Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) affect up to 80% of women at some point and are one of the most common reasons for time off work or school among young women. While some pain around menstruation is normal, severe pain that disrupts daily life is not something you simply have to endure. A range of medical, complementary and lifestyle approaches can significantly reduce period pain.
See therapies that may helpDysmenorrhoea is classified as primary (period pain without an underlying pathological cause) or secondary (pain caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis).
Primary dysmenorrhoea — the most common form — is caused by prostaglandins produced by the uterine lining, which cause uterine contractions and reduce blood flow to the uterus. Pain typically begins a day or two before the period and improves within 2–3 days of it starting.
Severe or worsening period pain, pain that occurs at times other than menstruation, or pain accompanied by heavy bleeding, should be assessed by a GP to rule out underlying conditions such as endometriosis, which requires specialist management.
Period pain typically involves:
Features suggesting secondary dysmenorrhoea (warranting medical assessment): pain getting progressively worse over time, pain between periods or during sex, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain not responding to standard analgesia.
For primary dysmenorrhoea, a combination of approaches is typically most effective:
If period pain is severe, worsening, or not responding to standard analgesia, see your GP. Ruling out endometriosis or other secondary causes is important, as these require specific treatment. For primary dysmenorrhoea, a physiotherapist, acupuncturist or nutritionist with women's health experience can provide effective complementary support.
Showing 8 therapies linked to Menstrual cramps / painful periods.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist |
moderate
|
Acupuncture may help ease period pain by influencing pain signalling and easing uterine muscle tension during menstruation. |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
moderate
|
CBT can help you manage the distress and disruption of recurring period pain, reframing unhelpful thoughts and improving coping. |
| Herbal Medicine Practitioner |
moderate
|
Certain herbal preparations are traditionally used to relax the uterus and reduce the cramping intensity of painful periods. |
| Massage Therapist |
moderate
|
Massage targeting the lower abdomen and back can relax tense muscles and ease the cramping discomfort of menstruation. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness practice can help you respond more calmly to monthly cramping, reducing how distressing the pain feels. |
| Yoga Therapist |
moderate
|
Gentle yoga postures and breathing may relieve pelvic tension and ease the cramping discomfort of painful periods. |
| Abdominal-Sacral Masseuse |
moderate
|
Abdominal and sacral massage is used as a complementary approach to ease menstrual cramping, alongside rather than instead of professional care. |
| Maya Abdominal Therapist |
limited
|
Maya abdominal therapy is offered as a supportive option for period pain, though evidence is limited and it should complement, not replace, medical care. |
Some degree of period pain is common and normal. Severe pain that prevents you from going to school, work or performing normal activities is not something you simply have to accept. It warrants assessment to rule out underlying conditions such as endometriosis, and active treatment to improve quality of life.
Yes — acupuncture has a reasonable evidence base for primary dysmenorrhoea, with multiple trials showing reduced pain scores and reduced need for analgesia. NICE recommends acupuncture for period pain. A course of treatment before the expected period, as well as during menstruation, tends to produce the best results.
Yes — regular aerobic exercise throughout the month (not just around periods) has evidence for reducing primary dysmenorrhoea. It works through effects on prostaglandins, endorphins and blood flow. Some women find exercise during their period uncomfortable, but gentle movement and yoga can actively reduce cramping.
Yes — diets high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish, flaxseed) and low in inflammatory foods may reduce prostaglandin production and period pain severity. Magnesium-rich foods may reduce uterine cramping. Reducing caffeine and alcohol around menstruation also helps some women.
Period pain that is severe, worsening over time, not responding to standard pain relief, accompanied by heavy bleeding, or occurring outside of menstruation should be assessed by a GP. These features can indicate endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis — conditions that benefit from specific diagnosis and management.