Can my period give me pain in my sides? is this normal?

Yes possible: If you have significant cramping with your periods, you can have pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, sides of your abdomen, lower back, or possibly even in your upper thighs. If you take Ibuprofen and the pain gets better, then it's just likely to be benign cramping. If you're having other symptoms (nausea/vomiting/burning urination, etc), or Ibuprofen doesn't help, seek an evaluation by your gyn.