How can I tell if pain during my period is not normal?

While some cramping and discomfort during your period is common, pain that interferes with your daily activities or feels severe is not considered normal. You should speak to a gynaecologist if your period pain:

• doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief

• lasts longer than a few days, occurs outside of your period

• is accompanied by symptoms like heavy bleeding, nausea, diarrhoea, or pain during sex