Understanding the difference between period pain vs fibroid pain

Not all fibroids cause pain, and a healthy period shouldn't cause pain that interrupts your day to day life.

Natural period cramps

Period cramps are natural as they occur when the womb tightens (contracts) to help shed the inner lining that forms a period each month. These tightenings release chemicals that can be felt as mild to moderate cramps and usually occur in the first few days of your period.

Severe period pain

For some women their womb tightens stronger than is needed, this doesn't mean anything is wrong and can happen to many women even without fibroids. These stronger tightenings cause stronger period cramps, and can be very painful. 

Many women are often surprised to learn there isn't anything 'wrong', but this does not mean these are to be tolerated and there are many options to help manage these painful periods. Doctors can prescribe different treatments, and there are many other options available which we also have available.

Fibroid pain

Women with fibroids can experience stronger period cramps or tummy pain depending on where the fibroids are or how big they are. Sometimes this pain can be felt in the lower back or around the pelvis.

It is important to know from your doctor what is causing your pain to make sure nothing is being missed, and there are other causes like endometriosis. We have provided more blog posts on how to get the right help with any of these cramps or pain symptoms and products that can provide additional support.

Medical disclaimer - This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Heavy bleeding, long periods, bleeding in between periods, or non-stop bleeding should always be checked by a GP or healthcare professional. They can arrange scans or tests to find the cause and discuss the right treatment options for you.

Author, Dr Liz Murray June 2026

References:

• • Murray, L. Not Just Painful Periods, 2026, Octopus Publishing
  •  NICE Guidelines Online, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2023, Health Topics A to Z > Fibroids, https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/ (Accessed online, 2026)
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Dysmenorrhoea: ClinicalKnowledge Summary 2014

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Heavy menstrual bleeding:assessment and management