Pelvic cramps that begin before your period starts or that continue after your period stops
For most women, menstrual cramps usually start 1 to 2 days before they start their periods and go away as their bleeding diminishes.
Cramping that starts 5 to 7 days before menstruation begins is not typical for most women and may be caused by a problem such as endometriosis or an ovarian cyst.
It is unusual for cramping to continue after your period has ended. This may be a symptom of a pelvic infection.
If you have pelvic cramps that begin before your period starts or that continue after your period is over, call your doctor for an evaluation.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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