Is It Normal to Have Stomach Pain During Your Period?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Mild to moderate lower abdominal cramping is common during a period, but not every type of stomach or abdominal pain should be assumed to be menstrual pain. This pain, called dysmenorrhea, occurs when your uterus contracts to shed its lining, releasing hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher prostaglandin levels cause more intense cramping that can radiate to your lower abdomen, back, and thighs. Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins 1-2 days before your period and lasts 2-3 days. However, severe pain that interferes with daily activities, worsens over time, or comes with heavy bleeding may indicate underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids and warrants medical evaluation.
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