Period cramps can range from a tiny tinge to full on agony. And they are something that most women go through once a month. But could your period pains be telling you something about your body?

Normal menstrual cramps can be painful, but they are nothing to worry about. If your cramps are dulled or completely cured by over the counter painkillers ( we don’t mean the serious stuff, like celebrex), they are probably nothing serious. These cramps are caused by prostaglandins, which are body chemicals that trigger uterine contractions to help the blood and uterine tissue leave your body. Prostaglandins also cause contractions of your bowels, which is why you may suffer from diarrhea and nausea. Although these cramps aren’t dangerous, they can be very annoying. Try taking ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory, as soon as you feel the first pang. If over the counter drugs don’t help, go and see your doctor for something stronger. Going on the pill can also help, as it stop ovulation which means that less prostaglandins are produced.

If your bleeding seems heavier than usual, it could be caused by fibroids. These are benign tumors on the uterine wall, and are common in women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids usually cause a feeling of pressure in your pelvis, and cause a heavier flow the closer to the lining of the uterus they are. If you are going through tampons in an hour or two, this could be the cause. They aren’t dangerous, but can be shrunk using medication, so if they are causing problems go and see your gynecologist.

More serious pain in your pelvic area could be caused by endometriosis – a condition which causes tissue that normally lines the uterus to start growing on other organs nearby. Endometriosis caused extreme pain in the lower abdomen, which can occur any time of the month. A heavy blood flow during your period is another symptom, as is painful sex. It typically takes up to 10 years to diagnose. If you have these symptoms, go and see your gynecologist. Birth-control or other hormone pills can help, although in severe cases surgery might be necessary.

Another condition that could cause pelvic pain is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If your pain is accompanied by fever, painful urination, or a yellow/green discharge, it could signal a serious infection of the upper reproductive tract. PID is usually the result of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea, and is important to treat quickly. Go and see your gynecologist, who will run tests and prescribe antibiotics. This is a painful disease that is easily and quickly cured.

It is important to remember that your gynecologist is there to help. Don’t be embarrassed to go to your doctor with any problem that concerns you, big or small. They can always advise you of the best way forward, and can help you sort out your cramps for good!