Painful menstrual periods are periods in which a woman has crampy lower abdominal pain, sharp or aching pain that comes and goes, or possibly back pain. Although it s normal for most women to have mild abdominal cramps on the first day or two of their period, about 10% of women experience severe pain. Although some pain during your period is normal, excessive pain is not. The medical term for painful menstrual periods is dysmenorrhea. Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women in their teens and 20s. If you experience painful periods, checked with gynecologist or sonologist doctor to see whether you might have an underlying disorder that is causing secondary dysmenorrhea. You may be given a pelvic examination, and your blood and urine may be tested. A doctor may also wish to use ultrasound to get a picture of your internal organs or even use the technique of laparoscopy for a direct look into your uterus. doctor may prescribe medications or other remedies depending on the cause of the dysmenorrhea. dysmenorrhea is usually treated by medication such as an analgesic medication. Many women find relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen*, naproxen, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Some doctors may prescribe hormone medications. Oral contraceptives also may also help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Nausea and vomiting may be relieved with an antinausea (antiemetic) medication, but these symptoms usually disappear without treatment as cramps subside. Implantable contraception and the Mirena IUD, which release low levels of the hormone progesterone, have also been found to be very helpful in decreasing pain. If you do not respond after three months of treatment with NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives you may have secondary dysmenorrhea. Treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea will vary with the underlying cause. Diagnostic laparoscopy, other hormonal treatments, or trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are potential next steps. Surgery can be done to remove fibroids or to widen the cervical canal if it is too narrow. In addition to the above, other non-medicinal treatments for the pain of dysmenorrhea as follows: • lying on your back, supporting your knees with a pillow • holding a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back • taking a warm bath • gently massaging your abdomen • doing mild exercises like stretching, walking, or biking – exercise may improve blood flow and reduce pelvic pain • getting plenty of rest and avoiding stressful situations as your period approaches • yoga • having an orgasm You may also wish to consider alternative therapies such as hypnosis, herbal medications, or acupuncture. Be cautious with herbal medications. They may be natural, but they are not necessarily safe or free of side effects. They can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbal medications