While having some form of cramps is not unusual, there are a few symptoms that might trigger some alarm for the gynaecologist:
1. There is a history of progressive menstrual pain, that is, the pain is getting more from year to year, either in intensity, or in terms of duration.
2. If there is severe pain that is debilitating or incapacitating, that is, the pain is so intense that it stops you from doing your usual activities. Sometimes, it necessitates you to take medical leave or go to the doctor for an injection.
3. If the bad cramps are also associated with other symptoms such as having an urge to go to the toilet to open your bowels (a few times in a day) or change in urinary sensation during menses.
As long as you feel that the painful periods are bothering you, I would suggest you see a gynaecologist for a review. The main conditions that we are looking out for will be endometriosis, cysts or certain types of fibroids, for example.
Best rgds
Dr YF Fong
