Period pain

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Period pain

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Rated

4.5

Summary

Period pain can occur at the start of or during your menstrual cycle.
It often feels like cramping in the stomach, and can spread to your back and thighs.
It’s managed with painkillers, or hormonal contraceptives such as the mini pill.

Period pain: essential info
Causes and symptoms
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on February 02, 2026. by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

GMC (No. 4624794)

Next review due on February 02, 2029

Last updated on February 02, 2026

Find the Period pain treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Utovlan

Norethisterone

In stock

A versatile branded pill that helps treat painful periods.

Starting from £36.95

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What is period pain?

Period pain is pain related to the menstrual cycle. It’s often experienced as cramps and can range from a dull ache to sharp stabbing pains. It’s usually at its worst when your bleeding is heaviest, so in the first couple of days of your period. Some women have period pain for a much longer part of their cycle.

Period pain can range from mild to severe. If you have pain that’s severe, or your pain means you struggle to complete your day-to-day activities, you might benefit from treatment.

Who gets period pain?

Anyone can get period pain. It’s more likely if you have certain medical conditions, like endometriosis, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treating these conditions can reduce your period pain.

For some people, it doesn’t have a cause. This is sometimes called primary dysmenorrhoea. It’s more common when you’re younger and often gets better with age.

How common is period pain?

Period pain is very common and most women will experience it at some point in their lives. One study found that 84.1% of young women experienced period pain. 43.1% of women reported pain during every period.^[1] If your period pain is very mild, easily treatable and only lasts one or two days, you probably don’t need treatment for it.

Treated trusted sources:

Grandi, G., et al. (2012). Prevalence of menstrual pain in young women: what is dysmenorrhea? Journal of Pain Research, p.169.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on February 02, 2026. Next review due on February 02, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What causes period pain?

Period pain is caused by chemicals that naturally occur in the body called prostaglandins. Prostaglandin levels are at their highest in the first few days of your period. Prostaglandins narrow the blood vessels that lead to the uterus and cause excess contractions. Although this helps to get the blood out, it leads to less blood flowing to the uterus and higher levels of pain.^[1]

Can period pain lead to other problems?

Period pain itself cannot lead to serious complications. In some cases, people experience symptoms such as nausea and headaches during their periods. This may be due to the prostaglandins which are highest at the beginning of your period, as they’ve been shown to cause sickness.^[2] But this shouldn’t cause any problems. You can treat it yourself by taking over the counter painkillers and staying hydrated.

How do I know if my period pain is normal?

If you have symptoms of an underlying condition, you should see a clinician. Once you have ruled out your period pain being caused by a condition like endometriosis, fibroids or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), whether your period pain needs treatment is mostly up to you.

If you have tried treating it yourself but you are still in a high level of pain or are unable to do your daily activities as normal, you may need some help. Treatment can also help if your period pain lasts for longer than the one to two days that’s generally considered normal.

Treated trusted sources:

Barcikowska, Z., et al. (2020). Inflammatory Markers in Dysmenorrhea and Therapeutic Options. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), p.1191.
Pecchi, E., et al. (2009). Prostaglandins and sickness behavior: Old story, new insights. Physiology & Behavior, 97(3-4), pp.279-292.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on February 02, 2026. Next review due on February 02, 2029.

How we source info.

What medications are there for period pain?

There are two main methods for treating period pain with medication. The first is to treat the symptoms with painkillers. Over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can provide some relief from painful periods. Tranexamic acid is also available from your pharmacy without prescription. More powerful painkillers can have side effects and aren’t a good choice to use often.

The other option for period pain medication is to limit the hormonal changes that cause the pain. This can be achieved with hormonal contraceptives, such as the mini pill, the injection, the implant or the IUS (intrauterine system). These work through the use of a progestin, a lab made chemical which works like the female hormone progesterone. This thins the lining of the uterus, so there is shorter bleeding and fewer contractions needed.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for period pain?

Utovlan (active ingredient norethisterone) is a contraceptive that comes as a tablet. It’s especially effective for treating period pain and it doesn’t need to be used as a contraceptive to treat pain effectively. You just need to take a 5mg dose three times a day for three or four cycles from day 5 to day 24 of your cycle.^[1]You will usually experience bleeding once you stop taking the tablets, but it should be lighter and less painful.

It’s not effective as a contraceptive when it’s used this way, so it may be a better choice than other oral contraceptives, the implant, the injection or the IUS if you’re trying to get pregnant. But if you don’t want to get pregnant, you should use an extra form of contraception like a condom.

Does period pain always need treatment?

Before you try prescription treatment for period pain, you may want to try self help measures instead. There are lots of things which can help reduce period pain that you can try yourself at home.

Using an over the counter painkiller like ibuprofen or aspirin. Your clinician may be able to prescribe you a stronger painkiller if these don’t work well enough;
Using heating pads, hot water bottles or taking a warm bath;
Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming. Although exercise might be the last thing on your mind, it’s one of the most effective self-care methods;^[2]
Massaging your stomach where the pain is, or your lower back;
Quitting smoking if you smoke. Smoking may increase period pain (possibly because it damages circulation);
Wear loose-fitting clothing around your period. Tight clothing across the stomach may worsen pain.

Treated trusted sources:

NICE. (2021). Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management.
Armour, M., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of self-care and lifestyle interventions in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1).

How we source info.

FAQ: Period pain

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is period pain diagnosed?

Answer:

There aren’t any tests for period pain. You’re the only one who can tell if the pain is too much. If you feel like your period pain is too intense, lasts for too long or interferes with your daily life, you can get treatment. You can just tell us about your symptoms and we’ll let you know your options.

Are there different causes of period pain?

Answer:

Yes. Sometimes, period pain is caused by another condition. It’s most commonly caused by diseases such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and adenomyosis. It can also have no specific cause. Some people just seem to have higher levels of period pain, although it often improves as you get older.

Can you get side effects from period pain treatment?

Answer:

All hormonal contraceptives come with a chance of causing side effects, but most of them are mild. You might experience symptoms like sore breasts, nausea or headaches. Contact your clinician if they’re bothering you. Another treatment for painful periods might be better if your side effects are severe.

Does period pain treatment always work?

Answer:

There are many different treatments to combat period pain. If you’ve tried different self-care techniques, different medications and still seen no improvement, you should speak to a clinician. There could be an underlying condition causing your pain. If you want to know what options are available and might be right for you, you just have to tell us about your health.

Why should I buy period pain treatment online with Treated?

Answer:

When your period pain is bad, you probably don’t want to leave your bed. At Treated, we can make that happen. If you order your prescription with us, we’ll deliver it right on time, and straight to your doorstep. If you want to hear about your options, just chat to us about your health.

Using our service also gets you access to our expert aftercare. Our team of clinicians are always here to help with your questions or concerns. Just log into your account and send us a message. We’ll be in touch with you about your period pain to make sure treatment is working.

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Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Ms Sanjeda Chowdhury

Superintendent Pharmacist + Independent Prescriber

Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

Mr Craig Marsh

Independent Prescriber

Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

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