Menstrual cramps or more scientifically known as dysmenorrhea will happen to 99% of women at one time or another. But the cramps can be so severe that they will actually seek medical attention. The cramps can range from very mild to severe. The pain you may feel can occur in the lower abdomen, back and even the thighs. You may experience headaches, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation.

What happens is the lining of the uterus secretes a hormone called prostaglandin and this hormone can cause the uterus to contract resulting in pain. Women who experience a lot of pain produce higher than normal amounts of the hormone and they may be more sensitive to the effects of the hormone.

Cramping is very common during the ages or 12 to 15 but can last up to the age of 24. Some women who have had their tubes tied have experiences major cramps since the procedure. The hormonal change is the reason for it. Then there may be other cramping that is not due to the menstruation. These would be physical problems, that would include: A condition in which the cells look like and act like the cells from the lining of the uterus but are found in other parts of the abdomen. The pain will last 1 or 2 days before your period and will continue throughout the period as well.

Another reason is that there is a growth that is not cancerous form in the pelvis; these growths are called ovarian cysts or cervical polyps and fibroids. You may also be suffering from a pelvic infection, using an IUD can cause cramps when you get your period. Problems with a pregnancy that you had can cause a change in your system and lastly would be physical problems such as a narrow cervix.

After certain medical procedures, menstrual like cramping may happen. An IUD insertion, a cautery, a cryotherapy, and a conization any radiation therapy and an endometrial biopsy can cause bad cramping. PMS may be a factor as well. Medicines such as Tylenol and Midol will relieve these cramps as well as menstrual cramps. They are painful and if you have not experienced a cramp a day in your life then you could not possibly understand what the women who do go through and count your lucky stars you don’t.

For additional information and resources on Chronic Pain, visit PainsWeb.com. The author Sam Carson is a chronic pain patient and publisher of PainsWeb.com. His website specializes in conveying targeted information about all types of Chronic Pain and helps you find associated information, patient resources and forums etc to manage your pain. Authors can submit quality original articles to PainsWeb.com and get a back link to their site.