Period Pain Relief: What Helps and When to See a Doctor
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 5 November 2026
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Period pain is best eased with heat on your tummy, gentle exercise and an anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen or naproxen, taken as the leaflet says as soon as the pain starts. Some pain is normal. Pain that stops you living your life is not, and is worth checking. In Spain, period pain is called dolor menstrual or dolor de regla. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
- Period pain comes from chemicals that make the womb tighten. It usually lasts 1 to 3 days.
- Heat, a warm bath, massage and moving about all help.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen) often work better than paracetamol. Follow the leaflet.
- Hormonal contraception can reduce pain and bleeding.
- See a doctor if pain gets worse over the years, sex hurts or you bleed between periods. It may be endometriosis.
- Go to A&E if pain is sudden and severe, or you have a fever, faint, or a positive pregnancy test.
Why do periods hurt?
During a period, the womb makes chemicals called prostaglandins. They make it tighten to shed its lining. This causes cramping pain low in the tummy that can spread to the back or thighs. It usually starts just before or as bleeding begins. It is most common in the teens and often eases with age or after having a baby. The medical name is dysmenorrhoea.
How can I ease period pain at home?
- Put a hot water bottle or heat pad on your tummy, wrapped in a towel.
- Have a warm bath or shower.
- Gently rub your tummy and lower back.
- Do gentle exercise: walking, swimming, yoga or cycling.
- Cut down on alcohol and do not smoke.
What is the best painkiller for period pain?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen often work best, because they block prostaglandins. They work better when taken as the pain starts. Some packs are sold without a prescription in Spanish pharmacies. Your dose is set by the leaflet or your doctor; ask your pharmacist. Paracetamol is an option if you cannot take anti-inflammatories.
Check with a doctor first if you have asthma that gets worse with these medicines, a stomach ulcer or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant.
Does the pill help period pain?
Yes. The combined pill, the implant, the injection or a hormonal coil can make periods lighter and less painful. A doctor helps you choose based on your health, age and wishes. Read more about contraception in Spain. A copper coil, on the other hand, can make pain worse for the first few months.
Can I delay my period?
Sometimes, for example for a trip or an exam, but you need to plan ahead. If you take the combined pill, you can sometimes start the next pack without a break. Check your pill's leaflet or ask a doctor, because not every pill allows this. If you do not use hormonal contraception, there are prescription medicines that delay a period. A doctor decides if they are right for you after checking your risks, such as blood clots. You may still get some spotting.
When is period pain not normal?
Pain that starts years after your first period, gets worse over time or does not ease with painkillers may have another cause:
- Endometriosis: tissue like the womb lining grows outside the womb. It causes bad period pain, pain during sex and sometimes trouble getting pregnant.
- Adenomyosis: that tissue grows into the wall of the womb, with heavy, painful periods.
- Fibroids: non-cancerous growths in the womb.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: an infection of the womb, tubes or ovaries, often with fever or unusual discharge.
If the pain is on one side and not during your period, see our guide to ovary pain.
In Spanish: what to ask for at the farmacia
Ask for ibuprofeno or naproxeno for dolor de regla. A hot water bottle is a bolsa de agua caliente. The pharmacist can tell you which packs need a prescription (receta).
When to see a doctor
- Pain stops you studying, working or doing daily things.
- Periods get more painful, heavier or irregular.
- You have pain during sex, when peeing or when pooing.
- You bleed between periods or after sex.
- Your tummy is swollen, you lose your appetite or you lose weight without trying.
When to go to A&E or call 112
- Sudden, severe pain low in the tummy.
- Pain with a late period or a positive pregnancy test. It may be an ectopic pregnancy.
- Fever, chills or smelly discharge.
- Feeling very dizzy, fainting, or pain at the tip of the shoulder.
- Bleeding so heavy it soaks a pad every hour.
If you faint or the pain is unbearable, call 112.
Frequently asked questions about period pain
How long does period pain last?
It usually lasts 1 to 3 days, starting just before or as bleeding begins. If it lasts longer or gets worse, see a doctor.
Is it normal for periods to hurt a lot?
Some pain is common. Pain that stops your daily life or does not ease with painkillers is not normal and should be checked.
Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together for period pain?
They can be combined in some cases, but follow the leaflets and ask a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take other medicines.
Could my period pain be endometriosis?
It could be if the pain is severe, gets worse over the years or comes with pain during sex. It is diagnosed from your history and tests such as an ultrasound.
Can a doctor help with period pain by video?
Yes. A doctor goes over your symptoms, advises on treatment and tells you if you need an ultrasound or an exam in person.
Getting a medical assessment
If you have painful periods and want advice, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about contraception. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following sources.
