Periodic pain is a common problem that affects millions of people, especially women. Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a type of periodic pain that occurs before or during a woman’s menstrual cycle. But not all menstrual pain is normal.

In fact, some symptoms could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Here are some of the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore if you experience periodic pain.

1. Painful Menstrual Cramps

Painful menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, is the most common symptom of periodic pain. But if the pain is severe enough to disrupt your daily activities, it could be a sign of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and sometimes fertility problems. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:.

Pain during sex
Chronic fatigue
Heavy periods
Infertility

2. Heavy or Prolonged Periods

Heavy or prolonged periods, also known as menorrhagia, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It could be a sign of uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Other symptoms of uterine fibroids include:.

Pain during sex
Lower back pain
Frequent urination
Constipation

3. Pain During Sex

Pain during sex, also known as dyspareunia, is a common symptom of endometriosis. But it could also be a sign of other conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the female reproductive organs.

Other symptoms of PID include:.

Painful urination
Fever
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Nausea and vomiting

4. Painful Bowel Movements

Painful bowel movements, or dyschezia, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore.

It could be a sign of endometriosis, but it could also be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms of IBD include:.

Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea
Bloody stools
Weight loss

5. Pain in the Legs or Lower Back

Pain in the legs or lower back, also known as sciatica, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore.

It could be a sign of endometriosis, but it could also be a sign of fibroids or ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. Other symptoms of ovarian cysts include:.

Bloating
Abdominal swelling
Painful periods
Difficulty getting pregnant

6. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding

Unusual vaginal bleeding is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It could be a sign of cervical cancer, which is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Other symptoms of cervical cancer include:.

Pain during sex
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Frequent urination

7. Pain in the Pelvic Area

Pain in the pelvic area, including the lower abdomen and genital area, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It could be a sign of ovarian cancer, which is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:.

Abdominal bloating
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Difficulty getting pregnant
Changes in bowel habits

8. Fever

Fever is a symptom you shouldn’t ignore, especially if it accompanies pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge. It could be a sign of PID, which is an infection of the female reproductive organs. Other symptoms of PID include:.

Painful urination
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Nausea and vomiting
Pain during sex

9. Infertility

Infertility, or the inability to conceive after one year of trying, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It could be a sign of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Other symptoms of infertility include:.

Pain during sex
Heavy or prolonged periods
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Pain in the pelvic area

10. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue, or a persistent feeling of exhaustion, is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. It could be a sign of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Other symptoms of chronic fatigue include:.

Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Muscle pain or weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your periodic pain and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.