Difference between endometriosis and just painful periods?

I'm 19 years old & I've always had painful periods but it feels like since I started, the pain has become stronger. I get cramps & my back hurts. But right now, I don't have kind of sharper pains lower down like near my pelvis. And sometimes I'll get a sharp pain like down in my pelvic area.

And the past two times I've had my period, it's been a little heavier. I've missed a few classes because of the pain and fatigue. I take like 3 Advil or Motrin to get relief...

When I was in season for field hockey, they were still painful but not as bad... I think maybe because I was exercising so much.

So do I just have bad luck and a painful period, or could it be endometriosis?

Thanks...

Severe period pains should always be investigated to check for a treatable cause. As a rough guide, if you've had severe period pain (known as dysmenorrhoea) since around the time your periods first started, it's less likely a particular cause will be found.

There are exceptions to this. Conditions such as endometriosis can sometimes cause severe pain from an early age (although the pain typically gets worse as the disease does more damage with each monthly cycle). Other causes include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and sometimes a narrowing of the cervix. Bear in mind, though, that period pains are rarely a sign of disease, especially in younger women.

I have also always had really bad period pains (since I started my periods at 13 - I'm 27 now) and I also found that as I got older, they became more and more painful and the pain was far worse than the previous time.

If the pain interferes with your life, preventing you from working, going to school or coping with daily tasks, I would recommend you consult with a doctor/gynaecologist for further evaluation.

Good luck :)

It sounds like you could possibly have endometriosis - pain that actually interferes with daily life isn't just a bad period. Some women do find that exercise can help lessen their symptoms.