Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as menstrual cramps, period pain.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Period pain is cramping in the lower abdomen around menstruation — very common and usually harmless in young women, caused by natural womb contractions. Pain that is worsening over the years, severe enough to stop daily life, or new in adulthood may signal conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, and deserves proper assessment rather than silent endurance.
Symptoms
Cramping lower abdominal pain before or during periods
Anti-inflammatory pain relief recommended by a pharmacist or doctor — started at the first sign of pain — plus warmth on the abdomen, gentle exercise and rest manage most period pain. Hormonal options prescribed by a doctor reliably reduce severe cramps. Pain that worsens over time or fails these measures needs investigation for an underlying cause.
See a doctor urgently if
Pain severe enough to miss school or work each month
Period pain that keeps getting worse over the years
Pain with heavy bleeding or large clots
New severe period pain after age 25
Pain with fever or unusual discharge
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)?
Early signs often include cramping lower abdominal pain before or during periods, pain radiating to the lower back or thighs, nausea or vomiting with the pain. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea) be treated?
Anti-inflammatory pain relief recommended by a pharmacist or doctor — started at the first sign of pain — plus warmth on the abdomen, gentle exercise and rest manage most period pain. Hormonal options prescribed by a doctor reliably reduce severe cramps. Pain that worsens over time or fails these measures needs investigation for an underlying cause.
When should I see a doctor about Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: pain severe enough to miss school or work each month; period pain that keeps getting worse over the years; pain with heavy bleeding or large clots; new severe period pain after age 25; pain with fever or unusual discharge.