FC-0009 · Women's health28 Sep 2026
Claim
Very severe pain during periods is normal, and there is no need to see a doctor.
VerdictFalse
Can be harmful
Checked against NHS, WHO
Pain during periods is common, but very severe pain is not just something to bear. If the pain is very bad, or painkillers do not help, a doctor should check it.
What experts say
- Pain or cramps before or during periods is common, and it usually lasts up to 3 days.12
- This pain happens because the womb tightens during the period.13
- For some people the pain is very severe, and it can also come at other times in the cycle, even when there is no bleeding.12
- Very painful periods can be caused by a health problem, such as tissue like the womb lining growing outside the womb, growths in the womb, or an infection in the womb, tubes and ovaries.123
- A heat pad or warm bath, gentle exercise like walking or yoga, and common painkillers can ease period pain.123
Why people believe it
Period pain is very common, so many people grow up hearing that all period pain is normal and that girls should just bear it.
What to do
- For usual period pain, try a warm bath, a heat pad on your tummy, gentle walking or yoga, and common painkillers.123
- Keep a diary of your pain and your periods so you can show the doctor what happens and when.3
- See a doctor if the pain is severe, is worse than usual, or stops you doing your daily work.123
- Get medical help quickly if painkillers do not help the pain.1
See a doctor if
- Period pain that is severe or worse than usual, and painkillers have not helped.1
- Period pain that stops you doing your usual daily activities.13
- Pain during sex, or when peeing or pooing.13
- Periods that become more painful, heavier or irregular, or bleeding between periods.1
- A swollen tummy, loss of appetite, or losing weight without trying.1
Sources
Updated 28 Sep 2026
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