Understanding Menstrual Cramps: Remedies and Relief

Menstrual cramps are painful sensations that occur in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation, often caused by uterine contractions.

Menstrual Cramps FAQ

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What are menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps — also known as dysmenorrhea — are painful, cramping, or throbbing sensations that occur before and during a menstrual period. The severity can range from mild to unbearable, and involve lower-abdominal cramps, achy discomfort, or extreme pain that comes and goes much like labor pains.

How long do menstrual cramps last?

At first, they may come and go, and then happen in all or most cycles (as ovulation happens more frequently). People typically feel their cramps just before or at the time when bleeding begins each cycle. They usually last about one to three days. They may start strong and feel better as the hours pass, or come and go more randomly.

What are menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)?

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Many women have menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, menstrual cramps can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month.

Can menstrual cramps be stopped?

For some women, menstrual cramps can be the bane of monthly cycles, but treatment can put a stop to painful cramps. Menstrual cramps — also known as dysmenorrhea — are painful, cramping, or throbbing sensations that occur before and during a menstrual period.

How common are menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are very common: In Clue, about 3 in 4 people report experiencing cramps just before or during their period. Most people first notice menstrual cramps about 6 months to a year after getting their first period (1). At first, they may come and go, and then happen in all or most cycles (as ovulation happens more frequently).

Do period cramps cause painful menstruation?

For most people with period cramps, it’s still unknown what predisposes them, and not others, to painful menstruation. Inflammation may play a role. The production of prostaglandins is related to inflammation, and inflamed tissue tends to produce more prostaglandins (6).