{"id":1552,"date":"2022-03-25T10:16:30","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T10:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/?p=1552"},"modified":"2023-04-13T11:56:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T11:56:48","slug":"what-you-should-know-about-severe-period-cramps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/what-you-should-know-about-severe-period-cramps\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About Severe Period Cramps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Women typically experience menstrual cramps before, during, and sometimes even after their period. Typically, these cramps are relatively mild and last no longer than a couple of days. However, in some cases, they can present themselves as unbearable period pain that significantly affects the woman\u2019s daily life. The pain is triggered by the contractions of the uterus and is a completely normal part of the period. But what about <\/span><a href=\"\/myobgynoffice\/services\/gynecological-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">severe menstrual cramps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">? Keep on reading to learn more about the potential causes of extremely painful menstrual cramps and ways to manage them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Tell Whether You Suffer from Severe Menstrual Cramps<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Menstrual cramps usually feel like throbbing lower abdomen pain, sometimes accompanied by pressure in that area. The pain may also affect the inner thighs and lower back. In general, cramping will start a day or two before the period and usually doesn\u2019t last longer than two to three days. Aside from cramps, women may experience other symptoms as well, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Loose stool<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The typical period pain is bearable and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain meds. On the other hand, severe menstrual cramps start earlier and last longer, and sometimes they don\u2019t respond well to regular pain relievers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re wondering whether you experience period cramps worse than normal, look for the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cramps don\u2019t lessen in intensity even after taking pain relievers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You feel unbearable period pain that prevents you from doing regular daily activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aside from severe menstrual cramps, you also notice heavier flow or clotting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Potential Causes of Unbearable Period Pain<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1581 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain.jpg\" alt=\"Young Beautiful Woman in Painful Expression Holding Her Belly Suffering Menstrual Period Pain Lying Sad on Home Couch Having Tummy Cramp in Female Health Concept.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/Potential-Causes-of-Unbearable-Period-Pain.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Essentially, women get their period when there\u2019s no pregnancy, and the uterus needs to shed the lining. In order for this to happen, hormone-like substances prostaglandins trigger the uterus contractions. When the prostaglandins levels are higher than what\u2019s typical, women tend to experience period cramps worse than normal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Of course, it\u2019s possible to experience severe menstrual cramps for no apparent reason or cause. Also, other underlying medical conditions could be the reason for the extreme period pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Endometriosis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case where uterine lining cells start growing outside the uterus, women are diagnosed with endometriosis. This condition is chronic, but it\u2019s not cancerous, most commonly accompanied by pelvic pain. Other symptoms might follow as well, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy bleeding during period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bleeding between the periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Period bleeding that lasts longer than seven days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Painful sexual intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain with bowel movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gastrointestinal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Issues to conceive<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One in ten women of childbearing age is affected by PCOS hormone disorder. The common symptoms include irregular periods and abnormally high androgen levels, but it\u2019s also possible to experience the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavier and longer periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Acne and skin issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Excessive hair growth on the face and body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Issues with weight gain and management<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Fibroids<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When noncancerous growths form inside\/outside of the uterus, they are called fibroids. They can vary in size and number. Typically, they don\u2019t cause any noticeable symptoms, but when they do, they can cause burning period pain together with some other signs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leg and lower back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pressure in the pelvic region<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy and prolonged periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Need to urinate often<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Issues with properly emptying the bladder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as other infections, can also cause PID bacterial infection. Women affected by PID would usually experience pelvic pain and potentially other symptoms like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain and\/or bleeding during intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal discharge of a bad odor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spotting in between two periods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Burning when trying to urinate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Cervical Stenosis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cervical stenosis also referred to as a closed cervix, is a condition that involves a rather narrow or completely closed cervical opening. Women can be born with it or get affected by it later in life. This condition can make it difficult for menstrual blood to leave the body, which in turn causes irregular and light periods. It can also make conceiving very challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Adenomyosis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterus thickening is called adenomyosis, and it happens due to the growth of endometrial tissue in the uterine muscles. Since the tissue continues its regular function where it thickens, breaks down, and then gets shed, it can cause the uterus itself to grow too large. The condition may be completely asymptomatic, but it can also cause severe and burning period pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Intrauterine Device (IUD)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An IUD is a type of birth control. Essentially, it\u2019s a small device that gets inserted into the uterus. Most women have no issues with IUDs, but some side effects could happen, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Period cramps worse than normal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavier flows during the period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irregular periods<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In very rare cases, bacteria can enter the uterus during the IUD placement, causing PID. IUD could also move, triggering pelvic pain in the process, but that is also rather uncommon.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Find Out the Cause of Severe Menstrual Cramps?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1582 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in Doctor\u2019s Office Frowning\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/240\/2022\/03\/How-to-Find-Out-the-Cause-of-Severe-Menstrual-Cramps.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure to get in touch with your doctor if you notice that your menstrual cramps are getting noticeably more painful than before. You can always count on <\/span><a href=\"\/myobgynoffice\/susan-beil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. Susan Beil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a specialist in women\u2019s gynecological care. Aside from helping her patients, she also makes sure to educate them about their health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In order to pinpoint the potential cause of unbearable period pain, the doctor will need your full medical history. They will perform a physical exam, which would often involve a Pap smear and pelvic exam. If there are other symptoms present aside from severe cramping, it might be necessary to do additional tests, such as a CT scan, an ultrasound, and\/or a gynecologic laparoscopy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Ways to Manage Burning Period Pain<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chances are you\u2019ll need medical assistance and prescription treatment to manage really severe menstrual cramps. However, there are also several things that you could try on your own, especially when there\u2019s no underlying condition that\u2019s causing the intensity of the period pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen a day before the cramping typically starts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Taking additional supplements such as vitamins B1 and B6 as well as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids could help minimize the severity of the period pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Engaging in aerobic exercises at least three times a week for half an hour could significantly minimize period pain within eight weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Try using a heating pad on your lower abdomen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just like the heating pad, taking hot baths could also help with pain in the lower back and abdomen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most women experience severe menstrual cramps as a response to daily stress, which is why stress management activities such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yoga_as_therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">yoga<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and mindful hobbies could help.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep in mind that there\u2019s absolutely no reason for you to endure extreme period pain that affects your daily life. If that is the case, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This is the only sure way to discover the cause of the pain and get the help you need to manage it. Don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us at Women\u2019s Health Partners Obstetricians and Gynecologists for full-service OBGYN care in a comfortable, private, and family-oriented environment.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Women typically experience menstrual cramps before, during, and sometimes even after their period. Typically, these cramps are relatively mild and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[16,17],"tags":[22,20,21,18,19],"class_list":["post-1552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","category-period-cramps","tag-burning-period-pain","tag-menstrual-cramps","tag-period-cramps-worse-than-normal","tag-severe-menstrual-cramps","tag-unbearable-period-pain"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1552","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1552"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1552\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1552"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/myobgynoffice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}