A woman resting on a sofa holding a knitted hot water bottle against her lower belly, with a cup of warm tea on a side table

Senggugut (Period Pain): Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

十月 10, 2026 Drann Editorial Team

Senggugut (period pain) is cramping pain in the lower belly that starts just before or during a period. It is very common and usually caused by prostaglandins, natural chemicals that make the womb contract. For most women, it can be eased with a heat pad, regular exercise and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid, which research shows work better than paracetamol for period cramps. Severe period pain (senggugut teruk) that stops you from going to school or work, does not get better with painkillers, or gets worse over the years is not something you should simply put up with: it can be a sign of a condition such as endometriosis, and it is worth seeing a doctor. This guide explains what causes period pain, what helps, how to use painkillers safely and when to get checked.

What is senggugut?

Senggugut is the Malay word for period pain, known medically as dysmenorrhoea. It usually:

starts a day or so before bleeding begins, or on the first day of your period;
feels like cramping or aching in the lower belly, which can spread to the lower back and thighs;
is worst in the first one to two days and then eases;
can come with nausea, loose stools, headache (some women get menstrual migraine), tiredness or feeling faint.

Period pain is the most common menstrual symptom among teenage girls and young women.

What causes period pain?

Doctors divide period pain into two types:

Primary dysmenorrhoea is period pain without any underlying disease. During a period, the lining of the womb releases prostaglandins, which make the womb muscle contract and reduce blood flow to it. Women with period pain have higher prostaglandin levels, which is why stronger contractions cause stronger cramps. This is the most common type, especially in teenagers and young women.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain caused by a condition in the pelvis. Causes include endometriosis (tissue like the womb lining growing outside the womb), adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries), and an intrauterine device (IUD), particularly in the first 3 to 6 months after it is fitted. This type often starts later in life, gets worse over time, or comes with other symptoms.

How to relieve period pain without medicine

A 2024 network meta-analysis of 33 trials found that several non-drug approaches can ease period pain, with exercise, acupuncture and topical heat among those that probably reduce pain intensity. Practical options:

Heat. A heat pad, heat patch or hot water bottle (beg air panas) on your lower belly or back relaxes the muscles. Wrap it in a cloth to avoid burns.
Regular exercise. A Cochrane review found that exercising for about 45 to 60 minutes, three or more times a week, may cut period pain by a meaningful amount. Gentle exercise such as stretching, core work or yoga worked as well as more intense exercise like aerobics. The key is doing it regularly through the month, not only on painful days.
Rest and gentle movement on the worst days, such as a short walk or lying with your knees bent.
A warm bath or shower to help muscles relax.
Sleep and stress management. Pain feels worse when you are tired and stressed. Our guide to susah tidur (trouble sleeping) has practical tips.
A TENS machine, a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses through pads on the skin, helps some women.

Which painkiller works best for period pain?

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid, block the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals behind the cramps. A Cochrane review of 80 randomised trials with nearly 6,000 women found:

NSAIDs gave moderate or excellent pain relief to roughly 45 to 53% of women, compared with about 18% taking a placebo.
No single NSAID was clearly better or safer than the others.
NSAIDs appeared to give better pain relief than paracetamol, based on a small number of trials.
NSAIDs caused more side effects than placebo, mainly stomach upset, headache and drowsiness.

Paracetamol (for example, Panadol) can help with milder pain and is gentler on the stomach, so it is a sensible option if you cannot take NSAIDs. Some period pain products combine paracetamol with other ingredients; read the label and avoid taking two products that both contain paracetamol.

Using NSAIDs safely:

Take them with food, at the dose on the pack, for the first painful days only. Starting at the first sign of pain or bleeding tends to work better than waiting until the pain is severe.
Do not take them if you have a stomach ulcer or gastritis (gastrik), kidney problems, asthma that gets worse with these medicines, or if you are pregnant, unless a doctor advises.
Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, such as blood thinners.
If you need painkillers for more than a few days each cycle, or they do not help, see a doctor.

Hormonal treatments

If painkillers and self-care are not enough, a doctor may suggest hormonal treatment, such as the combined contraceptive pill, a hormonal IUD or other hormone options. These make the womb lining thinner, which reduces prostaglandins and cramping, and they can also make periods lighter. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and side effects, including whether you also need contraception.

When period pain is not normal

According to guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if period pain does not improve within three to six months of treatment, a doctor should look for an underlying cause, and endometriosis is the leading cause of this kind of pain in teenagers. See a doctor or gynaecologist if:

the pain stops you from going to school, work or daily activities;
painkillers do not help, or you need them for many days each month;
the pain is getting worse over time, or is new or different from your usual period pain;
you have pain during or after sex, or pelvic pain outside your period (and keep your cervical screening up to date);
your periods are very heavy, irregular or you bleed between periods (irregular periods can also be a sign of PCOS, and heavy periods can lead to anaemia; for late periods, see our guide to period lambat);
you have fever, unusual discharge or pain when peeing, which can point to an infection; see our guides to vaginal discharge and UTI symptoms;
you are having trouble getting pregnant.

Seek urgent care for sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if you could be pregnant, have fainted or have a high fever.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is senggugut in English?

Senggugut is the Malay word for period pain, also called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhoea. It is a cramping pain in the lower belly that starts just before or during a period and can spread to the lower back and thighs.

What causes period pain?

Most period pain is caused by prostaglandins, natural chemicals that make the womb contract to shed its lining. Higher levels mean stronger cramps. Less commonly, period pain is caused by a condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, which is called secondary dysmenorrhoea.

What is the best medicine for period pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or mefenamic acid are the most studied option. A Cochrane review of 80 trials found that they gave moderate or excellent relief to roughly half of women, compared with about 18% on placebo. Ask a pharmacist which suits you, as NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone.

Is Panadol good for period pain?

Paracetamol (such as Panadol) can ease mild period pain and is gentler on the stomach, but in the trials compared in a Cochrane review, NSAIDs gave better pain relief than paracetamol. Paracetamol is a reasonable choice if you cannot take NSAIDs.

How can I relieve period pain without medicine?

A heat pad or hot water bottle on the lower belly, regular exercise, gentle stretching or yoga, and rest can all help. A 2024 network meta-analysis found that exercise, acupuncture and topical heat probably reduce period pain intensity.

Is severe period pain (senggugut teruk) normal?

No. Period pain that stops you going to school or work, does not improve with painkillers, gets worse over time, or comes with heavy bleeding or pain during sex should be checked by a doctor. It can be a sign of endometriosis or another condition that can be treated.

Does exercise help period pain?

Yes. A Cochrane review found that regular exercise, about 45 to 60 minutes at least three times a week, may reduce period pain by a clinically meaningful amount, whether the exercise was gentle or intense.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, gynaecologist or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow your pharmacist's advice when using painkillers.