why do you get cramps in your when you have your period?
321107
Almost all women have some cramping during their periods, classified as either primary dysmenorrhea (which refers to "normal" menstrual pain) or secondary dysmenorrhea (which is a result of an underlying disease or disorder).\n\n"Normal" cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract (sometimes quite painfully) in order to expel the menstrual debris (and henceforth, start the period). Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. \n\nHOWEVER, killer cramps are NOT normal and are in most cases due to secondary dysmenorrhea. Most frequently this is because of a disease or disorder like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, etc. If your cramping disables you, see your gyn to talk about options.\n\nNon-steroidal inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may help relieve cramping...your doc can also prescribe oral contraceptives that will prevent ovulation and reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating cramping. \n\nUse of heating pads, avoidance of salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine, intake of vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium supplements, and pelvic massage are all said to be helpful as well. \n\nIt is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling is never normal and should be investigated ASAP so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be rendered. Hope that helps.
230083
Lay a heating pad on your lower abdomen.  Stay away from caffeine during your period.  It tends to make cramps worse.  Ibuprofen works well.  You can also get put on birth control pills, they help regulate periods and also decrease menstrual cramps.  You can also get a prescription for prescription strength ibuprofen, it works really well.
1074362
You could be ovulating, or you could be getting ready to start your period.   I know I get cramps when I ovulate, and 2 day before I start my period.
766786
You NEED to see a doctor. \nYou could have an ovarian cyst or some other problem. It could lead to infertility. \nThe doctor is really not so bad, it's only scary the firsty time because you don't know what to expect. Go with your mom or someone else who will make you feel comfartable and has been through this before. If the cramps are really that bad the doc can prescribe something or put you on the pill. The pill will regulate your period and reduce the pain, if you take it for a while even after you stop you period will be more regular and not hurt as much as it did before. I know about painful periods, Trust me, the pill was the only thing that helped.
1043110
Some pains down there during your period are normal.
913495
Getting cramps can mean a multitude of things.\n\nFirst of all, you should always stretch every day.  This should be done even if you are not going to do any type of organized exercise.\n\nAre you dehydrated?  Drinking more water can help the cramping in your muscles.\n\nAre you breathing correctly when you are walking?  When you breathe in, your stomach should go out so that you fill your diaphram completely.\n\nMaking sure that you get enough potassium in your diet can help.  Try bananas.\n\nIf these things do not work, I recommend consulting your physician.
110721
Lower back pain can be cramps, just like many women experience cramps in their lower abdomen during their periods.  In fact, until I was in labor, I didn't really get the idea that cramps could be in the front . . . I also have a tilted uterus and have always had strong cramps in my lower back with my period.  So, normal cramps remedys will probably help (ibuprofen, heat).
364365
I get cramps the day before my period is about to come. My friends goes through weird food craving.  I think it all depends on how you PMS.
75308
If you haven't has sex lately, it's menstrual cramps. Take a warm shower.\n\nIf you have, you're pregnant. Get a test.
84769
Leg cramps are muscle spasms anywhere in the leg. They usually occur at night and can result in sudden, painful spasms. \nIf you are frequently bothered by leg cramps, check with your doctor to rule out medical conditions that may be causing the problem. Many different factors can promote cramping, including low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or vitamin E. Circulation disorders, anemia (a low level of blood cells), and improper functioning of the thyroid gland can also cause leg cramps. Other causes include dehydration, heat stroke, inactivity, and strenuous exercise. Cramps can also occur for no apparent reason. \n\nHere are a few tips that may help prevent leg cramps:\n\n\nDrink plenty of water throughout the day. Doctors recommend six to eight glasses everyday.\nMassage your muscles before going to bed.\nStretch daily, before and after exercise.\nMaintain a well-balanced diet and eat foods high in calcium (such as milk and cheese), potassium (bananas and dates), and Vitamin E (spinach and sweet potatoes).\nIf you have a leg cramp, gently stretch and massage the muscle. You can apply a warm heating pad to the area to help calm the cramping muscle and reduce discomfort.
754396
Go to the doctor! Here is something.....\n\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO\nYou may take nonprescription medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen for menstrual cramps. Use it only as directed. \nIf your doctor gives you a prescription for menstrual cramps, take it exactly as directed. \nApplying heat to your abdomen or back helps ease the pain. Do this for about 20 minutes once or twice a day. Use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle, or take a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. \nStay as active as possible. Exercise often helps relieve pain. You don't need to stay in bed. \nDon't drink too much caffeine (cola or coffee); and try to keep away from things that cause you to feel stressed-out. \nCall Your Doctor If...\nYour pain is not controlled with medication or lasts more than 3 days. \nYou have pain with urination or bowel movements, or pain that is located on one side only. \nThe medicine you are taking is causing any problems. \nSeek Care Immediately If...\nYour pain is so bad that you can't walk. \nYou have a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or muscle aches during your menstrual period.
1010946
definately cramps and lots of them lol but sometimes a woman can bleed a lot and others just a little it really just depends on the person really
193462
Yes I pass blood clots all the time when I get my period.  Not to mention the first day of my period I can't leave the house because I'm a heavy bleeder, I have to change every 30 minutes or look out I'm a big mess.  The blood clots give me killer cramps and it happens on the first day and on my third day of period.  It's horrible being a woman, I wish I could get my uterus taken out instead of going thru this every darn month.
1120561
Your stomach begins to cramp like a terrible period, and sometimes the bleeding starts before the pain, and it hurts really bad and the blood comes out in clots, kind of like when you're on your period and you sneeze- sorry for being so graphic just want to be honest.- the cramps can last for hours and the bledding as well
523924
It sounds like you had a mid cycle bleed, which can happen when you ovulate, sometimes with mid cramps too.  Keep a record of your cycle in a private diary and see if you tend to get a light bleed half way between your periods.\n\nIf you start bleeding a lot or feel feverish and unwell then contact your doctor, just to make sure nothing is wrong.
447025
You are not alone... I get the same problem. About a week before my period starts, I get very emotional- I cry about everything and get pissed off over nothing. My legs and thighs feel sore and crampy, I get a migraine and I get nloated like a swollen pig. I think its just normal for some people. I even think the it is hereditary.
310300
Almost all women have some cramping during their periods, classified as either primary dysmenorrhea (which refers to "normal" menstrual pain) or secondary dysmenorrhea (which is a result of an underlying disease or disorder).\n\n"Normal" cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract (sometimes quite painfully) in order to expel the menstrual debris (and henceforth, start the period). Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. \n\nHOWEVER, killer cramps are NOT normal and are in most cases due to secondary dysmenorrhea. Most frequently this is because of a disease or disorder like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, etc. If your cramping disables you, see your gyn to talk about options.\n\nI know you said 'no meds,' but non-steroidal inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may help relieve cramping...your doc can also prescribe oral contraceptives that will prevent ovulation and reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating cramping. \n\nUse of heating pads, avoidance of salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine, intake of vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium supplements, and pelvic massage are all said to be helpful as well. \n\nIt is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling is never normal and should be investigated ASAP so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be rendered. Hope that helps.