I hate periods. They hurt so bad

Ugh, I get it. Period pain is the absolute WORST and it's totally okay to hate it. It's called dysmenorrhea, and it's super common, especially when you're first starting out with periods.

What it feels like

Usually, period pain feels like dull cramps in your lower belly and sometimes in your back or thighs. It happens because your uterus contracts to shed its lining, and these contractions can make it ache. For some people, it's just a little annoying, but for others, it can be really intense and feel like a constant squeeze or throbbing.

What to do about it

There are definitely things you can try to make it feel better. Sometimes they work, sometimes they just make it a tiny bit less awful, but it's worth trying:

• Heat: A heating pad, hot water bottle, or even a warm bath can really help relax the muscles and ease the ache. It's my go-to for sure!
• Pain medicine: Over-the-counter pain relievers from the pharmacy, like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can be really good for period pain. Just make sure to check with a grown-up about what kind to take and how much.
• Light movement: Sometimes just a gentle walk or some stretching can help, even if you just want to curl up in bed. Listen to your body though.
• Rest: Seriously, don't feel bad about taking it easy. Your body is doing a lot of work.

When to tell a grown-up

Most period pain is just a normal, annoying part of life for many of us. But if your pain is so bad that you literally can't go to school, or it makes you feel faint or super sick, or if the pain meds aren't touching it at all, it's really good to tell a grown-up. They can help you figure out if there's something else going on or if you need a different kind of help. Every body is different, so what's normal for one person might not be normal for another.