###Human: What can be the cause for severe cramps during periods? ###Assistant: Hi. Your symptoms can have two causes, one is low pain threshold (pain sensitivity varies among individuals) or endometriosis. Endometriosis is less likely in your case as oral contraceptives are known to suppress it. If you are taking low dose oral contraceptive (Estrogen 20/30 mcg), you can take a high dose (Estrogen 35/50 mcg) for two to three months (if your doctor permits or if you have no risk factor for high dose pill. You can see package insert for risk factors) and see if pain reduces or disappears. Other option would be to take same birth control pills continuously without a break for menses (it can be safely taken continuously for nine months) if it is acceptable to you. Normally, such pain of dysmenorrhoea reduces or disappears after childbirth. So you may have to bear some pain till then.