Although painful menstrual periods are frequently seen in adolescents, it is a problem that can occur in women of all age groups. Pain is often cramping and localized in the lower abdomen. It is generally seen in women under the age of 30, in those whose first menstrual age is less than 12, and those with a body mass index below 20. Because of their pain, women can’t go to work or school, they isolate themselves from social life.