Home > Health Guides by Topic > General Health & Development > Puberty & Menstruation > Menstrual Cramps Menstrual Cramps
Why do I get menstrual cramps during my period?
When you have your menstrual period, you may get mild to bad menstrual cramps or pain in your abdomen or back. You may also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, a headache, or lightheadedness. Some or all of these problems may start a day or two before your menstrual period and last for part of or all of your menstrual period. Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of your uterus as the blood leaves your uterus. The lining of your uterus releases special substances called "prostaglandins." These substances increase the contractions and can cause nausea and lightheadedness. When you are having regular menstrual periods, or when you are ovulating (when your ovaries release an egg each month), your body releases more "prostaglandins". When you first get your menstrual period, it is common for you not to have regular menstrual periods and you may not ovulate for a few months, or even for a few years. So you may not have menstrual cramps when you first begin your menstrual period. After one or two or three years, when your hormone system is more mature, you might have more severe menstrual cramps.
What should I do if I have menstrual cramps?
If you are having menstrual cramps, talk with your parents or health care provider about your options. If your menstrual cramps are painful, you may think about taking some type of the over-the-counter medication for one to two days. These medications are "antiprostaglandins". They relieve the discomfort, make your flow lighter, and make your uterus cramp less. You should use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Make sure you read the label as to how much and how often you should take the medication. You should not take these medications if you are allergic to aspirin-like medications or have stomach problems (such as ulcers).
You could also try a heating pad or a warm bath to help soothe the pain. Some girls like to exercise when they have their menstrual period because it helps lessen their cramps. Other girls are uncomfortable exercising when they have their period. You should find what works best for you. Talk to your coach or gym teacher if exercise is a problem when you have your menstrual period. You should also eat a healthy diet, drink lots of fluids, and get plenty of rest during your menstrual period.
Are menstrual cramps the same as PMS?
No, menstrual cramps are not a part of PMS. PMS occurs before a woman's menstrual period begins and improves once her menstrual period has started. On the other hand, menstrual cramps usually get worse the first day or two of your menstrual period and they have a different cause and treatment.
What if I still have bad cramps?
Some girls and women have such bad cramps that heating pads and over-the-counter medications don't relieve the pain. If this is the case, talk to your health care provider. Many times, birth control pills are prescribed for girls with severe cramps, nausea, or vomiting. They work by preventing you from ovulating and by making your menstrual flow lighter.
If you are taking birth control pills and you are still having pain or bad cramps, you should talk with your health care provider. You could have an infection or a problem such as endometriosis (for more information, see Endometriosis: A Guide for Teens).
Updated 5/12/2005
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