Period pain · For ages 13–17
Why is my period so painful?
Period pain is common, but severe pain that affects everyday life deserves to be taken seriously.
What happens?
The uterus contracts during a period
During a period, the uterus contracts. This helps the body shed the uterine lining and may cause aching or cramps in the lower abdomen.
The pain may also be felt in the lower back or down the legs. Some people feel nauseated, dizzy, tired or have headaches.
Treatments are available. If the pain is severe, lasts a long time, occurs outside your periods or affects school, sleep or usual activities, it should be assessed by a doctor.
Learn more
Which describes what you have noticed?
Choose the option that fits best to see guidance on what you can do next.
Period pain can hurt without necessarily meaning something is wrong. Heat and suitable pain relief may help. Notice whether the pain becomes stronger or begins to affect your daily life.
Cramps occur when the uterine muscles contract to shed the lining. Try comfortable warmth, rest or gentle movement according to what helps. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional about pain relief suitable for you.
Pay attention to whether symptoms increase or treatment is not working well enough. Being able to attend school does not mean you must wait to ask for relief.
Pain that repeatedly prevents you from attending school or doing normal activities deserves further assessment. Tell a school nurse or doctor exactly how it affects you.
Repeated absence is a clear example of pain affecting your ability to function. Explain how often you are absent, whether it affects sleep and what you have tried.
Ask for both treatment and a follow-up plan. Some people have severe period pain without another condition, while others need assessment for conditions such as endometriosis. You do not need to know which explanation fits before asking for help.
Helsenorge recommends speaking with a doctor about pain at times other than your period.
Pain in the same area may come from the reproductive organs, urinary tract or bowel. Describe the timing, any symptoms related to using the toilet and whether the pain is on one side or in several locations.
Looking at the full pattern is more useful than assuming everything is caused by menstruation. Follow the urgent care advice on this page if you develop sudden severe pain or become acutely unwell.
Pain during sex can have several causes and is not something you should force yourself to endure. You can get help understanding why it happens.
Notice whether the pain is near the vaginal opening or deeper in the abdomen. Irritation, muscle tension and other conditions may cause different symptoms. Stop or take a break from activities that hurt.
You can ask for an assessment at a youth health clinic or from your GP. A conversation can be the first step. You do not need to push through pain or continue sexual activity to determine the cause.
What can you do now?
Consider noting where the pain is, when it occurs, how long it lasts, what you have tried and what it prevents you from doing.
If pain keeps you home from school, disrupts your sleep or forces you to miss activities, book an appointment with your GP. A school nurse can also help you describe your symptoms.
Find the words you need
Create a short message you can say, show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or a doctor.
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