain is mild.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers greatly ease the pain in about 8 in 10 cases. They work by blocking the effect of the prostaglandin chemicals that are thought to cause the pain. Also, anti-inflammatories usually reduce the amount of bleeding. There are several brands, and most need a prescription. However, you can buy one type (ibuprofen) at pharmacies. Some tips when using an anti-inflammatory include the following.
Take the first dose as soon as your pain begins, or as soon as the bleeding starts, whichever comes first. Some doctors advise to start taking the tablets on the day before your period is due. This may prevent the pain from building up.
Take the tablets regularly, for 2-3 days each period, rather than 'now and then' when pain builds up.
Take a strong enough dose. If your pains are not eased, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the dose that you are taking is the maximum allowed. An increase in dose may be all that you need.
Some people cannot take anti-inflammatory painkillers. For example, people with a duodenal ulcer, and some people with asthma.
Side-effects are uncommon if you take an anti-inflammatory for just a few days at a time, during each period.