Is This Period Pain Normal? What Your Cramps Might Be Trying to Tell You
Period pain is something so many of us have come to expect almost like a monthly punishment we just have to push through. But what if your body is trying to tell you something more? At Blush Women’s Health Consulting, we believe that pain is never just something you should have to live with. Let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can do if you’re stuck wondering, “Is this pain supposed to feel like this?”
What Does Normal Period Pain Look Like?
Mild to moderate cramps in the lower belly or lower back are considered normal during your period. These are caused by prostaglandins, natural chemicals that help your uterus contract and shed its lining. Here’s what normal period pain might look like:
Starts a few hours before or on the first day of your period
Improves with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen
Doesn’t last more than 7 days
Doesn’t interfere with daily tasks, school, or work
If that sounds like your experience, your pain is likely within the normal range, but even still, there are ways to make your period more comfortable!
Signs Your Period Pain Might Not Be Normal
If your cramps knock you out of your daily routine, keep you home from work, or bring you to tears that’s not just a “bad period,” that’s a reason to look deeper. Pain is a signal, not a nuisance.
Here are signs your period pain might not be normal
Pain that lasts longer than 7 days
Cramps that don’t go away with regular pain relief
Sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain down your legs or into your back
Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads/tampons every 1–2 hours
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with your period
Pain with sex, or pelvic pain outside your period
Feeling faint, dizzy, or completely wiped out
These symptoms can be signs of conditions like:
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
And unfortunately, many people are told it's all in their head or “just part of being a woman.” Let’s change that.
Why You Might Be Ignoring It (and Why You Shouldn’t)
So many of us were raised to see period pain as a badge of strength. Add that to the reality that many providers downplay menstrual symptoms, and it’s no surprise so many people delay getting help.
You might be brushing off your pain because:
Your mom, aunt, or sister had the same thing
You were told “it’s just part of womanhood”
Doctors haven’t taken you seriously in the past
You’re afraid of what you might find out
But the truth? You deserve answers and relief.
What You Can Do If You’re Unsure
The first step is tracking your symptoms. When does the pain start? How long does it last? What helps or doesn’t?
We’ve made it easy for you:
Keeping a record can help you:
Advocate for yourself at doctor’s appointments
Recognize patterns in your cycle
Make informed decisions about your care
You can also book a session with us at Blush Women’s Health Consulting. We will help you understand your symptoms, explore your options, and feel more in control of your body.
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Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Better Period
You don’t need to be doubled over in pain every month to prove your strength. You don’t need to miss out on life while gritting your teeth. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s change the narrative around period pain. Let’s choose education, advocacy, and support.
You deserve that and so much more.
