It usually begins at about ages 12-13 and continues until a woman is about 50 years old. Menstruation, or the menstrual period, is the monthly bleeding that occurs as a part of a woman's reproductive cycle. Most women have mild cramps as the menstrual period begins-having such cramps for a day or two each month is usually normal. Some women have severe pain.
Painful menstruation is called dysmenorrhea.
I have pain during my periods. Over half of women who menstruate have some menstrual pain for one or two days each month. If you are a teenager, this is very common. The pain usually eases off in a few years, though women in their twenties or older can also have pain during menstruation. One of every ten women who have dysmenorrhea has pain severe enough to interfere in her lifestyle.