Menstrual cramps are pains in the abdomen, pelvis, lower back, and/or thighs that occur before or during menstrual periods. Cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. PMS usually occurs a week or two before the period and ends when the period starts. Menstrual cramps usually start the day a woman's menstrual period starts, and may last for the entire period.

The medical term for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. Menstrual cramps vary from very mild to quite severe. Most women experience mild to moderate dysmenorrhea from time to time. Severe dysmenorrhea can interfere with a woman's daily activities.

Causes

Dysmenorrhea can be either primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea usually begins within a few years after a woman starts her period, usually decreasing in intensity with age. Secondary dysmenorrhea has an underlying pathological cause, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis, uterine fibroids, or a change in uterine position.

Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions. Between periods, the uterus builds up a lining of blood and tissue in preparation for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, a thick uterine lining is not needed, so it is shed at the beginning of the next cycle. As that lining breaks down, it releases hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions. Severity of cramps is related to the prostaglandin level at that time. Women who experience menstrual cramps may produce more prostaglandins than usual or be especially sensitive to their effects. Menstrual cramps usually become less severe over time, but they may not go away completely. Primary dysmenorrhea is uncommon after childbirth.

Symptoms

• Cramping pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, lower back, and/or thighs

• Headache

• Nausea and sometimes vomiting

• Loose stools

• Dizziness

• Sweating

Prevention

• Get plenty of sleep. Your body may be more vulnerable to pain if you are tired.

• Exercise regularly. This can stimulate blood flow and ease menstrual pain.

• Include whole grains and green leafy vegetables in your diet.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Avoid smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol use.

Treatment

Primary dymenorrhea can be treated in several ways:

• Take an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

• Oral contraceptives can decrease cramping by lowering prostaglandin production.

• Rest in bed with a heating pad or hot water bottle.

• Gently massage your abdomen or lower back.

• Avoid caffeinated beverages right before and during your period.

To treat secondary dysmenorrhea, the underlying cause must be addressed. Call your doctor if you have abdominal cramps at times other than just before or during your period or if your cramps are extremely severe, last longer than two to three days, or otherwise do not seem like normal menstrual cramps.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
©2023 The University of Texas at Austin. All Rights Reserved.