Missing school, work, or family activities because of period pain is a reason to seek help. At Davie ObGyn, we can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment that fits your health and pregnancy plans.
Understanding Painful Menstrual Cramps
What causes painful periods?
The medical term is dysmenorrhea. Some cramps occur because natural chemicals make the uterus contract to release its lining—like a muscle squeezing.
Other period pain comes from a condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids.
Symptoms that deserve attention
- Cramps that keep you from normal activities.
- Pain that is getting worse over time.
- Pain that starts well before bleeding or lasts afterward.
- Pain during sex or bowel movements.
- Heavy bleeding along with cramps.
When to get urgent care: Sudden severe pain, fainting, fever, or pain with possible pregnancy needs urgent assessment. Do not assume it is a routine period.
ACOG explains painful periods and common causes.
Why an in-person evaluation matters
Home care may ease symptoms without identifying the cause. An office visit allows us to review your pattern of pain, examine you when appropriate, and decide whether ultrasound or testing would help.
What Happens at Your Appointment?
- Discuss your cycle: Tell us when pain begins, how long it lasts, and what you have tried.
- Review your medical history: Include birth control, medications, and pregnancy goals.
- Consider a focused exam and testing: Pregnancy or infection testing may be appropriate. On-site ultrasound can assess some underlying causes.
- Build a relief plan: We explain the treatment and when to check back.
A normal ultrasound does not exclude endometriosis. Symptoms may still guide further evaluation.
Options for Period Pain Relief
- Supportive care: Heat, gentle exercise, and adequate rest may help.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Medicines such as ibuprofen can help selected patients, but may be unsuitable with certain kidney, stomach, bleeding, or pregnancy-related concerns.
- Hormonal treatment: Certain pills, IUDs, or other hormonal methods may reduce cramps.
- Treatment of an underlying condition: Persistent pain may require targeted care or specialist evaluation.
Your physician can advise whether starting medication before expected cramps would help. ACOG reviews treatment for menstrual pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much period pain is too much?
Pain that repeatedly limits your activities or requires you to stay in bed deserves evaluation.
Can birth control help even if I do not need contraception?
Yes. Some hormonal methods are also used to reduce menstrual pain.
Do severe cramps always mean endometriosis?
No. There are several possible causes, and symptoms alone do not confirm the diagnosis.
What if over-the-counter medication does not help?
Schedule an evaluation rather than repeatedly increasing the dose on your own.
Period Care Centered on Your Comfort
Davie ObGyn offers board-certified care for patients in Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and Pembroke Pines. On-site ultrasound is available when it may help guide your care.
For an emergency, call 911. Not sure what you need? See our patient resource center.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.