Is it normal (or should i see a doctor) for a 12 year old to experience period cramp before first period starts. cramps are at similar time every month, each time lasting longer and becoming more painful sometimes requiring painkillers?

Doctor can examine: Kids get annual full physical exams. Full means all parts of the body. The parts under the underwear have the same importance as any other body parts. Pain is not normal and should be figured out. A child should not wait for her annual exam to evaluate it, but instead get a separate appointment to check out the pain and pubertal development. It's important to diagnose the cause of the pain.