Painful Periods
When period pain is more than just cramps
Painful periods — also called dysmenorrhoea — refer to menstrual pain that is severe, persistent, or worsening over time.
Period pain is common, but it isn’t normal for it to be severe, worsening, or something you have to organise your life around. If your periods stop you from working, studying, exercising, or enjoying time with family and friends, there may be an underlying cause that can be identified and treated.
What causes painful periods
Common causes include:
Pelvic inflammation
Ovarian cysts
Understanding what is driving the pain is important, because treatment depends on the cause.
How painful periods are assessed
Assessment starts with understanding your symptoms — when the pain occurs, how severe it is, and whether it has changed over time.
This is often followed by specialist pelvic ultrasound, which can identify:
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Reduced organ mobility (scarring)
My training in advanced pelvic ultrasound allows subtle causes of pain to be detected when routine scans are reported as normal.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
Hormonal treatments
Targeted treatment for conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids
Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery when appropriate
Physiotherapy to address pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
Dietary changes
Some women need only simple management. Others benefit from specialist treatment. We will talk through your options so you can make informed decisions.
How I can help
I specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of painful periods, combining specialist ultrasound with fellowship-trained laparoscopic surgery to understand what is happening and guide effective care.
For many women, getting a clear diagnosis is the first step toward relief.
Related services
Book an appointment for painful periods in Auckland
If period pain is affecting your life, you can book a consultation online.