Ask the Doctor: ‘I suffer from painful, heavy periods — What can I do to alleviate discomfort?’

“I suffer from extremely painful and heavy periods. They tend to go on for about four days with a heavy flow, clotting etc. I take Nurofen Plus, paracetamol and use a hot water bottle during this time each month but even then, the pain is severely impacting me. Is there anything else I can try or anything I should do? I have been like this since I was 15 years old, I’m now 35. I visited a doctor when I was 15 and was told that some people just have painful periods. I haven’t been since then as I don’t want to be coming across as someone who can’t take a little discomfort, but this is really killing me!”

Answer from Abby Kiernan, Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Manager, Beacon Hospital

Firstly, thank you for reaching out. It can be hard when your symptoms have been dismissed in the past. Yes, some pelvic pain and cramping can be expected during your period but it should not be affecting quality of life in the way that you have described.

I would recommend you seek advice from a gynaecologist. This will require a referral from your GP but I urge you to advocate for yourself and return for a review. A menstrual diary will be a huge asset to you. It will help you to explain and show your symptoms to your doctor. Especially when you may be nervous about the consultation.

In the meantime, here are some tips to help with period pain;

Commence your pain relief the day before your period is due. We find that getting on top of the pain before it begins works better than trying to chase it once it starts. Speak to your GP during your consultation about getting a prescription for some painkillers to control your pain better.

You use a hot water bottle which is great. Heat can really help with pain so try a bath, shower or treat yourself and use the local sauna and steam room. In the summer months, you could change to something like a TENS machine which works by using vibrations to help with pain.

Exercise is important, I know it is hard when you are feeling pain but during your period switch out high-impact sports to things like yoga, walking or a really good stretch. Ask a friend to go with you!

Vitamin B12 and vitamin D play a key role in the production of some of the body’s natural pain regulators. Speak to your pharmacist in relation to starting a good multivitamin and vitamin D supplement.

High-dose evening primrose oil taken throughout the month is great for balancing hormones and breast tenderness that can also come at this time.

The most important thing is to know that there are many options to help manage your pain and I hope you feel a bit more empowered to put yourself first. I wish you luck with your next appointment!

Have a question for the professionals you’d like answered? Get in touch with sarah.gill@image.ie with the subject headline ‘Ask The Doctor’.