Period pain

So, as I sit here under a heating blanket trying anything to ease the pain I have to wonder to myself, I've for as long as I can remember had rather painful first day  periods, I mean to the point of throwing up the pain is so intense. When I spoke with the gynecologist about this earlier in the week she didn't seem concerned, but I've read a lot of articles that say painful periods can indicate more serious problems. So my question to you girls is at what point did you know that your painful periods needed attention and how were you diagnosed?