Some women experience abdominal pain beginning days or even weeks before their periods start. Although the pain can be a normal part of some women's menstrual cycles, it can also indicate problems with hormones or the reproductive system.
The Menstrual Cycle
A woman's menstrual cycle cycle is 25 to 36 days long, according to the Merck Manuals, and includes three to seven days of bleeding. The cycle is governed by a delicate balance of hormones. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, which stimulate the ovaries and uterus to produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for the functioning of the uterus and ovaries in the menstrual cycle. Some women experience fatigue, bloating, frequent urination and abdominal cramping in connection with their menstrual cycles.
Premenstrual Cramping
Premenstrual syndrome--PMS--is a set of symptoms that occurs right before a woman begins her menstrual bleeding. MedlinePlus estimates that up to 75 percent of all menstruating women have experienced premenstrual syndrome. The cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown, although researchers speculate that it involves changes in brain hormone levels. Symptoms of PMS include abdominal pain, breast tenderness, mood disorders, bloating and food cravings.
Ovulation Pain
The process of ovulation begins when the hormones estrogen and progesterone rise because of a surge in luteinizing hormone. When this occurs, a follicle within the ovary ruptures, releasing an egg from inside. During this time, women may notice clear discharge, a slight rise in temperature, spotting or abdominal pain. The abdominal pain experienced during ovulation is called "mittelschmerz," or middle pain. Although there is no clear indication as to why women feel this pain, it's thought to be related to the ovary stretching during ovulation or to abdominal irritation from the fluid released with the egg. This pain is short-lived and is not usually severe.
Abnormal Growths
Some women experience pain associated with abnormal growths such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterine walls, uterine muscle or uterine cavity. These growths can be microscopic or big enough to fill the uterus. The cause of these growths are unknown; however, research has pointed to contributing factors such as genetics and hormone disorders. Ovarian cysts are benign growths that occur in the ovary. These cysts can be follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts are formed when the ovary opens to release the egg and the follicle fails to open and instead swells with fluid. Corpus luteum cysts seal up before all the fluid is out, which causes them to grow larger. Symptoms include pelvic and abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities and bloating.
Warnings
Severe abdominal pain, with or without bleeding, can signal a medical emergency. Never self-diagnose extreme abdominal pain.
