Period pain: what to write down before you see a GP

Period pain is common. That's exactly why it's easy for it to be brushed off, sometimes by the people around us, and sometimes by ourselves. But pain that stops you living your life is worth talking about, and you'll get more out of that conversation if you bring notes.

When it's worth seeing a GP

The NHS advises seeing a GP if:

• your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
• your period pain stops you doing your usual daily activities
• you have pain during sex, or when peeing or pooing
• you're bleeding between periods
• you've noticed a change in how much you're peeing or pooing
• you have a swollen tummy, loss of appetite, or you're losing weight without trying

If your pelvic or period pain is severe or worse than usual and painkillers haven't helped, the NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. Outside the UK, use your local urgent care line. If you feel faint, are bleeding very heavily, or have sudden severe pain anywhere, call 112 or your local emergency number.

What to note, every time

A few details make a big difference to how useful your notes are:

1. When it starts and stops, counted from the first day of your period. "Day 1 to day 3" says more than "the start".
2. How strong it is, from 0 to 10. Try to use the same scale each time.
3. Where it is. Lower tummy, back, thighs, one side more than the other.
4. What it feels like. Cramping, stabbing, aching, burning.
5. What you tried, and whether it helped. "Ibuprofen 400 mg, helped after an hour" is more useful than "took painkillers".
6. What it stopped you doing. Missed work, school, plans or sleep.
7. Anything else that came with it. Very heavy bleeding, clots, dizziness, pain during sex, bowel or bladder changes.

Two or three cycles of notes like these show a doctor a pattern, rather than a single bad day.

Things that can help in the meantime

The NHS suggests a warm bath or shower, a heat pad or hot water bottle on your tummy, gently massaging your tummy and back, light exercise like walking, swimming or yoga, and painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Cutting down on alcohol and not smoking may help too.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your symptoms, speak to a doctor.