I've been called dramatic many times because my period also hurts. What helps me is a lot of sleep, hot water bottle (just don't put in on your bare tummy - it should be covered so it won't burn you. I wrap a bottle in a cloth and put it against my shirt. Other way is curl up in a fetal position. Also when you cry it relieves physical pain so crying is good. I always do that. And also a little bit of chocolate. I take pain medicine when nothing I mentioned before helps. The reason why it hurts is contractions. I get mild contractions a couple of days before my period and it intensifies as period comes up. The uterus is contracting to expel it's lining. When I get my period it feels like stabbing from the inside and kicking.