Your period cramps can vary from month to month with no warning. Some women have more severe cramps than others due to the shape of their uterus, the amount of bleeding they experience or activity level. Diet can also play a role in how mild your period cramps are. If you have severe pains each month, talk to your doctor to discuss various treatment options.
Causes
The primary cause of menstrual cramps is uterine contractions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These strong uterine contractions are caused by prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that involve inflammation and pain receptors. If you have high levels of prostaglandins, you will have stronger uterine contractions. Strong uterine contractions can cause more than just pain. You can experience headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, lower back ache, leg pains and frequent urination.
Time Frame
You can experience menstrual cramps as early as a day or so before your period, and the pain can continue to through the first few days of your period. Pain can become worse after you have a child and as you get older, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, can cause menstrual cramps to worsen.
Diet
Sometimes what you eat can worsen cramps. Eat light and frequent meals. Eating large or heavy meals can worsen stomach bloating, increase water retention and worsen constipation or diarrhea. Avoid salt as salt can cause you to retain more fluids. Stray from caffeine, sugar and alcohol as these stimulants can cause bladder irritation, stimulate your uterine walls and cause additional cramping. Certain nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin B-6, may help avoid symptoms of PMS.
Home Care
Aside from diet, you can lightly massage your lower abdomen in a circular motion with your fingertips, apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen, take a warm bath or shower to relax and try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to help ease cramps and pains. Do not fall asleep with the heating pad as it could burn your skin. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also help your period cramps and other pains associated with your menstrual cycle.
