Someone with period cramps has pain in the lower belly or back. The pain may start right before a period begins and continue for the first few days of a period. Although period cramps are common, they can be so bad that they keep you from going to school, studying, or sleeping.

Health care providers usually treat period cramps with pain relievers taken by mouth. If needed, they might prescribe birth control pills ("the Pill"). The Pill can help balance hormones and make cramps less severe.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for:
  • Taking any prescribed medicine.
  • Taking medicine available at the pharmacy without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®, or a store brand). These medicines work best if they are given when the cramps first start.
• You can try a heating pad on your belly or back to help with cramps.
• Be physically active as much as possible. Being active may make cramps less severe.
• If you are on birth control pills and sexually active, use condoms every time you have sex to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs).

You have:

• Cramps that do not get better after you follow your health care provider's instructions
• Vaginal discharge that is different from usual; for example, it is heavier, a different color, or has a bad smell
• Cramps or belly pain between periods

What causes period cramps? Period cramps are caused by chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. These chemicals make the muscles of the uterus tighten. This causes pain in the lower belly and sometimes the back. Medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen help stop prostaglandins from being made.

Are there any other symptoms that come with period cramps? Sometimes, someone with cramps may also feel nauseated, throw up, have diarrhea, have a headache, or feel tired and dizzy.

Will I need any testing? Usually, no other testing is needed. Your health care provider may order an ultrasound if the symptoms don't get better with medicines.