Painful Periods

More than 50% of women experience painful periods. People from all over the Southeast go to The Ashford Center in Athens, Georgia, to see Clinton Ashford, MD, FACOG, Rebecca Ashford, MD, and Brookes Vaughan, NP, to get relief from their painful periods. Our providers offer many effective solutions to ease the pain. Call the office or schedule your painful period consultation online today. 

What are painful periods?

Painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, include any type of pain you feel during menstruating. It’s not uncommon to have mild pain during the first day or two of your period. However, some women experience severe pain that makes it hard to get out of bed.

In addition to the discomfort, painful periods may cause other symptoms, such as:

• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Heavy periods
• Mood swings
• Hormonal acne
• Breast tenderness
• Premenstrual headaches
• Hot flashes

Your painful periods may also co-occur with other gynecological conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause).

What causes painful periods?

The cause of your painful period may depend on the type. Types of painful periods include:

Primary painful periods

Primary painful periods cause pain before and during your period. This pain results from the release of prostaglandin, a chemical that causes the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus to contract.

Secondary painful periods

Secondary painful periods occur because of problems involving your reproductive organs. This type of pain worsens over time and lasts longer than normal menstrual pain. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are common causes of secondary painful periods.

When should I seek help for painful periods?

It’s always a good idea to talk to your health care provider about pain during your period. However, you should seek expert care for your painful periods at The Ashford Center if your symptoms affect your daily life.

Dr. Ashford specializes in diagnosing and treating painful periods. He reviews your symptoms and medical and gynecological history, does a physical and pelvic exam, and runs bloodwork to check hormone levels. 

What are the treatments for painful periods?

Dr. Ashford offers many innovative solutions to ease painful periods. Treatment may include:

• Pain medications like Ibuprofen or naproxen
• Hormonal birth control
• Prostaglandin inhibitors
• Exercise
• Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids

For women who have completed their childbearing, Dr. Ashford recommends advanced endometrial ablation to treat painful periods. This procedure gently removes the thin hormonal lining of the uterus, eliminating one of the main contributors to your period pain. 

Dr. Ashford is an expert in advanced endometrial ablation procedures, and people come from all over the Southeast for care. 

For a solution to your painful periods, call The Ashford Center or schedule an appointment online today.