No, you are not the only one, but no – it is not normal to suffer such bad period cramps. You are likely among the 80% of Indian girls who endure extreme period pain every month in silence, but do nothing about it and never visit a gynaecologist because they have been taught to accept extreme period pain as a routine part of womanhood.

You have felt isolated because society often glorifies enduring period pain as a badge of honour. When you see others pushing through their workday, it is easy to think, Why can’t I handle this? Am I weak? The truth is, many of those girls and women are either also enduring severe pain in silence or experiencing far less intense contractions. Tolerance to period pain is not a measure of your strength or weakness.

Biologically, you are experiencing a real medical condition called Dysmenorrhea. It happens because your body produces excess levels of prostaglandins – the natural pain chemicals that make your uterus contract. Higher levels of prostaglandins mean stronger contractions, reduced blood flow, and severe period pain.

The good news is that such bad period cramps are manageable. A visit to a gynaecologist can help pinpoint the cause and often provide quick relief through Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These medicines directly stop the excess production of prostaglandins at the source.

NSAIDs are non-steroidal medicines, and hence they:

  • Do not disrupt your hormones or period cycle
  • Do not impact your future fertility
  • Are non-addictive or non-habit forming

If your period cramps are so bad that you can’t move, speak to a doctor and treat your period pain as the valid medical condition it is.

The card addresses severe menstrual cramps and asks whether it is normal to experience period pain so intense that it prevents someone from moving, and whether they are alone in suffering this much. The response reassures the reader that they are not alone but explains that debilitating period cramps should not be accepted as a routine part of menstruation. It states that severe menstrual pain may be a medical condition called dysmenorrhea, associated with elevated levels of prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract and can produce intense pain. The card notes that many Indian girls reportedly experience extreme period pain but may not seek medical care because they have been taught to consider severe cramps normal. It ends with a reassuring message that severe period cramps can often be managed and recommends consulting a gynaecologist to identify the underlying cause and discuss treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can provide pain relief.

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

Period Pain Calculator Section

Hit Up Our Period Pain Calculator

For real, how bad is your pain? Our interactive tool uses a 1-10 pain scale and a few quick questions to help you get the full picture. In just a few clicks, you’ll know if your pain is a chill or a major red flag.

Don’t Take Period Pain Lightly.

Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is a real medical issue.
Visit a gynaecologist and #StopThePeriodPain

Don't take period pain lightly