Reason for Cramps Before & After Periods
Lying on the bed with a heating pad on and binging on some dark chocolate - sounds like a story of every month. But have you guessed what causes this scenario? Mind-numbing cramps it is! Most women experience cramps before getting their periods, which is a common PMS symptom. Nonetheless, for a few women, the story is different where they notice period pain after the period is over. This makes us wonder what do these cramps mean and how should one read them based on their time of arrival.
Saving the day, we’re here to help you know why menstruating women get cramps before and/or after their periods, and what does that signify. So, read on to know what cramps that occur five or ten days before periods indicate along with the lower abdominal pain that occurs when the period is over.
Cramps Before Periods
It is normal to have PMS cramps three to five days before your periods.
Cramping before periods is often a symptom of PMS. These cramps range between mild to severe and are experienced mostly in the lower back and the abdomen. It is normal to have PMS cramps five to ten days before your periods. Here is all you need to know about PMS.
However, there are a couple of other reasons too, which may be a rarity in most healthy women. Some of these could be unrelated to your menstrual cycles, such as when you have a urinary tract infection or a bladder infection. Other reasons include stomach flu, food poisoning, and constipation.
Cramps After Periods
Clinically known as secondary dysmenorrhea, period pain after a period is more common in adults i.e., women in their 30s and 40s. One of the many symptoms is lower abdominal pain after the period is over. Other symptoms include lower backache, headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Although it may not mean anything serious, if you experience pain for a longer period or find the intensity increasing, you must see a doctor. Secondary dysmenorrhea could be a symptom of an underlying condition, so the sooner you get it checked the better.
What Does Cramps Feel Like?
Cramps before your period starts or even after may vary in intensity and duration. Typically cramps before periods become less intense after the first few days of your periods. In some cases, you might experience cramping and bloating in the days leading up to your periods. These cramps could vary from being sharp aches to dull pain. However, if you think your cramps are intense, you must visit a doctor at the earliest.
Causes of Cramps
In some cases, cramps, be it before or after periods, are nothing to worry about. But if the pain continues and grows, medical intervention may be necessary. Here are a few reasons why you may have cramps:
Implantation
If you have conceived, then there is a chance that your uterus lining may shed, resulting in spots. It can also cause uterine contractions, which can lead to cramps. This is known as implantation bleeding and it usually happens a week or two after conception. So, if you experience, cramping and spotting before periods, chances are it’s a sign of early pregnancy. You should check with your doctor for the next steps here. To combat the bleeding, make sure to use the best sanitary pads. Try out the ALWAYS Ultra Thin Pads with wings. It has super absorbent core with the instant dry system that absorbs discharge in just a few seconds. These pads offer up to 100% comfortable protection so you can enjoy every moment without any worry. Read more about spotting during pregnancy.
Ovulation Cramps
If you have pain in one side of your lower abdomen that usually lasts for a day or two, you may be having ovulation cramps. This happens when your ovaries release an egg and are usually normal if the pain ranges from a mild cramp to full-fledged sharp spasms. You should see a doctor if the pain persists, and if it is accompanied by fever and nausea.
Ovarian Cysts
If you have cysts inside your ovaries, they may cause severe period pain after periods along with bleeding. You may also feel bloated and full in your stomach. This is a serious condition, and you must seek medical help if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting.
Endometriosis
One of the most common causes of cramps after periods is endometriosis.
One of the most common causes of cramps before or after periods is endometriosis. It is a condition where the uterus lining grows on the outside instead of on the inside. This condition causes painful cramps before, during, and after a period. Medical intervention is the only solution for endometriosis.
Adenomyosis
This condition is a result of abnormal tissue growth. It grows in the muscular wall of the uterus instead of growing in the uterine lining. In this condition, one might experience severe pain or cramps before, after or during periods. However, it can be cured with medications.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
This is an infection that occurs in the female reproductive organs by bacteria. Usually, PID doesn’t showcase any signs or symptoms. However, chances are you might experience pelvic or lower abdominal pain before or after a period. Consult with your doctor who will be able to give you the right diagnosis and suggest a suitable treatment.
Early Period
If you experience cramps a week before period, your periods are likely to arrive a little early. Lifestyle changes can cause this shift. You might also experience other PMS symptoms like mood swings, food cravings or even fatigue.
At times like these, it’s always best to stock up on sanitary pads and tampons. If you’re a tampon lover then try out the ALWAYS TAMPAX Cardboard Tampons. They have an innovative absorbent core which allows you a worry-free movement. Additionally, these tampons are equipped with protective skirt which minimises leakage, and the anti-slip grip provides an easy insertion. In case, you can’t tell when your next periods are due, try out our period calculator.
How To Treat Cramps
Dealing with cramps may seem quite tough. But here are some easy ways to get relief from the discomfort caused:
Try placing a heating pad over the affected area
Avoid salty, sugary foods. Likewise, skip out on caffeinated items
Try pain relievers after consulting with your doctor
Include foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and zinc in your diet
Try doing yoga to relax your uterine muscles
Looking for ways how to get periods fast? Explore safe methods to manage your menstrual health.
Takeaway
Such different and severe conditions signify the need for regular menstrual checkups. While cramps before and after periods are common, getting yourself checked occasionally, can remove the possibility of any underlying serious condition.
FAQs
1. How many days before your period is it normal to have cramps?
Cramps before period usually appear 1 to 3 days in advance. Many women experience cramping as a result of excess prostaglandins in the uterus, which causes the muscles to contract and relax.
2. Is it normal to have pelvic pain before period?
Yes, it is completely normal to experience pelvic pain before period. In fact, studies suggest that period pains are one of the most common type of pelvic pain experienced by women with around most women experiencing pelvic pain around the time of their periods.
3. What do cramps after periods mean?
If you are experiencing cramps after periods, it is important that you consult with your doctor since they are usually caused by underlying disease such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, infections or problems with the reproductive system.
4. How to relieve period cramps in bed?
Sleeping in the fetal position can help you relieve period cramps in bed. Simply lay on one side and tuck in your arms and legs. This position reduces pressure on your abdominal muscles and eases your cramps.
