Ask the doctor: My 13-year-old daughter gets period cramps every month – should we get this checked out?

Question: My 13-year-old daughter got her period about six months ago and is complaining of cramps every month. I have been giving her paracetamol but it doesn’t seem to give her relief. I wonder if we should get this checked out or is it just normal? I never had any period pains myself but my sister still gets painful periods, but she doesn’t have endometriosis or anything.

What do you suggest? ​Dr Grant replies: It is unusual for an adolescent to suffer with crampy or painful menstrual periods (the medical term is dysmenorrhoea) during the first year after menarche (the first menstrual period)..