What a pain! Menstrual cramps
If you never suffer from period pain or menstrual cramps then you’ll be one of the luckiest girls in the world. Unfortunately, for many girls, it’s just a plain fact of life that before and during a period they cope with a range of related aches and pains.

What is that pain?
The most common are menstrual cramps and whilst they can cause a little discomfort, they shouldn’t really slow you down too much.. Some girls also experience dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting around the time of their periods.

What causes cramps?
Cramps during your period are the same as all other muscle cramps in your body. Muscles shrink too much or too quickly, hindering the blood flow and causing pain.
In the case of menstrual periods, these muscles are in the womb. But there are things that may affect the intensity of your pain, for example, your overall levels of fitness and diet. A bit of positive thinking (these cramps shall soon pass!), exercise and healthy eating can go a long way in making cramps less of a pain.

Do all women get cramps?
While common, not all girls get cramp. Consider yourself lucky if you're one of them! However, most of us feel at least slight discomfort during menstruation. It’s normal. However, if you're getting very painful cramps in your belly and back, talk about it with your mum/Carer or contact your GP.
Usually simple exercises, a nice warm bath or a hot water bottle/wrap can do wonders.

Is menstruation pain hereditary?
In some cases, painful periods are hereditary. Other factors also can play a role such as being overweight (being underweight can cause your period to completely stop – a serious condition that would need to be addressed immediately with your GP).

Does using tampons make cramps worse?
Many women suffer from menstrual cramps but there's no evidence to suggest that they are triggered or strengthened by the use of tampons. However, if you the use of tampon make you sore, you should talk to your doctor or school nurse.

Does exercise help or harm in these circumstances?
Exercise does a lot to alleviate pain from cramps. You'll probably not feel like exercising when you're in the middle of period pains, but even a short brisk walk can do you a lot of good.