What should cramps feel like

Primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents: Prevalence, impact and recent knowledge. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev.

Cleveland Clinic. Updated September 25, Osayande AS, Mehulic S. Diagnosis and initial management of dysmenorrhea. Am Fam Physician. Updated July 14, Harada T. Dysmenorrhea and endometriosis in young women. Yonago Acta Med. Abnormal Menstruation Periods. Updated August 25, Diagnosis and management of endometriosis: summary of NICE guidance. Evaluation of acute pelvic pain in women.

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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Your Life Is Disrupted If your period pain is so bad that you need to call off work on a regular basis, you should speak to your doctor.

You Have Random Pelvic Pain Pelvic discomfort just before your period and during the first few days of your period can be normal. Two or three days of menstrual discomfort is considered to be normal.

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Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. When to see a doctor Home Remedies Takeaway Overview During menstruation, hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins trigger the uterus to contract.

What period cramps feel like. When to see a doctor. Home remedies to try. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. How Late Can a Period Be? Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Why Do Women Have Periods? Why Is Period Poop the Worst? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

They can feel like a constant dull ache, occasional shooting pains or anything in between. Typically, women feel cramps in the lower stomach but they can also affect the groin, thighs and lower back. Some might notice that their cramps lessen with age.

Others might never experience period cramps. Still, many women are afraid to speak to their doctor about their cramps. Our OB-GYNs are here to listen to your concerns without judgement and help find a way to make your periods as painless as possible.

During your next appointment, talk to your doctor about:. If you have severe menstrual cramps, a visit to your doctor is the only way to determine the exact cause of your pain. During your visit, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms. If we need additional information to confirm a diagnosis, a pelvic exam or ultrasound might be needed.