Menstrual cycle: Dealing with cramps
Why do I get cramps when I have my period?
During your menstrual cycle, the lining of your uterus
produces a hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone causes the uterus to contract, or tighten, which can cause cramping. Women with severe cramps may have higher-than-normal levels of this hormone, or they may be more sensitive to it.
Most women have painful menstrual cramps from time to time. Cramps are more common in the teen years and early 20s. This cramping usually goes away in a few years when the hormone levels even out. But some women in their 30s and 40s still get cramps during their periods.
Sometimes menstrual cramps are caused by a health problem not related to having your period, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. To treat these kinds of cramps, you need to treat the health problem that is causing them.
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 2, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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