A majority of women experience some form of period pain during their lifetime. The medical term for period pain is dysmenorrhoea. The pain caused by menstruation can be felt in your lower abdominal area, but can also spread to your back and thighs.

Period pain is a common condition

Although it is not known exactly how many women experience period pain, research has shown that it is a very common condition.

Some studies suggest that approximately 75% of young women and 25-50% of adult women experience pain and discomfort during their period. For up to 20% of women, this pain is so severe that it stops them from carrying out their daily activities.

Most cases of period pain are a side effect of your body's natural menstruation process. However, in some cases, period pain can be the result of an underlying medical condition (see 'causes' section).

Period pain can usually be treated at home. However, if your period pain is intense, or severe, you may have to visit your doctor.