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Conditions
PeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)
Cramping and discomfort during menstruation. Can be primary (normal) or secondary (from conditions like endometriosis).
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofPeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Cramping in lower abdomen
Back pain
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Pain before or during period
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for period-related absence
- Discussion of pain relief options
- Contraceptive options that can reduce period pain
- Referral if underlying condition suspected
What needs in-person care
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound or other imaging
- Treatment for endometriosis (needs specialist)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Severe pain not helped by over-the-counter pain relief
- 2Pain with heavy bleeding
- 3Pain between periods
- 4New or worsening pain
- 5You need a medical certificate
Seek emergency care if
- Severe pain with fever
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Pain with pregnancy possibility
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonPeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Period pain is one of the most common and most dismissed health complaints. When someone tells me their period pain is bad enough to miss work, I believe them - studies show that dysmenorrhoea can produce pain comparable to a heart attack in severity. Primary dysmenorrhoea (pain without underlying disease) affects up to 90% of menstruating women and peaks in the teens and twenties. Secondary dysmenorrhoea (pain caused by endometriosis, fibroids, or other conditions) tends to develop later and worsen over time. What I look for in assessment is whether the pain pattern has changed, whether it is getting progressively worse, and whether there are associated symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain during sex, or pain between periods - these may suggest endometriosis, which affects 1 in 9 Australian women and takes an average of 7 years to diagnose. A medical certificate for period pain is entirely legitimate, and effective management options exist beyond just 'taking a Nurofen.'
Treatment
TreatingPeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)
Primary dysmenorrhoea is best managed with NSAIDs started prophylactically 1-2 days before menstruation. NSAIDs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis -- prostaglandins are the primary mediators of uterine cramping. Ibuprofen and naproxen are both effective. Hormonal contraceptives (combined oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, progestogen-only pill) reduce or eliminate period pain for most women and are a highly effective long-term management strategy. Tranexamic acid is used for heavy menstrual bleeding associated with dysmenorrhoea. Secondary dysmenorrhoea (from endometriosis) requires specialist management.
Naproxen
Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Inza
Class:NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Typical dose:500mg twice daily, starting 1-2 days before expected period onset and continuing for 2-3 days; maximum 1000mg per day
PBS:PBS listed; Naprogesic 275mg OTC available without prescription for dysmenorrhoea; prescription strength $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- First-line treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea per eTG -- prostaglandin inhibition reduces uterine cramping
- Naprogesic 275mg OTC is specifically indicated for period pain; start 1-2 days before expected onset for prophylactic effect
- More effective than paracetamol for period pain due to anti-prostaglandin mechanism
- Take with food; avoid in peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease
Ibuprofen
Nurofen, Advil, Ibuprofen Sandoz
Class:NSAID
Typical dose:400mg every 6-8 hours with food; start 1-2 days before expected period; maximum 1200mg per day OTC
PBS:Available OTC without prescription; shorter-acting than naproxen but equivalent efficacy
- Highly effective for primary dysmenorrhoea when started prophylactically
- Comparable efficacy to naproxen; shorter duration of action requires more frequent dosing
- Standard OTC formulations available; prescription-strength doses up to 2400mg/day
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
Mirena, Kyleena
Class:Hormonal intrauterine device (progestogen-releasing IUD)
Typical dose:Inserted by a clinician; provides continuous localised progestogen release for 5-8 years (device-dependent)
PBS:PBS listed for heavy menstrual bleeding; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026); device and insertion costs separate
- Highly effective for period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding -- reduces period pain in 80-90% of users
- Over time, most users experience significantly lighter or absent periods
- Requires in-person insertion by a trained clinician (GP or gynaecologist)
- A telehealth consult can discuss suitability and arrange a referral for insertion
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Reproductive Health, 2023; Endometriosis Australia and Jean Hailes for Women's Health clinical recommendations; RANZCOG dysmenorrhoea management guideline. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to a gynaecologist if: period pain is suspected to be secondary dysmenorrhoea (worsening pain, pain between periods, pain during sex, or pain on defecation during menstruation -- all suggestive of endometriosis), if heavy menstrual bleeding accompanies pain, if fertility concerns are present, or if an IUD insertion or diagnostic laparoscopy is being considered. Endometriosis Australia recommends specialist assessment for any woman with severe or progressive period pain.
Period Pain (Dysmenorrhoea) in Australia
Period pain affects up to 90% of menstruating Australians, with 20% experiencing severe pain
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 9 Australian women and costs the economy $9.7 billion annually
Period pain is one of the leading causes of school and work absenteeism for women under 25
The average delay in diagnosing endometriosis in Australia is 6.5 years
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Primary period pain typically lasts 1-3 days per cycle, peaking in the first 24-48 hours. With effective management (NSAIDs started before pain begins, heat therapy, hormonal contraceptives), most women can achieve significant pain reduction.
Return to work
Severe period pain may require 1-2 days off per cycle. If you are regularly missing work due to period pain, discuss this with your doctor - better management options may be available, including hormonal treatments that can reduce or eliminate periods entirely.
When to reassess
See a doctor if period pain is worsening over time, if you have very heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour), pain during sex, difficulty falling pregnant, or if over-the-counter treatments are not providing adequate relief.
Self-Care
ManagingPeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Start NSAIDs (ibuprofen) 1-2 days before your period is due - they work better as prevention than as rescue treatment
Apply heat to the lower abdomen - a heat pack or hot water bottle is as effective as ibuprofen for mild-moderate pain
Gentle exercise (walking, yoga, swimming) can reduce period pain through endorphin release
Consider a TENS machine for drug-free pain relief - evidence supports their use for period pain
Track your cycle to anticipate and prepare for painful days (apps like Flo or Clue can help)
If paracetamol and ibuprofen together are not enough, discuss prescription options with your doctor - effective treatments exist
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutPeriodPain(Dysmenorrhoea)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Severe period pain is a valid reason for a medical certificate. Our doctors understand it can be debilitating.
See a doctor if pain is severe, doesn't respond to pain relief, occurs between periods, or is accompanied by heavy bleeding.
Yes. Hormonal contraceptives can reduce period pain for many people. Our doctors can discuss options.
Endometriosis can cause severe period pain. If pain is debilitating or you have other symptoms, a doctor can discuss referral for assessment.
Ready to get help with Period Pain (Dysmenorrhoea)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.