Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Painful periods that stop you getting on with your day? Speak to a GP today about period pain — a clear assessment, treatment, and investigation where appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
If any of these apply, please go straight to the service listed. FastTrack is for non-emergency private GP care only.
Enough for most people with period pain. Seen today — treatment or plan the same day.
For a pelvic exam or in-person assessment — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP takes your history, asks about your cycle, and looks for causes. Video or in-clinic.
Your GP tells you whether it's primary period pain or whether something else — like endometriosis or fibroids — is likely involved.
Stronger painkillers, hormonal options, or a gynaecology referral where appropriate — arranged with your pharmacy or arranged the same day.
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common — around half of women get some cramping pain during their period. For some, it's mild and eases with a painkiller. For others, it's severe enough to stop them working, sleeping or leaving the house — and that's not something you have to put up with. Period pain can be primary (no underlying cause) or secondary (linked to another condition). Common causes include:
Sudden severe pain with feeling faint, very heavy bleeding, or one-sided pain with a positive pregnancy test could be an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion or serious infection. Call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
Period pain overlaps with endometriosis, fibroids, infection and ovarian problems. A GP can tell the difference quickly and work out the right next steps.
Period pain that stops you working, sleeping or living normally isn't something you should put up with. Pain that's getting worse month on month, pain between periods or during sex, very heavy bleeding, or trouble getting pregnant — all warrant a GP review. Severe period pain can be a sign of endometriosis or fibroids.
Possibly. Red flags for endometriosis include period pain getting worse over time, pain during or after sex, pain when opening bowels or passing urine during your period, and difficulty getting pregnant. A GP can take a history, examine you if needed, and arrange a gynaecology referral.
A GP can arrange stronger painkillers, discuss hormonal options (including the combined pill, mini-pill, coil, or other treatments), and refer you for ultrasound or specialist assessment where needed. We're not limited to "take ibuprofen" — there are real options.
Yes — you can request a female GP when you book. We'll do our best to match you the same day.
Absolutely fine. Hormonal options are one tool; they're not the only one and they're never forced. A GP will explain options, you choose. Plenty of people manage period pain without hormonal treatment.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Treatment arranged with your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Period pain · NICE CKS Dysmenorrhoea