What is period pain like?

[DozyRosiePosie]

Sorry I’ll try and explain properly what I’m asking!

I’ve always been very fortunate not to suffer from period pains. I get a headache and diarrhoea and vomiting, but never abdominal pain or cramps.

I’ve had some tummy pains all day and I don’t know if they’re period cramps or something else! Because I’ve never had cramps or pain with it before, I’m not actually sure what they’re like.

The pain I’ve got is in my lower belly, just below my belly button. It’s in the middle and not towards the left or right. It feels like a very sharp stabbing pain which comes and goes randomly. Breathing in and out doesn’t make it worse or change it at all, but if I suck my tummy in (like holding it in to look skinnier, hope that makes sense) the pain is VERY sharp and unbearable. it feels like I’m being stabbed with glass.

My period isn’t due but it’s very irregular so could be due to start soon. It doesn’t follow a pattern or schedule and comes as and when it wants so even though it’s not due, it might be starting soon. It’s always been like this and I’m in my early 20s now so I think it’s just going to be how it always is.

Does this sound like period pain? If not, what else could it be?! It’s ok right now, and I can obviously avoid sucking in my tummy which makes it a lot worse, but it’s also coming and going randomly and it’s really painful

I’ve noticed something that makes it worse- standing up. It’s not excruciating to stand but it definitely makes it hurt more. It’s definitely a sharp stabbing pain rather than a dull ache, it feels almost like a stitch, just in the middle below my belly button

It only started today late afternoon and it’s been really sore on and off since

Are you constipated?

@notangelinajolie

Are you constipated?

I don’t think so- I’ve been to the toilet tonight since this started and I didn’t seem to be constipated at all x

Although I don’t know if maybe it’s possible to be constipated internally and have normal bowel movements? I might just be talking rubbish now sorry!

have you tried hopping.
if it's unbearable, they used to say was a sign of appendix trouble.

Sorry something else I should have mentioned but forgot

It’s sore to push out from my tummy. I didn’t have any difficulties going to the toilet as in it wasn’t a struggle and i didn’t seem constipated, but pushing out from my tummy when weeing or passing a stool was really painful. It didn’t hurt at all down there (I’ve had UTIs before and it was very stingy down there to wee) but I didn’t have any that tonight, it was just the pain below my belly button. It comes and goes but It’s like a knife stabbing in my tummy

@alexdgr8

have you tried hopping. if it's unbearable, they used to say was a sign of appendix trouble.

I’ll try that, thanks for the advice!. I’ve never heard of it before, do I just hop on one leg?

Mine are weird in that they go down into my hips but if I had to compare the feeling to anything, they're more or less like the feeling you get in your stomach when you need to dash to the bathroom. Not a sharp stabbing pain or anything like what you've described

My lower back and thighs have an intense ache. I've not had them in my tummy ache since I was a teenager.

My period pains when I had them were sort of like pulling cramps maybe diarrhoea cramps. Dull aches too.

Your pain doesn't sound like it is this.

Call your GP or 111
It can’t be period pains as you have stated that you are not on your period, it is merely “due soon”.
Could be a bladder infection as the bladder is right behind your belly button. Could be an umbilical hernia. Could be gastrio-enteritis. Could bd diverticulosis. You need a Doctor not mumsnet.

I would suggest phoning your gp or 101 for some advise. If it gets worse or more symptoms appear seek medical help. Also do you have anyone there with you just let them know you are experiencing unusual pain.
Whilst on phone to the gp I would ask for an assessment regarding your irregular periods.

@Rodion

Sound a bit too high to me. Personally i find it a dull cramping pain very very low down, which sometimes spreads in to the upper thighs as a sort of numb ache (I know that sounds impossible!). Never sharp or as high as the belly button. I'd guess constipation, but hey it checked out if you're in a lot of pain.

Mine also feels like it’s in the very top of my thighs.

It doesn't sound like period pain to me either and reminds me of having appendicitis.

My period pains would often radiate all the way to my knees and sometimes my elbows hurt too.

Just speak to a doctor. No one here can diagnose you.

Think you should speak to a Dr

You feel it in your womb, it's very distinct. It's like giving birth to a cannon ball. You can feel contractions in your womb. They aren't in your belly.

A stabbing pain doesn't sound like period pain, to me anyway. Mine are dull and extend quite low and also round to my lower back.
I'd call the NHS.

Period pains for me are bearable, dull aches below my belly button. It doesn't resemble any other sort of pain. Personally I get stabbing pain when I'm constipated or have wind.

You need to see a doctor instead of posting on mumsnet about how to hop..

I think if this carries on with no sign of a period starting or if you get a temperature or feel unwell then you should see a GP (or go to A&E if you feel very unwell and have appendicitis symptoms).

It's possible that this isn't period related at all so do seek medical help if you need it.

That said, I do get sharp pains with my period, as well as dull ones- it is probably one of the worst 'normal' pains that I experience and so it is possible that you are just starting to experience pain with your periods.

That’s not period pain.

How are things now?

Posting a very quick reply, I’ll reply properly after work.

It feels a lot better today thankfully! No sign of my period yet so I suppose it wasn’t period pain after all, but whatever it was seems to have got better