Is Your Period Pain Normal? Doctor Explains Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

For generations, period pain has been brushed off as an inevitable part of womanhood, something to be endured, not examined. Countless women have grown up believing that doubling over in pain every month is just usual, often met with scepticism or silence when they voice their discomfort. However, all period pain is not normal and needs to be taken care of. While some level of cramping during menstruation is common, pain that disrupts your daily life is not something to normalise or ignore.

In fact, severe menstrual pain can be a red flag pointing to underlying health issues that not only affect the quality of life but can also impact long-term fertility. Recognising the difference between typical period cramps and problematic pain is key to early diagnosis and effective treatment. In conversation with Jagran English, Dr Muskaan Chhabra, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar, shares the medical reasons behind intense menstrual pain and its diagnosis.

When To Worry About Period Pain?

Mild cramping in the initial days of a period is typically caused by prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that help the uterus shed its lining. Dr Muskaan Chhabra says, “This kind of discomfort tends to be short-lived and manageable. But if your period pain forces you to miss school or work, causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stops you from going about your day, it may be time to dig deeper.” Pain that severe is often your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong.

Unfortunately, many people never seek help, either because they are told it is just how periods are, or because they are dismissed when they do try. This leads to delayed diagnoses and prolonged suffering, both physically and emotionally.

Not All Period Pain Are Normal (Image Credits: Canva)

Causes Of Period Pain

There are several gynaecological conditions that can result in excessive or debilitating period pain.  Dr Muskaan Chhabra states, “One of the most common is endometriosis, where tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and often, deep pelvic pain that worsens over time.”

Another condition is adenomyosis, which occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall. It typically leads to painful, heavy periods. She adds, “Then there are fibroids that are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, which may lead to increased pressure, cramping, and bleeding.”

Infections can also play a role. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections and can result in long-term pelvic pain if not addressed early. Dr Muskaan Chhabra states, “Even hormonal imbalances can make period cramps more severe by increasing the frequency and strength of uterine contractions.”

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Ignoring persistent period pain doesn’t just affect your quality of life but can also affect your fertility too.  Dr Muskaan Chhabra mentions, “Conditions like endometriosis or PID, when undiagnosed or untreated, can cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. Some women live with chronic pain for years, cycling through various treatments without ever receiving a clear diagnosis.”

That is why recognising the signs and seeking timely medical advice is so important. A fertility specialist can help identify the underlying cause and discuss treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the diagnosis.

The idea that women should simply bear the pain is outdated. Menstrual health deserves the same attention and seriousness as any other aspect of healthcare. It is time we moved past the stigma, listened to women when they describe their pain, and responded with empathy and clinical rigour.

Just because something is common does not mean it is normal. The sooner we unlearn that, the closer we come to ensuring that every woman receives the care and relief she deserves.

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