About this topic
Menstrual cramps are a dull, throbbing pain in your lower belly area. Cramps may happen right before or during your period. You may also have pain in the lower back or upper legs. Some women also have other signs like upset belly, throwing up, or loose stools. Others have a headache, bloating, or dizziness. Menstrual cramps can be mild or may be severe. Cramps may even be so bad they keep you from wanting to do your everyday activities. ‚
Pain during your monthly period is normal. Cramps can also be a sign that you may have other more serious health problems. ‚
What are the causes?
Dysmenorrhea is the medical word for cramps. There are two types of cramps. A change in hormone levels causes one kind of cramps. Hormone changes cause the uterus or womb to cramp. Problems with your uterus or other organs in your lower belly may also cause cramps. You may have problems like: ‚
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids, tumors, or growths may be on your uterus, ovaries, or other organs.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease or infection
- A birth control device called an Intrauterine device or IUD
- Scarring from previous surgeries
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have painful periods if you: ‚
- Are under age 20
- Have never had a baby
- Started your period before age 11
- Have heavy bleeding or irregular periods
- Smoke
- Are trying to lose weight
- Are depressed or anxious
- Have poor social support
What are the main signs?
The main signs are a dull, ache in the lower belly or back or upper thighs. Some people also feel like the pain is more throbbing. You may also have problems with: ‚
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Loose stools
- Being irritable
- Sweating
- Being dizzy or lightheaded
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and feel around the lower belly area. Your doctor may also do a pelvic exam. The exam will help your doctor learn if there are any problems on the inside of your pelvic organs. Your doctor may also order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Cultures to check for infection
- Special x-rays to look at the womb and fallopian tubes
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor may suggest treatments you can do at home. The treatments will help ease the cramps and may include things like: ‚
- Heat
- Massage
- Rest
- Relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
- Exercise
- Warm baths or showers
- Supplements of certain vitamins
- Changes to your diet
- Avoid foods and drinks with caffeine like coffee, cola, and chocolate.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Drink warm liquids like decaffeinated tea or soup.
Your doctor may also order other ways to help with the pain: ‚
- TENS or transcutaneous electrical stimulation ¢ ˆ ’ A device that uses electrical currents to help lessen pain
- Acupuncture
- Remove or replace an IUD if that may be causing the problem
- Surgery to treat other problems such as cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis
Are there other health problems to treat?
Other health problems may need to be treated. Treatment is based on what is causing your cramps. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Balance your hormones. Your doctor may order birth control pills.
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
Menstrual cramps do not cause any serious problems, but, they can be a sign that something else is wrong. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do something active every day. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Get enough sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a day.
- Dont smoke. If you do smoke, quit.
- Try to lessen the stress in your life. Things like exercise, talking to a counselor, meditation and relaxation exercises may help cramps.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq046.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121023T1741380874 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/dysmenorrhea.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods-painful/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