Severe period cramps: What’s normal and what’s not
Severe menstrual cramps are a problem for many women. See if your discomfort needs additional medical attention and learn how to get relief.
In this article:
What causes menstrual cramps?
“Your period pangs are caused by chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of your uterus,” says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an obstetrician gynecologist at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. During your period, they cause your uterine muscles to contract, which can potentially result in pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Who’s at risk for severe menstrual cramps?
You’re more likely to get bad menstrual cramps if you:
Got your first period before age 11
Have long or heavy periods
Smoke
Are under a lot of stress
“You’re also more likely to get intense menstrual cramps if you have another underlying gynecological condition such as fibroids” — tumors that grow in or on the uterine wall — “or endometriosis,” which is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, says Ann Peters, MD, a gynecologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
One consolation is that if your cramps aren’t caused by an underlying condition, then chances are they will get better as you get older. You may also notice an improvement after you give birth.
What helps relieve period cramps?
You don’t just have to grin and bear it. The goal is to feel well enough that you can continue daily activities, including school, work, childcare and domestic responsibilities. Here are options that may help:
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
Products that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are your best bet, since they help reduce levels of prostaglandins, advises Dr. Peters. They’re most effective if you take them as soon as menstrual bleeding or pain begins, and then take them on a regular schedule for one or two days. Two options to try: CVS Health naproxen sodium tablets or CVS Health ibuprofen softgels.
If you have bad bloating, you can also try a product that contains a diuretic, such as caffeine (like Midol Complete Menstrual Pain Relief Caplets with Acetaminophen). Caffeine can also help with the fatigue experienced with some periods. Just keep in mind that some women, according to Dr. Peters, report that caffeine itself can worsen their menstrual cramps. If this is the case for you, consider opting for Pamprin Multi-Symptom caplets, which contain pamabrom as a diuretic instead.
Applying heat
It might help reduce pain if you apply heat to your lower tummy with a heating pad, hot water bottle or self-heating patch like CVS Health menstrual-pain-relief heatwraps or ThermaCare Advanced Menstrual Pain Therapy Heatwraps. These can be especially helpful when used with an OTC pain reliever. Other products, such as a CORA’s The Simply Soothing Heat Patch, contain extracts from raspberry leaf, dandelion root and cramp bark, which aim to help soothe bloating and pain. “Anecdotally, some patients report that some herbal therapies help, although there’s not good research to show that they are effective,” says Dr. Minkin.
“These approaches, along with regular exercise, can help keep menstrual cramps in check,” says Dr. Minkin. But if they don’t help, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist. Sometimes going on a form of hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch or hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), can help because they may decrease the bleeding that causes period pain. Your doctor may recommend further examination to figure out if endometriosis or another condition could be causing your pain.
But it’s important to do something. “Don’t just tough it out,” stresses Dr. Minkin. By working together, you and your provider can come up with ways to find relief.
*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.