Period Pain: When to Worry and When Not To
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Almost every girl and woman feels some pain during periods. But how do you know if your pain is normal or if you should see a doctor?
Let’s understand this clearly!
What is Period Pain?
Medical name: Dysmenorrhea (but we’ll just call it period pain!)
What happens:
When you get your period, your uterus (the part inside your body where the baby would grow) squeezes to push out blood. This squeezing causes cramps and pain.
It’s like when you exercise a muscle too much – it hurts a bit!
Normal Period Pain – Don’t Worry About This
What Normal Pain Feels Like:
✅ Mild to medium cramps in lower stomach
- Feels like gentle squeezing
- Comes and goes in waves
- You can still do your daily work
✅ Lower back pain
- Dull ache in lower back
- Feels like you sat too long
- Not too strong
✅ Slight headache
- Mild headache that goes away with rest
- Not severe
✅ Tired feeling
- Feel like resting more
- Low energy
- Want to sleep a bit more
✅ Mood changes
- Feel a bit sad or irritated
- Emotional for no big reason
- Want to be alone sometimes
✅ Bloating
- Stomach feels full
- Clothes feel a bit tight
- Goes away after periods
When Does Normal Pain Happen?
- Usually: 1-2 days before period starts or on Day 1-2
- How long: 2-3 days maximum
- Timing: Comes in waves, not constant
What Helps Normal Period Pain
If your pain is normal, try these simple remedies:
1. Heat Therapy
Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your stomach.
Why it works: Heat relaxes the muscles and reduces cramping.
How to use:
- Fill a bottle with warm (not too hot) water
- Place on lower stomach for 15-20 minutes
- Can use multiple times a day
2. Light Exercise
Yes, moving helps!
Good exercises:
- Walking for 15-20 minutes
- Light yoga stretches
- Simple breathing exercises
Why it works: Movement increases blood flow and releases pain-fighting chemicals in your body.
3. Drink Warm Liquids
- Warm water
- Ginger tea
- Chamomile tea
- Warm milk
Why it works: Warmth soothes your stomach and makes you feel better.
4. Rest Properly
- Sleep well (7-8 hours)
- Take short naps if needed
- Don’t stress yourself
5. Gentle Stomach Massage
Rub your lower stomach in circles gently.
How to do:
- Use a little oil or cream
- Massage slowly in clockwise circles
- 5-10 minutes
6. Comfortable Clothing
- Wear loose pants or skirts
- Avoid tight belts
- Choose soft, cotton clothes
7. Eat Right
Foods that help:
- Bananas (have potassium)
- Dark chocolate (yes, really!)
- Nuts and seeds
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
Avoid:
- Too much salt (causes bloating)
- Oily, heavy food
- Too much caffeine
8. Medicine (If Needed)
For normal pain, you can take:
- Basic pain relief medicine (like paracetamol)
- Only if pain is bothering you
- Read instructions on the medicine box
- Don’t take too much
NOT Normal Period Pain – See a Doctor
Warning Signs – Get Medical Help If:
⚠️ Pain is Very Severe
- So bad you can’t stand or walk
- Makes you cry or scream
- You can’t do any daily activities
- Pain medicine doesn’t help at all
⚠️ Pain Lasts Too Long
- Continues for more than 3 days
- Doesn’t get better with rest
- Gets worse each month
⚠️ Very Heavy Bleeding
- Need to change pad every 1-2 hours
- Pass large blood clots (bigger than a coin)
- Bleeding soaks through clothes
- Feel very weak or dizzy
⚠️ Other Symptoms Along with Pain
- High fever (more than 100°F)
- Vomiting (throwing up)
- Diarrhea (loose motions)
- Fainting or extreme dizziness
- Breathing problems
⚠️ Sudden Change in Pattern
- Pain used to be mild, now suddenly very bad
- Periods became much heavier than before
- Pain started at a different time than usual
⚠️ Pain Between Periods
- Severe pain when you don’t have periods
- Pain during other times of the month
- Pain during urination (peeing)
Conditions That Cause Severe Period Pain
Sometimes, very bad period pain is caused by health problems:
1. Endometriosis
Tissue grows outside the uterus. Causes severe pain.
2. Fibroids
Non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Can cause heavy bleeding and pain.
3. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Hormonal problem. Causes irregular, painful periods.
4. PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
Infection in reproductive organs. Causes severe pain.
Don’t worry! All these can be treated. But you need to see a doctor.
When to See a Doctor – Quick Checklist
See a doctor if:
☑️ Pain stops you from going to school/work
☑️ Pain medicine doesn’t help
☑️ Pain gets worse every month
☑️ You have fever with periods
☑️ Bleeding is very heavy
☑️ You feel something is wrong
Trust your body! If you feel something is not right, talk to a doctor.
How to Talk to Your Doctor
Seeing a doctor about periods can feel shy. But don’t worry! Here’s how to prepare:
Before the visit, note down:
- When did your last period start?
- How many days does it last?
- How heavy is the bleeding? (light/medium/heavy)
- Where exactly does it hurt? (stomach/back/legs)
- How bad is the pain? (Rate 1-10, where 10 is worst)
- What makes it better? What makes it worse?
- Any other symptoms? (fever, vomiting, etc.)
Don’t feel shy! Doctors see period problems every day. They’re there to help you.
Living With Period Pain – Daily Tips
Track Your Periods
Use a diary or phone app to note:
- Period start date
- How many days it lasts
- Pain level each day
- Any other symptoms
Why? This helps you prepare and shows patterns if something is wrong.
Be Prepared
- Keep pain medicine at home
- Have heating pad/hot water bottle ready
- Stock up on good quality pads (Eco Saheli!)
- Keep comfortable clothes clean
Take Care All Month, Not Just During Periods
- Exercise regularly (even 20 minutes walking daily)
- Eat healthy food
- Sleep well every night
- Manage stress
- Drink enough water
Healthy body = easier periods!
Period Pain at School/College
Talk to someone:
- Tell your mother or a female teacher
- They can help you rest if needed
- Keep pain medicine in school bag (if allowed)
- Carry heating pad if possible
Know your rights:
- Some schools allow girls to rest during periods
- You can use the bathroom when needed
- Don’t suffer silently!
Period Pain at Work
Office tips:
- Keep pain medicine in your desk
- Take short breaks if needed
- Use a small heating pad (some are USB powered!)
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Stay hydrated
Many companies now have period leave policies. Check with your HR!
The Bottom Line
Remember:
🌸 Some pain is normal – mild cramps for 2-3 days
🌸 Severe pain is NOT normal – see a doctor
🌸 Many simple remedies help – heat, rest, light exercise
🌸 Good pads make a difference – comfort matters!
🌸 Track your periods – know what’s normal for YOU
🌸 Never suffer silently – ask for help when needed
Eco Saheli Cares About Your Comfort
Period pain is bad enough. Don’t add to it with uncomfortable pads!
Eco Saheli pads are:
- Super soft and gentle
- Ultra-thin for comfort
- Chemical-free (won’t irritate skin)
- Breathable (skin can relax)
- Affordable (₹299 for 24 pads)
When you’re already in pain, at least your pad should be comfortable!