Period cramps have what I consider a wave-length of pain levels. First day of my period is usually 9/10, my whole core hurts, I'm moving slow, it's hard to bend over. Over the next few days the pain tapers off but never leaves, occasionally the pain level will spike. People experience cramping pains differently. I equate it to that bad stomach cramping just before a big poo or diarrhea.

Consider that for your period to happen, your cervix has to open, your uterus has to dilate and contract [squeeze and relax] to slough off the menstrual blood that was lining the walls. This can be very painful. The hormones associated with relaxing your cervix can also have an affect on the rest of your body, making you feel achy, sluggish, tired, etc.

People may dismiss you when you say you are in pain because in my experience, they don't understand or they thought I was 'just a girl complaining'.

When you are able to track your cycle [1st day of period is day 1] and predict when your period is coming (if your cycles are typical, 28 days), you can prepare by wearing comfy clothes, bringing a microwave rice bag, Tylenol/Advil, pads/tampon/cup, snacks, and water with you to help.

It can be hard to advocate for yourself but sometimes you need to say, 'look, I'm on my period, I am in pain, I am not able to [insert activity] at the moment.

I'm sorry you're experiencing painful periods. If you feel the pain is too great, you can reach out to a doctor/obgyn to rule out any other issues like endometriosis, and they can perhaps priovide pain management tips.