When menstruation becomes painful.

Menstruation occurs when the uterus sheds its lining once a month. Some pain, cramping and discomfort during menses is normal. Pain associated with menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. More than half of women who menstruate have some pain for 1 to 2 days each month. Usually, the pain is mild. But for some women, the pain is so severe that it keeps them from doing their normal activities for several days a month.

The causes of painful periods are young age (below 20 years), a family history of painful periods, smoking, early puberty by age 11, never having been pregnant, heavy bleeding with periods and irregular periods. Teens with an ongoing pelvic infection or who have a tight cervix can also experience painful menses. 

Some home remedies for painful periods are massaging the abdomen, eating light, nutritious meals, taking pain killers several days before you expect the period, taking a warm bath, using a heating pad on your pelvic area or back, doing regular physical exercise and taking vitamins and supplements. You can also try raising your legs r lying with your knees bent and reducing sugar, salt, alcohol and caffeine intake which reduces bloating.

If menstrual pain is interfering with your ability to perform basic tasks each month, it may be time to talk to a gynecologist. If you experience at least three painful menstrual periods, pass blood clots, have cramping accompanied by diarrhea and nausea and pelvic pain when not menstruating.

Sudden cramping or pelvic pain could be signs of infection. An untreated infection can cause scar tissue that damages the pelvic organs and may lead to infertility. Seek prompt medical attention if you have fever, severe pelvic pain, sudden pain, especially if you may be pregnant or you have a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

The doctor may do for an ultrasound of the pelvis. Medical treatment may include painkillers, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. If there is an infection, antibiotics will be needed. Hormonal birth control may be used such the combined oral pill.

Do not be worried, as you leave teenage hood, the menses may get less painful. Give it time.