What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Menstrual cramps affect millions of people every month. Understanding what causes menstrual cramps can help you find relief and know when to see a doctor.
The Main Cause: Prostaglandins
Your uterus contracts during your period to shed its lining. Chemicals called prostaglandins trigger these contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins lead to stronger contractions and more pain.
When the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels. This briefly cuts off oxygen to the uterus, causing pain and cramping. Prostaglandin levels are highest on the first day of your period, which is why cramps are often worst at the start.
Two Types of Period Pain
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type. It's caused by too many prostaglandins and usually starts in your teens after your first period. This type often improves with age and after childbirth.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying health condition. The pain tends to get worse over time and may last longer than normal cramps.
Conditions That Cause Severe Cramps
Several conditions can make period pain worse. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterine wall. Adenomyosis happens when uterine tissue grows into the muscle wall. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs.
What Helps Cramps Menstrual Pain
NSAIDs like ibuprofen work by reducing prostaglandin levels in your body. For best results, start taking them 1-2 days before your period begins. Hormonal birth control methods can also reduce period pain by thinning the uterine lining.
Heat therapy, such as a heating pad on your lower belly, can ease muscle tension. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques may also provide relief.
When to See a Doctor
Talk to your doctor if over-the-counter pain relievers don't help, your cramps get worse over time, or pain affects your daily activities. These could be signs of an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my period cramps so bad on the first day?
Do menstrual cramps get better with age?
What helps with menstrual cramps fast?
When should I worry about period cramps?
References
- Menstrual cramps - Symptoms & causes. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
- Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
- Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual Cramps, Causes & Treatments. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
- Period Pain | Menstrual Cramps. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new skincare treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medications.