If you are experiencing cramping in your lower abdominal region, it usually indicates an underlying health issue. This is especially true if the timing coincides with your expected period, but you have no spotting or flow of blood. Cramping but no period can happen at anytime with a range of mild to life-threatening health conditions. It is important to note any accompanying symptoms to determine the severity of the situation. We will investigate common causes and helpful home remedies for cramping but no period episodes.
When distressed from an injury or illness, our muscles will tighten, giving a cramping sensation of short, uncomfortable twinges or sudden excruciating thrusts of pain. Muscle cramps in the uterus cause a force against its wall lining. The body gives these signals shortly before or during the monthly menstruation cycle. Other symptoms may signal a pregnancy, cysts, constipation, or even cancer.
Why Do I Have Cramps but No Period?
Although many women can distinguish between their menstrual cycle and other cramping conditions, there are times when symptoms do not match up and it becomes necessary to probe further. If you are having abdominal cramping but no period follows, read on to discover what may be the cause.
One of the first thoughts of women who have cramps but no period starting is a possible pregnancy. The feeling of cramping in this case is caused by the embryo attaching to the uterine wall lining. A woman will continue to have cramping throughout the pregnancy as the uterus grows along with the embryo. With an ectopic pregnancy, the severe cramping indicates the embryo has implanted somewhere outside the uterus, such as in one of the fallopian tubes. This can be a life-threatening issue for the mother, and the embryo cannot survive outside the uterus.
2. Late Period
A late period is one of the most common causes of cramps but no period onset. This pain stems from the ovulation, or releasing of eggs, 14 days before your period start date. Whether your periods are like clockwork or sporadic, cramping from a late period can cause concern for some women.
Yes, even when you graduate to the age of menopause and no longer have the usual conditions of a menstrual cycle, you may still experience cramping. All of the period symptoms, aside from blood flow, will continue as your reproductive hormone levels begin to diminish.
4. Ovarian Cyst
Another cramping but no period source is ovarian cysts. Usually, no treatment is needed for the two types of ovarian cysts, which are set in the ovarian tissue. The follicular cyst occurs when the ovary fail to release the egg, while the corpus luteum cyst may be present once the egg has been released. If the body does not reabsorb the cyst, surgery may be necessary.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
More serious health conditions that cause cramping but no period are inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn’s disease refers to issues with your digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis targets the colon.
6. Ovarian Cancer
Often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms being closely related to other health issues, ovarian cancer is one to watch for with cramping. The most common symptom is the pain and discomfort of cramping but no period following.
Cramping but no period following can also be linked to stress, constipation, excess gas, and as a side effects of some medications.
Symptoms of Cramping but No Period
Now that we have addressed the health conditions and concerns associated with period-like cramps, let’s learn what symptoms we should be on alert for with such issues.
Despite all of the internal changes your body experiences at the early stage of pregnancy, strangely enough, there are not too many other symptoms to look for. You may have slight cramping around the time you are expecting your period, about the four-week mark, and tenderness of the breasts. The morning sickness many women experience usually hits about five to six weeks into the pregnancy.
With an ectopic pregnancy, you may have the same few symptoms of a normal pregnancy, but the cramps may intensify to severe stabbing pain. This is localized on one side of the lower abdomen and may radiate to the back and shoulder regions.
2. Ovarian Cyst
The presence of the cyst tends not to cause discomfort or pain until it dissolves on its own as a rupture. At this point, you may have mild pain or sharp stabs of pain that are temporary. Some women report a sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen or back.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are varying symptoms associated with each type of this condition. The distinct difference is the location as Crohn’s presents in the lower right section of your abdomen, while ulcerative colitis produces cramps on the left side. Common symptoms of both include diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and possible blood in your stool.
4. Ovarian Cancer
Since the cramping associated with ovarian cancer can sometimes be linked to other health conditions, the major indictor is a pain and heavy pressure feeling that does not dissipate over time. Your stomach may become swollen and you may find yourself eating less, even without a loss of appetite.
Tips to Relieve Discomfort
There are home treatments to help alleviate the pain, pressure, or discomfort at the first signs of cramping but no period, or when you are not expecting your period at all.
- Lie down to rest quietly.
- Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the location of the cramping.
- Take a warm bath to relax the muscles.
- Go for a relaxing walk.
- Gently rub your abdomen.
- Drink herbal tea or arm water with lemon.
Any pain or discomfort of cramping with no period starting within two weeks should be checked out by a medical professional to rule out any of the underlying health conditions we touched on.
Whether you have cramps but no period is expected to start or your period seems delayed, you may want to mentally note any accompanying symptoms. A wide range of health conditions may be present with mild to severe cramping, depending on the underlying cause. Cramps associated with slightly concerning issues will usually subside after several days. During this time, there are home remedies to help lessen or eliminate the pain. If your condition worsens or does not improve within two weeks, you may want to talk to your gynecologist or family physician.
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