Menstruation pain affects all women at some point. PMS is a common condition and symptoms can affect about 85% of women. Painful pre-menstruation symptoms can usually start around 5 to 11 days before menstruation. Menstruation pain can start at anytime from the beginning of the period cycle and can continue throughout the cycle. Menstruation pain symptoms can include: lower abdominal cramping that can radiate to lower back; heavy menstrual flow sometimes with clots; dull head