Is it normal to have menstrual cramps?

Patient's question:

Unmarried
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I experienced severe menstrual cramps after my first period. I took some medication, and the cramps stopped. Now, my periods are mostly regular, but the flow is slightly less, and I still have cramps, though not particularly severe. Should I still see a doctor? Is it normal to have some cramps?
Medical history: I have had hyperthyroidism in the past

Doctor's answer:

Primary dysmenorrhea
　　(1) General treatment: Engage in physical exercise to enhance physical fitness. Pay attention to a regular lifestyle, balance work and rest, and ensure adequate nutrition and sufficient sleep. Emphasize education on the physiology of menstruation, and alleviate patients' fear, anxiety, and mental burden through explanation and persuasion. Strengthen menstrual hygiene, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive fatigue, and prevent exposure to cold.
　　(2) Ovulation suppression: If the patient is willing to control fertility, oral contraceptives (combined norethisterone tablets or combined medroxyprogesterone tablets) are the first-line drugs for treating primary dysmenorrhea. The use of oral contraceptives can relieve symptoms in more than 90% of cases, possibly due to the inhibition of endometrial growth, reduced menstrual flow, and a decrease in PG levels to below normal, leading to weakened uterine activity. Treatment can be started with 3–4 cycles. If the effect is satisfactory, the medication can be continued. If symptoms do not improve significantly, appropriate additional PGs synthesis inhibitors can be used. Since medication needs to be taken throughout the entire menstrual cycle, while the effect occurs only on the last 1–2 days of the cycle, it is generally unpopular with patients unless contraception is also needed.
　　(3) Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors (PGSI): For patients unwilling to use contraception, PGSI is a suitable choice. It inhibits the synthesis of PGs in the endometrium, significantly reducing the amplitude and frequency of uterine contractions, without affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function or causing metabolic side effects like those of oral contraceptives. The major advantage is that it can be taken starting before the onset of pain and continued for 2–3 days. However, it is necessary to try different medications for a period to determine the most effective drug and the most suitable dosage for each individual. The trial and adjustment phase may sometimes last for up to half a year.