The Cramps We Thought Were "Normal"

Let’s be real: periods are a pain. For some, it’s an Advil-and-heating-pad situation. For others, it’s can’t-get-out-of-bed misery. I’ll never forget a friend in high school who missed class every month because her cramps were that bad. Back then, we just thought she had “bad periods.” Now, I know better.

There’s a name for it: dysmenorrhea — the medical term for painful periods. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by prostaglandins (chemicals that make your uterus contract to shed its lining). Annoying, yes, but usually harmless. Secondary dysmenorrhea, though, signals something else might be going on: endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. And it can be debilitating. 

Here’s the shocking part: research shows it takes 7–10 years on average to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. That’s nearly a decade of living with pain because too many of us are told it’s “normal.” Spoiler alert: extreme, life-disrupting period pain is not normal.

So how do you know if your cramps need a closer look? Red flags include pain radiating down your legs, nausea, fatigue, or pain that stops you from living your daily life. If that’s you, you’re not being dramatic — your body is asking for attention.

You deserve care that takes your pain seriously. If one provider dismisses you, find another. Advocate until you feel heard. Periods may be common, but suffering through them shouldn’t be.

Ask Clara: How do I know if my period pain is a sign of endometriosis or another condition?