Menstrual Pain (Periods & Cramps) |

TeenThreads Girls’ Health: Menstrual Pain (Periods & Cramps)

Government Guide: Period Problems (Office on Women’s Health)

TeenThreads mission: No shame. No fear. Just facts + power — so girls can understand period pain, spot red flags, and get help early.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If pain or bleeding is severe, sudden, or scary, get help right away.

Quick Jump

What Menstrual Pain Is
Normal vs Not-Normal (Red Flags)
Different Types of Periods
Different Types of Period Pain
Why It Happens (Primary vs Secondary)
How to Manage Pain (Realistic, Safe Steps)
When to See a Clinician
Diagnosis & Tests
Medical Treatments
Trusted Resources (Active Links)
40-Question Quiz + Answers

Menstrual Pain in Girls: What It Is

Menstrual pain is often called dysmenorrhea. It usually feels like cramps or aching in the lower belly, and it can also cause back pain,
nausea, diarrhea, or headaches. Many girls feel some discomfort, but pain that regularly disrupts school, sleep, sports, or daily life is a signal to check in.

Trusted basics (government/medical library):
MedlinePlus – Period Pain (Menstrual Cramps)
Office on Women’s Health – Period Problems (includes dysmenorrhea)

Normal vs Not-Normal: How to Tell

Often Normal (Common, Still Uncomfortable)

Mild to moderate cramps for 1–2 days
Cramps that improve with heat, rest, and over-the-counter pain medicine used correctly
Some mood changes or bloating around the period
Cycles that are a bit irregular during the first couple years after the first period

Concerning (Red Flags to Get Checked)

Pain so strong you miss school, sports, or sleep often
Pain that gets worse over time, or starts suddenly after being mild for months
Severe pain with fever, fainting, or vomiting you can’t control
Bleeding between periods, or pain during sex (if sexually active)
Very heavy bleeding (see “Different Types of Periods” below)

Office on Women’s Health – Your Menstrual Cycle (tracking pain/bleeding that disrupts life)

Different Types of Periods (Bleeding Patterns)

Periods can look different for different girls. What matters most is noticing your pattern and spotting changes.

Common Period Types Girls Talk About

Light flow: fewer pads/tampons, little to moderate bleeding
Moderate flow: steady bleeding that changes across days
Heavy flow: lots of bleeding or frequent pad/tampon changes
Short periods: a few days
Long periods: lasts many days
Irregular periods: timing changes a lot (more common early after first period)
Spotting: small bleeding between periods (often worth checking if it repeats)

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: What Counts as “Heavy”

Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days can be heavy
Needing a new pad/tampon very often (for example, in less than 2 hours) can be a sign
Passing large clots or feeling dizzy/faint may be a sign to get checked

CDC – About Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
CDC – Bleeding Disorders in Tweens and Teens (heavy periods)

Different Types of Period Pain (What It Can Feel Like)

Not all menstrual pain feels the same. Naming your pain helps you describe it clearly to a trusted adult or clinician.

Cramping pain: squeezing or “waves” in the lower belly (most common)
Aching pain: dull, heavy soreness in pelvis or lower belly
Back pain: lower back aches during period days
Leg pain: cramps that radiate into thighs
Stabbing/sharp pain: more intense, sometimes linked to underlying causes (worth checking if frequent)
GI symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset during cramps
Headaches/migraines: some girls get headaches linked to hormonal changes

MedlinePlus Encyclopedia – Painful Menstrual Periods

Why It Happens: Primary vs Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Menstrual cramps are often caused by the uterus contracting. Sometimes that’s the whole story (primary dysmenorrhea). Other times, an underlying condition
may be involved (secondary dysmenorrhea). The goal is not to self-diagnose — it’s to know when pain deserves a closer look.

Primary dysmenorrhea (common in teens): period pain without another pelvic disease; often begins within a few years after the first period.
Secondary dysmenorrhea: period pain linked to another condition (for example, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease), more likely when pain is severe, worsening, or starts later.

Office on Women’s Health – Period Problems (primary vs secondary dysmenorrhea)
ACOG – Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods (patient FAQ)

How to Manage Menstrual Pain (Safe, Teen-Realistic)

1) Start with “comfort + calm” tools

Heat: heating pad or warm bath on the lower belly/back
Gentle movement: walking, stretching, light yoga (if it feels okay)
Hydration + simple meals: small meals can help nausea
Sleep support: earlier bedtime and screen wind-down

2) Over-the-counter pain medicine (use safely)

Some people use anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to reduce cramps.
Always follow the label and use only what is recommended for your age/weight.
If you have asthma, kidney problems, stomach ulcers, or are on other medicines, ask a clinician/pharmacist first.

3) Track your cycle (it’s a power move)

Track: start date, end date, flow level, pain level (0–10), clots, dizziness, missed school, medicines used
Bring your notes to appointments (it helps clinicians treat you faster and more accurately)

Office on Women’s Health – Your Menstrual Cycle (tracking symptoms)
MedlinePlus – Period Pain (overview)

When to See a Clinician (Do Not “Just Tough It Out”)

Make an appointment soon if:

You miss school, sports, or sleep because of cramps
Pain is getting worse month-to-month
You have very heavy bleeding, large clots, or periods longer than 7 days
You feel dizzy, faint, very tired, or look pale (possible anemia)
You have bleeding between periods, or unusual discharge/fever

CDC – Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (when it may need evaluation)
CDC – Heavy Periods in Teens (bleeding disorders info)

Diagnosis & Tests (What a Visit Might Include)

