Painful periods in Hitchin: GP advice on when to get help

By Dr Farha Manga (DFSRH), GP in Hitchin

‍Women of all ages can suffer from painful periods. Many women, especially those who have had painful periods from a young age, suffer in silence because periods are seen as a natural part of a woman’s life. However, painful periods can often negatively impact a woman’s quality of life.

In my work as a GP, I often see how common this is, and many women have tried to cope alone for a long time.

Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea): what it means

Period pains are known as dysmenorrhoea. It is caused by your womb contracting during your period.Dysmenorrhoea can be classified as primary and secondary.Primary dysmenorrhoea is when there is no underlying health issue causing the period pain and secondary dysmenorrhoea is when there may be an underlying health issue that is causing the period pain, which may occur later in life.

A common misunderstanding I hear

Yes, periods are a natural phenomenon, but it does not mean that you have to put up with the pain every month. Period pains can be debilitating for some, and if it is getting in the way of you being able to carry on with your normal day to day activities, it is time to seek help.

Periods may be a normal part of a woman’s life, but period pains does not have to be.

Key symptoms to look out for

In primary dysmenorrhoea, the main symptom is a cramping pain that usually comes just before or as your period starts. The pain may also be felt in your lower back or thighs.

In secondary dysmenorrhoea, you may notice a change in your period pains where they become more painful or last longer. You may experience pain outside of your period as well. There may also be a change in the bleeding pattern where they become heavier, irregular, or there is bleeding in between cycles. Some women may also have painful sex, bleeding after sex, painful urination, or bowel movement.

What you can do, and when to book an appointment

For mild period pains, a hot water bottle, exercise, and pain control over the counter such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help.

If your period pains are becoming difficult to manage and are getting in the way of your day to day activity, or you notice a change in your period pains with other symptoms, it is time to seek help from your GP.

If your period pains are not manageable with over the counter measures, you may need further assessment, particularly if the pattern of the pain has changed or it is accompanied by other symptoms. You can book an appointment at Mayfield Clinic in Hitchin with me to discuss this further.

I have an interest in Women’s health and have done the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH).