Painful periods

I know that menstruating is usually associated with some sort of pain, but in my case it's really intense - for most of the first day, I basically cannot function and have to skip school, that's how bad it is. can't walk, feel like vomitting, all I can...

do is just lay in bed and suffer. recently I started taking medication for it, and it looks like unless I drug myself with painkillers, there's no way around it. is such severe, convulsive pain normal, or does that mean there's something wrong with me? I should probably see a doctor, but I'm too shy so I figured I'd ask you folks first. thanks.

If your cramps are as severe as you say then you may have the condition You probably have Dysmenorrhea. Symptoms may begin one to two days before menses, peak on the first day of flow, and subside during that day or over several days.The pain is typically described as dull, aching, cramping and often radiates to the lower back. The pain from your period that is severe enough to be given this name by your health care provider is thought to be the result of uterine contractions, caused by prostaglandins (a hormone-like substance, normally found in your body). Prostaglandins are known to stimulate uterine contractions. In addition to pain other symptoms may include, headache, diarrhea, constipation, and urinary frequency and fainting.

Visit your doctor and he will be able to subscribe any specific medications to releive your cramps other than painkillers. Birth control has also helped with alleviating cramps during menstruation. Talk with your doctor to view your options and choose which one will benefit you most.