Cramps But No Period: 8 Common Causes (& What To Do)

Cramps but no period can be felt during during ovulation or early pregnancy, and in these cases, it is a normal finding. However, it can also be a sign of another health condition, like endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease, especially if cramps happen frequently throughout the month.

Cramps outside of a period are described as abdominal pain or a mild discomfort. Some people may experience very intense cramps that interfere with your daily activities for a few days each month.

Therefore, it is important to consult a gynecologist if you experience cramps with no period every month, or if the cramping worsens in intenity. The doctor will assess you to identify the underlying cause and begin the most appropriate treatment. 

Why do I have cramps but no period?

The main causes of cramps outside of a period are:

1. Ovulation

Ovulation is a common cause of cramps outside of the menstrual period. About 14 days after the first day of the last period, an egg is released from the ovary. Some fluid that protects the egg and blood are also released, which can cause irritation in the abdominal cavity, leading to cramps.

Ovulation cramping improves soon after the egg is released or as soon as the body absorbs the fluid or blood.

What to do: Cramping caused by ovulation usually improves within 24 hours and does not require any treatment. However, if the cramping is severe, you can take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, use a hot water bottle on your stomach or take a hot bath to help ease the discomfort. Cases of very intense pain during ovulation can be managed with birth control pills. Read more about ovulation pain and how it can be treated.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is characterized by the spread of endometrial tissue, which lines the inner uterus, to other organs in the woman's body, such as the ovaries, bladder and intestine. This condition is associated with inflammation, abdominal pain and intense cramps that usually occurs during menstruation, but can also occur with no period.

Abdominal pain and cramping caused by endometriosis can be very intense and can often be confused with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, or a urinary tract infection. Read more about endometriosis symptoms and how they can present.

What to do: you should consult a gynecologist to assess the characteristics of your cramps and menstrual flow. This assessment will involve a physical exam and testing, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or, in some cases, a videolaparoscopy to confirm endometriosis. Endometriosis treatment is usually done with contraceptives and/or surgery.

3. PMS

PMS or premenstrual syndrome describes a set of symptoms that some women may experience before menstruation, such as pain in the lower abdomen, swelling and breast pain.

Read more about PMS symptoms that can occur, and complete our online symptom checker to determine whether your. symptoms are related to PMS.

What to do: To relieve cramps from PMS, you can take analgesic medications such as acetaminophen. ibuprofen or naproxen. Very intense symptoms that last for more than 2 consecutive cycles, it is recommended that a gynecologist be consulted for an evaluation.

4. Uterine fibroid

A uterine fibroid, also referred to as a uterine myoma, is a benign tumor that forms in the muscular layer of the uterus. It generally does not cause any symptoms, but depending on the size, location and amount of fibroids present, some women may report abdominal pain, bleeding and cramps with no period.

What to do: You should consult your gynecologist so that the diagnosis can be made through a physical examination and imaging, such as transvaginal ultrasound, and start the most appropriate treatment, which can range from medical monitoring to the use of hormones or the use of an IUD. progesterone. Find out ARTICLE NOT FOUND IN EN: more about fibroid treatment.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, is an inflammation that originates in the vagina and can spread to the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can lead to symptoms such as vaginal discharge, bleeding and cramps without a period.

This inflammation is typically caused by an STI, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, but it can also occur due to an infection during vaginal delivery, or following an endometrial biopsy.

What to do: If you notice signs and symptoms of PID, you are advised to consult a gynecologist who may prescribe oral or injected antibiotics to treat any infections that are causing inflammation. Sex should be avoided during treatment to allow for adequate healing.

6. Pregnancy

Cramps but no period can also be a sign of pregnancy and occurs due to the implantation of the embryo and the growth of the uterus. Generally, this cramping is mild and temporary and does not cause other symptoms or discomfort. However, if cramps are frequently felt, very intense and do not resolve with rest, it can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption, which require urgent assessment.

What to do: You should take a hCG test if your period is late and pregnancy is possible, which can be done through a urine sample or blood sample. If confirmed, you should book a prenatal consultation and begin monitoring with the obstetrician-gynecologis.

7. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a disease that is characterized by thickening of the uterine wall. Small nodules can start to grow on the uterine lining, which may not present with any symptoms at first, but can lead to bleeding and cramps outside of a period as time goes on.

What to do: You should consult a gynecologist who may prescribe treatment with anti-inflammatories or hormones. In more advanced cases where symptoms are unable to be managed with just medication, the doctor may advise surgical removal of the uterus. 

8. Cervical stenosis

Cervical stenosis is the narrowing of the cervix caused by uterine malformation, vaginal infection, the presence of a cyst or cancer in the cervix. It can also occur following surgical procedures such as cauterization, for example. These conditions may not present with any symptoms and may only be discovered during a routine gynecological exams, or they may cause menstrual changes such as heavy bleeding during menstruation or cramping outside of a period.

What to do: You should ensure your pap smears are up-to-date to ensure your uterus remains in optimal health. Treatment for cervical stenosis should be guided by a gynecologist and will depend on the underlying cause of it. Treatment may involve dilation of the cervix, in mild cases, or chemotherapy in cases of cervical cancer.