15 June 2025

Painful Periods

Experiencing pain before or at the start of menstruation is common for many women. Varying in intensity, the pain usually doesn’t last long but can interfere with daily life when it occurs.1;2

Headaches
Les règles douloureuses, qu'est-ce que c'est ?

What are painful periods?¹

Known as dysmenorrhea, painful periods are a common phenomenon affecting 1 in 2 women.

Premenstrual syndrome often precedes painful periods: headaches, bloating, irritability, tender breasts…

The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen but can also extend to the back, kidneys, and thighs. The intensity varies between women: for some, it’s mild discomfort; for others, the pain is more intense. In more severe cases, it may be accompanied by migraines, nausea, or vomiting.

When do painful periods occur? ¹

These pains sometimes start a little before menstruation but usually last only 1 to 2 days. They may recur each cycle.

Painful periods can begin in adolescence with the first periods (primary dysmenorrhea), caused by an excess of prostaglandins, which increase the contractility and tone of the uterine muscle abnormally. They can also appear later in adulthood (secondary dysmenorrhea).

Secondary dysmenorrhea may result from conditions like endometriosis or ovarian disorders and requires medical consultation.

How to relieve painful periods? ³

Here are a few tips:

If it’s a first episode, you can ask your pharmacist for advice.

Initial treatment usually includes pain relief medication (analgesics) such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. ² If the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor.

Simple measures can also help relieve the pain:

  • Apply a heat source to your abdomen, like a hot water bottle
  • Take a warm shower or bath

Gentle exercise like walking or massaging the abdomen can also help

Références

1. AMELI. Occurrence of pain during menstruation, 2022. Available at: https://www.ameli.fr/hauts-de-seine/assure/sante/themes/regles-douloureuses/douleurs-regles (accessed February 17, 2023).

2. VIDAL. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea), 2021. Available at: https://eurekasante.vidal.fr/maladies/sexualite-contraception/regles-douloureuses-dysmenorrhees.html (accessed February 17, 2023).

3. AMELI. Menstrual pain: what to do to get relief? 2022. Available at: https://www.ameli.fr/hauts-de-seine/assure/sante/themes/regles-douloureuses/que-faire-quand-consulter (accessed February 17, 2023).

All advice