Almost 50% of women experience naturally occurring painful periods, but there is also a disorder called dysmenorrhea which is used to describe severely painful menstruation and menstrual cramps. Women with dysmenorrhea will experience severe pain and cramping in the abdomen and pelvic area, as well as the lower back and legs. Pain can be both intense and dull and come and go. Women also struggle with headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting.