Experts reveal period pain may change the way women's brains function and how they deal with aches throughout the body even if there are no monthly cramps that come with their menstrual cycle.

According to research published in the Pain journal, there is a natural system that works in a woman's brain to block pain changes when she is menstruating.

The brain can stop blocking some pain altogether, following continual menstrual aches.

Paul Rolan, professor at the University of Adelaide who is also a senior consultant at the Royal Adelaide Hospital's pain management unit said repeated cycles of pain can make people more sensitive towards aches.

Prof Rolan said the study revealed very small changes in the way the brain processes the way you feel about pain.

He said, It's like when you put your hand on a hot plate. The first thing that happens is you feel heat, then you feel bad and take your hand off.

This research suggests that what makes you feel bad about pain changes with your period.

According to Prof Rolan, the study highlighted solid evidence that people who suffered from continuous pain were not weaker or whiners.

People who suffer from chronic pain think they are not tough enough or weak, and they are viewed in that way, discriminated against because of it, said Prof Rolan.

This significant study shows there are reasons we can't control why we experience pain, he said, and it is not something you choose, but very few people acknowledge this.

Research suggests 80 per cent of Australian women experience period pain at some point, said head Associate Professor Phillip Ebrall, expert on menstrual pain at the RMIT University Chiropractic division.

The menstrual pain is caused by contractions in the womb that temporarily stop blood flow, causing the tissue to be starved of oxygen.

Around the same time, prostaglandins are released, which further induce stronger contractions and triggering more pain.

Common symptoms of the menstrual pain are headache, distraction, sweating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and dizziness.