Periodos
Period pain and cramps
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraCramps are very common, especially in the first days of a period. Here is why they happen, what helps, and when pain is a reason to get checked.
Why periods can hurt
During a period, the womb (uterus) squeezes to help push out its lining. Chemicals called prostaglandins, made by the womb, make its muscle tighten and relax, and this is what you feel as cramps. Some people make more prostaglandins than others, which is one reason pain varies so much. More than half of people who have periods get some pain. When there is no other health problem behind it, period pain often starts in the first years after periods begin and tends to ease with age.
What it usually feels like
Period pain is usually felt as cramps in the lower tummy that can spread to the lower back and thighs. Some people feel a dull, constant ache; others get sharp waves of pain. It often starts just before or at the start of a period and usually lasts up to 3 days. Having periods that are longer or heavier, starting periods before age 11, smoking and high stress are all linked to more pain.
What helps at home
Heat is one of the simplest things to try: a heat pad or hot water bottle on your tummy, or a warm bath or shower. Gentle movement such as walking, swimming, cycling or yoga can ease cramps for some people, even if it is the last thing you feel like doing. A gentle massage of the tummy and lower back, relaxation techniques such as meditation, and cutting down on alcohol and smoking may also help.
Medicines that can help
Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen relieve most period pain. Taking them as soon as your period starts may control pain better than waiting until it is bad. Paracetamol is another option. Read the leaflet and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure a medicine is right for you. If pain is still strong, a doctor can prescribe other anti-inflammatory medicines, or hormonal contraception such as the pill, implant, injection or a hormonal IUD (coil), which thins the womb lining and often makes periods lighter and less painful.
When pain has another cause
Sometimes period pain comes from a health condition, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease. An IUD (coil) can also make periods more painful for some people. Pain from these causes often gets worse over time instead of better, may start later in life, and can come with other symptoms such as heavy or irregular bleeding or pain during sex. Logging your cramps and bleeding in Ciclo for a few cycles can help you show a doctor when the pain comes and how long it lasts.
When to see a doctor or nurse
Book an appointment if painkillers and self-care do not help, if pain stops you working, studying or sleeping, or if your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular. Also get checked if you are over 25 and get severe cramps for the first time, if you have pain when you are not on your period, pain during sex or when you pee, or a fever with period pain. Get urgent medical help the same day if your pain is severe or much worse than usual and painkillers have not helped.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. If your period pain is severe or changes, talk to a doctor or nurse.