Why do I have cramps but no period?
![Several conditions can cause cramps but no period or cramping when not on period.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/causes-of-cramping.jpg?output-quality=75)
Pelvic painsimilar to amenstrual periodcan happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period.
The following 12 diseases and conditions are examples of situations that can causepainor cramps when not on your period.
Ovulation
In the middle of the menstrual cycle, or about 10-14 days before your period,ovulationoccurs. This is the release of an egg from a follicle within the ovary.
- Symptoms can include
- mild cramping that may be sharp or dull,
- lasting a few minutes to hours. It typically occurs on one side of the abdomen only.
Ovarian cyst
Acystis an enclosed tissue sac filled with fluid. The ovary is a common location for cyst development.
- A smallovarian cysttypically does not cause symptoms, but if the cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden, sharp pains or cramps on one side of the lower abdomen.
- An enlarging cyst may cause dullpainor a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen or back.
Ovarian cancer
This is a rare cause ofpainor pressure within the abdomen or pelvis.
- Ovarian cancermay not cause any symptoms, but if thecanceris large, it can cause
- 腹部疼痛或压力或back,
- a feeling of heaviness or fullness,
- swelling of the abdomen, and
- feeling an urgent need to urinate.
Pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and endometriosis
Sometimes women in the very earlystages of pregnancyexperienced slight cramping, similar to mildmenstrual cramps, right around the time that the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is termed “implantation pain” and happens right around the time of the expected period.
- Usually, there are no other symptoms at this time other than the absence of a period. Sometimes there is lightspottingat the time of implantation.
Ectopic pregnancy
Anectopic pregnancyrefers to a fertilized egg attaching in an abnormal location outside of the uterus (womb), typically in the fallopian tubes.
- A ruptured ectopicpregnancycan lead to sudden, severe sharp pains in the lower abdomen that can spread to the back.
- Before this happens, there may be the typical symptoms of early pregnancy like
- tiredness,
- breast painor tenderness, or
- nausea.
Endometriosis
This is a condition in which tissue, similar to that found inside the uterus, grows in other locations outside of the uterus. It is a very common condition.
- Endometriosiscan cause painful menstrual cramping during the menstrual period and at other times of the month as well. It can cause
- infertility,
- painful bowel movements, or
- pain during sex in some women.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/pelvic-pain-s1.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain?See SlideshowPelvic inflammatory disease (PID), interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome and appendicitis
PID refers to an inflammation of the internal sex organs that usually results from the spread of a性传播疾病. It is usually caused by bacteria that spread from the vagina and cervix upward into the uterus, tubes, and ovaries.
- PID causes lowerabdominal painon both sides of the body, often accompanied by
- fever,
- vaginal discharge,
- nausea,
- vomiting, and
- pain or burning with urination.
Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
This is a condition that results from chronic inflammation of the bladder. It can cause pain at any time of the month.
- Symptoms typically get worse when the bladder is full (when you have to urinate). It can cause pain and tenderness in the low abdomen or pelvic area. Other possible symptoms are
- painful urination and
- feeling an urgent need to urinate.
Appendicitis
Theappendixis a small pouch of tissue attached to one end of thelarge intestine. When it becomes irritated and inflamed (appendicitis), it may rupture and cause more serious problems.
- Symptoms ofappendicitisinclude
- abdominal painthat starts in the middle and usually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen.
- fever,
- nausea, and
- vomiting.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion
IBDrefers to chronic (long-term) inflammation in the bowels (intestines). Both Crohn’s disease andulcerative colitisare forms ofIBD.
- Symptoms depend on the severity and exact type ofIBDbut usually include some type ofabdominal pain.
- Other symptoms can include
- diarrhea,
- bloody凳子,
- weight loss,
- fatigue,
- fever, and
- feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
This disorder is different fromIBD. WithIBSthere are a number of symptoms related todigestion, but there is no chronic inflammation in theintestinesas withIBD.
- Symptoms ofIBScan vary from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include
- diarrhea,
- constipation, and
- abdominal painor cramping.
- The abdominal pain may be relieved by having a bowel movement. The symptoms may be more bothersome during your menstrual period.
Indigestion
This refers to having symptoms related to digestive symptoms and is a common complaint.Indigestionis also referred to asdyspepsia.
When to seek medical attention
Always seek medical attention for the following serious symptoms that can accompany cramps or pain:
- Abnormalvaginal bleeding
- Sudden, severe, or worsening abdominal orpelvic pain
- Pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
- Frequent vomiting
- High fever
- Blood in vomit or凳子
- Black ortarry stools
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Unexplainedweight loss
- Slow or rapid heartbeats
- 意识丧失
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Jameson, J.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.
National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Period pain: Overview." Aug. 1, 2019.
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