How can I reduce/eliminate menstrual cramps/why is the pain so severe?
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. 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.
