Menstrual cramps, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are throbbing or achy pains in the lower abdomen that occur before and during a person’s period. They are caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger muscle contractions in the uterus as the uterine lining sheds for the month. Women who have higher levels of prostaglandins are more likely to have more severe cramps.
Menstrual cramps usually feel like a dull, continuous ache, and the pain may radiate to your lower back and thighs. Cramps can vary in severity from person to person. Some women experience mild discomfort, while others may have very intense cramps that interfere with daily activities. Knowing the signs and symptoms of normal menstrual cramps can empower you to notice when something is off and make informed decisions about your care.
What’s Normal?
Mild to moderate cramping in the lower abdomen or back that begins 1-2 days before menstruation and lasts around 2-3 days is normal. The pain will usually peak around 24 hours after the beginning of your period. You may notice nausea, diarrhea, headaches, or fatigue in addition to cramps.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation online and on social media about what’s normal when it comes to periods. Some people may say that period cramps are never normal, and that they’re a sign that something is wrong or “imbalanced” in the body. Some people may claim that cramps are a sign of “toxins” in the body. None of this is true. Cramps can be a very routine part of this normal bodily process.
Home Remedies
Home remedies may help give you some relief from mild or moderate menstrual cramps. These non-invasive, conservative options include:
- Heat therapy: Heating pads, warm baths, or heat patches
- Exercise: Light physical activity like walking or yoga
- Sleep and relaxation: Adequate rest and being mindful about reducing stress
- Dietary support: Staying hydrated, getting plenty of fiber, and eating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods
Medical Treatments
You may choose to opt for medical options to treat your menstrual cramps. These can range from simple, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to more advanced treatments such as surgery. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what works best for you:
- NSAIDs: Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) are effective at reducing prostaglandins, which contribute to cramps. Other over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help manage pain, but aren’t as helpful for reducing actual cramping.
- Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills and hormonal IUDs can reduce the severity of cramps for many people.
- Advanced options: More invasive treatments like laparoscopy or surgery may be suggested if pain persists. This is especially true if you currently or may have a condition like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis (where tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus, causing it to thicken and grow larger).
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture and physical therapy may help to give some people relief.
When to Be Concerned
Menstrual cramping pain that is severe enough to disrupt your daily activities is a sign that you should reach out to your healthcare provider. Pain that worsens over time or does not respond to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are other red flags. You should also seek medical care if you are experiencing accompanying symptoms like heavy bleeding, vomiting, and dizziness. Unusual menstrual symptoms that interfere with your everyday life could be a sign of underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis.
Conclusion
Period cramps can be a real pain, but depending on how severe they are, they might be totally normal, or a sign of something more concerning going on. Tracking your menstrual cycle symptoms with Ovia can be a helpful way to know what’s going on with your body and identify changes or concerns. Periods aren’t always easy to talk about, but being open and honest with your healthcare provider can be important. Appropriate treatment can help to improve your quality of life and prevent future complications.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Painful Periods.” ACOG, Oct. 20×20, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/painful-periods.
- “Menstrual Cramps.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Apr. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944.
