Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods is normal. Excessive pain that causes you to miss work or school is not. Painful menstruation is also called dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in women who experience pain before and during menstruation.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can be considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome . Both PMS and PMDD are characterized by unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms that occur in the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle, most commonly in the days preceding the menstrual period.
But for others, the days before their period are harder. If it messes with your daily life, you might have premenstrual syndrome . Your period is a natural part of your life. And you can do anything you would do any other time of the month. If PMS is a problem for you, there are ways to manage it.