Each month your womb or uterus prepares an additional lining which is thick and rich in blood. Should the egg produced by the ovaries be fertilised, it will be supported and nourished by this lining as it develops into a baby. However should the egg not get fertilised, a period starts. Both the egg and extra lining pass out through the vagina during a period, producing the discharge you will see. The womb is a muscle, and contracts to assist this monthly shedding of its lining. Chemicals called prostaglandins start these contractions. If too many chemicals are produced this can cause the pains and cramps many women feel during their period.

Who is most likely to suffer from period pain?

About a third of all women experience period pain every month. Painful periods are particularly common in 15 to 25 year-olds, who may not have settled into a regular cycle. Fortunately, periods tend to get less painful with age, and sometimes become pain-free after having a baby.

The most common symptoms can include:

Cramping pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen are some of the symptoms associated with period pain. This can spread to the legs and back as well. Each woman's experience of period pain is different. The pain may be a steady ache, or feel like a colicky pain that quickly rises and disappears. The pain can begin a day or two before bleeding starts, or begin at the same time. It can last from only a few hours to three days or more. You might feel like you want to be sick, headachy, tired, faint or just unwell.

What can I do to help ease the pain?

A warm bath or just a hot water bottle held against your abdomen can work wonders, great for your back also. This is because warmth relaxes muscles so may also help with reducing your period pain. Aid relaxation with massage or aromatherapy also. Even gently rubbing or massaging your stomach can sometimes relieve the pain. Take your mind off the pain with some gentle exercise, this may also help control the mood swings experienced by some women around the time of their period. Try a couple of drops of lavender oil or another soothing essential oil in your bath water to help you relax.

I have heard that oral contraceptives may help with period pain. Is this true?

This has worked for some women and may be worth a try. Afew months on an oral contraceptive can help with the problem. Obviously if you require protection from pregnancy this can be a good solution to both issues. If you would like to see if this would be a suitable option for you, you should consult your doctor.