Last updated on 2 January 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
What Causes Painful Periods?
Many women experience some discomfort before or during their period, but for others, period pain can be severe, ongoing, and disruptive. Understanding what causes painful periods is the first step in finding the right support.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Naturopaths help women identify and address the root causes of menstrual pain through personalised care and natural strategies.
What Is Period Pain?
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, refers to cramping, aching or discomfort in the lower abdomen that occurs just before or during menstruation. It may also cause lower back pain, nausea, headaches, fatigue, or bowel changes.
Some women experience mild symptoms, while others are unable to go to work, attend school, or continue with their daily activities during their period.
Common Causes of Painful Periods
1. Hormonal Imbalances
One of the most common causes of painful periods is excess oestrogen or low progesterone. These imbalances can make the uterus more sensitive and lead to stronger contractions during menstruation. Pain may also be worse if oestrogen levels are too high compared to progesterone, known as oestrogen dominance.
2. High Prostaglandins / Primary Dysmenorrhea
Prostaglandins are chemicals your body makes to help the uterus contract and shed its lining. If your body produces too many prostaglandins, it can cause stronger cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Although it might sound like a rare condition, half of the menstruating females are affected by high prostoglandins, also called primary dysmenorrhea. If any structural defect or reproductive condition cannot explain the pain you are experiencing, you may be suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. This is because of increased levels of the hormone-like substance in our body called prostaglandins which stimulates the contraction of uterine muscles, leading to painful cramps.
3. Endometriosis
Perhaps the most common cause of excruciating periods is the displacement of the endometrium, referred to as endometriosis. This is where the uterine lining grows over other organs such as the pelvis, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and even the brain, which may cause painful periods.
This condition can cause intense period pain, especially if the tissue forms scar tissue or cysts. Many women with endometriosis go undiagnosed for years.
Pain as a result of endometriosis usually depends on the location of its overgrowth and the organs it covers in any particular case.
4. Adenomyosis
In adenomyosis, the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus instead of growing outwards. It gets embedded within the uterine muscle, resulting in painful cramps and intercourse.
This can cause heavy, painful periods and pelvic discomfort throughout the month.
Although the condition is most commonly seen in women over 30 years of age, such cases have appeared in teenage girls as well
5. Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are very common in women. These fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus.
Their size may vary from microscopic to large, enough to affect the shape of the uterus itself. These can cause heavy bleeding as well as severe pain during menstruation. Heavy bleeding cause blood clots which your uterus needs to expel. This leads to increased contractions and pain.
6. Stress and Nervous System Overload
When the nervous system is under pressure, it can increase muscle tension and inflammation in the pelvic area. Chronic stress may also affect hormone levels, worsening symptoms over time.
7. Poor Diet and Nutrient Deficiencies
A diet high in sugar, processed food, or inflammatory oils can worsen period pain. Low levels of magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6 can also increase cramping and discomfort.
8. Copper IUD
The copper IUD is a non-hormonal form of birth control where a device is placed inside the uterus by a licensed health professional. Heavy menses and pain for a few months after insertion can be due to these IUDs. However, if it has been too long and the pain has suddenly increased, see your GP as soon as possible.
9. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can result in pelvic inflammation, painful menstruation and even infertility. Hormones released during menstruation can influence the condition, leading to bleeding and pain. It can be treated if caught in time, but the condition can worsen if ignored.
10. Uterine problems
In some cases, a woman’s uterus may not be correctly formed. This results in structural problems which eventually lead to painful periods, painful intercourse and infertility. Menstrual pain is usually because these structural oddities can block the uterus and vagina.
How Our Naturopaths Help with Painful Periods
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Naturopaths look at the full picture – your hormones, digestion, stress, and cycle patterns – to identify the cause of your period pain. We don’t just manage symptoms; we aim to restore balance naturally.
Your Wellness Plan may include:
A hormone-balancing diet with plenty of fibre, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods
Practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs to ease pain and support hormone health
Testing to check for underlying conditions such as endometriosis or oestrogen dominance
Stress management strategies like breathing techniques, lifestyle planning or acupuncture
Menstrual tracking to understand your cycle patterns and progress over time
When to Seek Help
If your period pain:
Stops you from going to work or school
Lasts more than a few days each cycle
Comes with heavy bleeding, clots or spotting between periods
Has worsened over time
Doesn’t improve with basic care like heat packs or rest
…it’s time to seek support. You don’t have to put up with painful periods or assume it’s “just part of being a woman”.
Get help from our Naturopaths today
If you’re suffering from any of these health issues, or feel that you need support from our empathetic Naturopaths, get in touch with us today. One of our Naturopaths has lived experience with these conditions and our Reception Team can direct you to her if you would like that extra support.
Book a Consultation
Our experienced Naturopaths are here to help you understand why your periods are painful and what you can do about it. We offer consultations at both our Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill clinics, or via videoconference from anywhere in Australia
