Period Pain, Cramps & Bloating: Understanding and Overcoming Menstrual Challenges
Experiencing period pain, period cramps, period bloating, or period headaches month after month can be distressing—and all too common in the UK. Nearly all women report painful periods, and about a quarter experience severe pain every cycle ergsy.com+9wellbeingofwomen.org.uk+9devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk+9. Despite this, menstrual discomfort is often normalized—even though many women wonder how to stop period pain immediately and seek real period pain relief.
Why Period Pain Happens
Primary dysmenorrhoea—or period cramps—arises from the uterus contracting to shed its lining. This can trigger throbbing cramps in the lower abdomen and back, typically lasting 12–24 hours, though some women suffer for up to three days . When pain is accompanied by heavy bleeding or irregular cycles, it may signal underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease .
Common Symptoms and top concerns:
– Period cramps and period pain, including “how to get rid of period cramps”
– Desperate searches for how to stop period pain immediately
– Chronic period bloating or water retention
– Frequent period headaches or menstrual migraines
– These patterns show what matters most to women seeking relief, and reflect the core issues we address clinically.
When Your Period Challenges Go Beyond Normal
About 1 in 10 women endure cramps so intense they miss school or work patient.info. Additionally, menstrual migraines—headaches triggered by drops in estrogen—impact up to 60% of women patient.info+2nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk+2rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk+2. If bleeding is heavy enough to soak a pad or tampon within an hour, you could have menorrhagia, which may need more targeted treatment like tranexamic acid, IUS, or hormonal therapies nhs.uk.
How We Help at Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London
1. Detailed History & Investigation
We’ll review your menstrual diary, pain patterns, period bloating, and period headaches. We’ll then suggest targeted hormone blood tests or an ultrasound as needed .
2. Immediate Relief Options
We’ll help you find practical solutions for how to stop period pain immediately:
– Safe use of NSAIDs or paracetamol
– Heat therapy (hot water bottle or bath)
– Gentle movement routines
– Simple but effective steps for period pain relief
3. Medium‑Term Support for Cramps & Cysts
To help get rid of period cramps, we offer:
– Nutritional plans to reduce inflammation and hormonal imbalance
– Supplement protocols
– Tailored exercise—gentle yoga, pelvic physio, mindfulness for pain
4. Long-Term Hormonal & Structural Care
If symptoms persist, we may suggest:
– Body‑identical HRT to regulate cycles
– Prescription medications for pain and menstrual regularity
– Referrals for fibroid or endometriosis management
The Importance of Not Suffering in Silence
Unfortunately, period pain is still dismissed as “just a period” by many healthcare providers theguardian.com. Severe pain is not normal—it’s worth investigating.
