Is your period pain normal? Here's when you should be concerned

Most women experience period pain every month and accept it as a normal part of the menstrual cycle.

Although you can usually alleviate the pain by drinking warm water or eating painkillers, there are times when the pain can get so strong and persistent that it may be a sign of more serious health problems.

According to an article published on Health Plus, here are the seven signs that your period pain is not normal.

THE PAIN WORSENS OVER TIME

By time, we don't mean over the minute, but over the years.

Dr Cynthia Kew, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, wrote, "Some women experience painful periods early in their teens when they first get their periods which isn't caused by an underlying disease. This is referred to as primary dysmenorrhea. However, periods pains which become worse later in life may be caused by diseases or abnormalities of the reproductive system (as mentioned above), and this type of period pain is called secondary dysmenorrhea."

She added that many women often don't realise they have these diseases until they visit a gynae after experiencing difficulties in getting pregnant. But before you panic, these diseases are manageable.

Dr Kew advises that one should speak to a gynae early if they suspect themselves to be experiencing such problems.

YOU EXPERIENCE PELVIC PAIN EVEN WHEN YOU'RE NOT ON YOUR PERIOD

It's normal to experience pain or discomfort around your pelvic region before and for the first few days of your period. But if the pain persists even when you're not on your period, it's time to visit a doctor.

YOUR PERIOD CRAMPS LAST FOR A FEW DAYS

Most period cramps occur during the first three days of your period, and might even start the day before. However, it shouldn't last throughout the duration of your period, which can last between two and seven days.

Dr Kew wrote, "Period pains should not start days before your period, and certainly should NOT still be there after your period ends."

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YOU EXPERIENCE HEAVY AND PROLONGED BLEEDING

As mentioned, menstruation usually lasts between two and seven days. If you've been having a period that lasts for more than seven days, or have been experiencing extremely heavy flow (one that requires you to change your pad or tampon every hour), you gotta see a doctor.

Dr Kew wrote, "Excessive bleeding can cause anaemia, or iron deficiency, and may signal an underlying medical condition."

IT PREVENTS YOU FROM LEADING A NORMAL LIFE

Sometimes, your period cramps are so bad that you have to call in sick - we get it, and have experienced it. But if it gets so bad that you find yourself going on medical leave every time it strikes, you need to consult a doctor.

SEX IS PAINFUL

Dr Kew wrote, "Another possible sign your cramps aren't normal are if you experience pain during sex. Some causes of painful sex are also responsible for abnormally bad period cramps."

YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER SYMPTOMS

If you also experience any these other symptoms in addition to period pain, be sure to consult your gynaecologist about them.

• Irregular cycles
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain at times beside your period
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Feeling bloating or a swelling or mass in the pelvis
• Cramps accompanied by nausea or diarrhoea
• Painful to move your bowels during your period
• Urinary problems during your period

This article was first published in CLEO Singapore.