Diagnosis usually starts with your symptom story and your cycle tracking. Depending on your symptoms, a clinician may recommend:

Medical history questions (pain timing, flow, clots, missed school, family history)
Physical exam (sometimes, depending on age and symptoms)
Blood tests (for anemia/iron levels or other causes)
Pregnancy test (if sexually active and there’s a chance)
Urine tests, STI testing, or imaging (like ultrasound) if needed

Medical Treatments (When Home Steps Aren’t Enough)

If cramps are disrupting your life, there are real treatments. A clinician might suggest:

Anti-inflammatory pain treatment plans (timing matters; your clinician can guide you)
Hormonal options (some methods can reduce cramps and heavy bleeding)
Treating the cause if there is a condition like endometriosis or an infection
Iron treatment if heavy bleeding has caused iron deficiency/anemia
School accommodations for severe symptoms (nurse visits, bathroom access, flexible testing)

ACOG – Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods (treatment overview)
Office on Women’s Health – Period Problems (treatment and when to get help)

Trusted Resources (Active Links)

Menstrual Pain Quiz (40 Questions + Answers)

Use these for learning, classroom health activities, or self-check. Answers are short and practical.

Q: What is dysmenorrhea?
A: The medical term for painful periods.
Q: What does period cramp pain usually feel like?
A: Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower belly.
Q: Can teens have strong cramps even if they are healthy?
A: Yes, primary dysmenorrhea is common in teens.
Q: What is one common “non-medicine” relief tool for cramps?
A: Heat (heating pad or warm bath).
Q: What is a power move for managing periods long-term?
A: Tracking your cycle and symptoms.
Q: Are cramps the same thing as PMS?
A: No. Cramps are pain; PMS is a group of symptoms before a period.
Q: What is “primary” dysmenorrhea?
A: Period pain without another pelvic disease.
Q: What is “secondary” dysmenorrhea?
A: Period pain caused by another condition that may need treatment.
Q: If cramps keep you home from school often, is that a red flag?
A: Yes. It’s a reason to talk to a clinician.
Q: Name one period pain symptom besides belly cramps.
A: Back pain, nausea, diarrhea, or headache.
Q: What does “heavy menstrual bleeding” mean in general?
A: Bleeding that is heavier/longer than typical and may require medical evaluation.
Q: Why can heavy bleeding be risky?
A: It can cause iron deficiency/anemia.
Q: What is anemia in simple words?
A: Not enough healthy red blood cells/hemoglobin to carry oxygen well.
Q: Name one possible sign of anemia from heavy periods.
A: Dizziness, fatigue, fainting, or looking pale.
Q: What is one reason to avoid guessing the cause of severe period pain?
A: Some causes need medical treatment and testing.
Q: What is one helpful thing to tell a clinician about your cramps?
A: When the pain starts, how long it lasts, and pain level (0–10).
Q: Why does tracking clots matter if you have them?
A: It helps clinicians assess heavy bleeding and possible causes.
Q: Are irregular periods common in the first years after the first period?
A: Yes, cycles can be irregular early on.
Q: Can stress affect period symptoms?
A: Yes, stress can worsen pain and other symptoms.
Q: Can sleep problems make pain feel worse?
A: Yes, poor sleep can lower pain tolerance.
Q: What does “spotting” mean?
A: Light bleeding between periods.
Q: Is repeated spotting worth discussing with a clinician?
A: Yes, especially if it repeats or comes with pain.
Q: What is one safe first step when cramps begin?
A: Heat + rest + hydration, and consider approved pain relief if appropriate.
Q: Should you take more medicine than the label recommends to “knock out” cramps?
A: No. Follow the label and ask a clinician/pharmacist if unsure.
Q: Can gentle movement help cramps for some people?
A: Yes, walking/stretching can help.
Q: What is one reason to reduce screens before bed during your period week?
A: Better sleep can help mood and pain tolerance.
Q: Is period pain always “just normal” no matter how bad it is?
A: No. Severe or disabling pain should be evaluated.
Q: What is one “life impact” sign that cramps are too much?
A: Missing school, sports, or social life.
Q: Name one test a clinician might do if bleeding is heavy.
A: A blood test to check iron/anemia, and other labs as needed.
Q: If a teen is sexually active, what might a clinician consider when cramps are severe?
A: Pregnancy and STI-related causes (testing may be needed).
Q: What is one “sharp pain” clue that may need evaluation?
A: Stabbing pain that is intense, worsening, or different from usual cramps.
Q: What does it mean when pain is “worsening over time”?
A: Each cycle hurts more or lasts longer than before.
Q: Can hormonal treatments sometimes reduce cramps and heavy bleeding?
A: Yes, a clinician may discuss options.
Q: If you feel embarrassed talking about cramps, what’s a good tip?
A: Write your symptoms/questions down first.
Q: What is a “symptom diary”?
A: Notes on dates, flow, pain, and other symptoms over time.
Q: Where can you find trusted government period health info?
A: Office on Women’s Health and CDC.
Q: Where can you find reliable medical-library info?
A: MedlinePlus.
Q: Where can you find low-cost clinics in the U.S.?
A: HRSA’s Find a Health Center tool.
Q: What is the TeenThreads bottom line on period pain?
A: Some discomfort can be common, but disabling pain is not something you have to “just live with.”

TeenThreads Final Word

Menstrual pain is real. You deserve support, options, and respect. If cramps control your life, that is a health reason to get help — not a weakness.

Last updated: February 5, 2026

TeenThreads note: This page is curated for girls and adolescent girls. If symptoms are severe or changing fast, seek urgent medical care.

TeenThreads Content Team