You may notice that your period cramps vary from month to month.
There are several possible reasons why your period cramps feel worse all of a sudden.
Lifestyle factors like a change to your diet, exercise routine, or sleep habits could be to blame.
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There are chronic health conditions like endometriosis that can causepainful cramping.
This article explains the possible reasons for sudden, painful period cramps and when to contact a healthcare provider.
AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty Images
Why Are Period Cramps Worse Some Months Than Others?
The severity ofperiod crampscan vary depending on your health and any changes that you have recently experienced.
Your cramps may feel like a dull, throbbing pain or sharp, stabbing pain.
You may also experience lower back pain,nausea,diarrhea, and headaches before or during your period.
Period cramps are often caused byprostaglandins, the chemicals that cause the uterus muscles to tighten and relax.
It can be challenging to determine the cause on your own.
Here are some of the possible causes.
Your Diet Is Off
What you eat affects your period symptoms.
Cravings for more calorie-dense foods leading up to your period are common.
A study found that people who ate more snack foods were at higher risk of painful periods.
Foods that are rich in salt or sugar may lead to moresevere period cramps.
Youre Stressed
Stresscan affect just about every area of our lives, including periods.
Research shows that people who experience stress early in their menstrual cycle have more symptoms like cramping and pain.
Fortunately, period cramps tend to get better as you age.
Your Birth Control Recently Changed
Hormonal birth controlmethods affect your menstrual cycle and period symptoms.
Youre Lacking Sleep
A good nights sleep can help in many ways, including with period pain.
People who experience poor sleep before and during their periods are more likely to report painful menstrual cramps.
A lack of sleep affects your hormone levels, which affects the symptoms you feel during your period.
This tissue may develop on the ovaries orfallopian tubes.
Like the cells in the uterine wall, this tissue is affected by changing hormone levels.
People with endometriosis are at risk of very painful periods.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cystsare fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries.
Many people with ovarian cysts do not experience symptoms.
However, these cysts can cause pain during your period and feel like cramps.
They could be resulting from bone tumors (sarcomas) and lead to pelvic pain.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroidsare benign (noncancerous) growths in or on the uterus.
IBD
Irritable bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic condition that causes gut inflammation.
It includes bothCrohns diseaseandulcerative colitis.
People with IBD are more likely to experience period symptoms like headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsionoccurs when theovaryandfallopian tubetwist around the surrounding blood vessels or organs.
When this happens, the organs do not receive enough oxygen through the blood supply.
Ovarian torsion causes severe pelvic pain.
This is an emergency condition and requires immediate medical treatment.
OTC Medications
Ginger
Gingerhas been used for ages to treat several health conditions.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve menstrual cramp pain and bloating.
Consuming ginger during the first few days of your period may lessen the pain.
Zinc
Zincis a mineral that can be taken as a supplement.
Research found taking zinc (along with mefenamic acid) for three months may improve period pain and cramping.
Apply Heat
Applying heat to your lower abdomen may improve period cramps.
Try a heating pad or hot water bottle while resting.
You may also find relief from a hot shower.
Gentle Exercise and Stretching
You may find some pain relief if you engage in gentle activity.
Physical activity, like walking or swimming, is known to improve pain.
Gentle yoga with stretching may also feel good.
Cramping that is not relieved with over-the-counter medications can indicate underlying issues.
Summary
More than half of people who menstruate experience some level of pain during their menstrual cycle.
If your cramps are suddenly severe, see your healthcare provider.
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