Perplexing Menstrual Disorders: Period cramps but no periods

Are you also experiencing period cramps but no periods? Let’s discuss about this topic today. Periods are a part of the typical female reproductive system and are usually associated with premenstrual symptoms. There are multiple women who feel pelvic pain and cramping before the start of their periods. Moreover, periods are associated with several premenopausal symptoms, including sore breasts, mood swings, cramps, etc. Besides having all these common abdominal cramps, you may not have periods.

Period cramps are not only because of periods. There are different other causes of period cramps. It may sound like your periods are on the way to start. But, to your surprise, sometimes abdominal cramps are not an indication of periods. This article explains all the critical underlying causes of abdominal cramps other than regular periods. Moreover, it also provides consultation regarding an appointment with a doctor for abdominal cramps. Let’s get into this problem of period cramps but no periods.

You can also check this article on 6 home remedies for menstrual cramps.

What are the common causes of abdominal cramps?

Abdominal cramps or pelvic pain during the periods is usually known as dysmenorrhea. Besides this pain, there are several other medical problems that are associated with abdominal cramps like symptoms. There are some of the most common causes that can mimic abdominal cramps before the start of periods to make you experience period cramps but no periods like symptoms.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a type of infection involving the organs of the female reproductive system. It can be one of the causes of period cramps but no periods like condition that you are facing. It can be a complication of sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia. But, these infections can also occur due to any other type of infection. The common symptoms include:

• Fever due to infection
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Bleeding or pain during intercourse
• Burning sensation during urination
• Bleeding between periods

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical problem that indicates the presence of uterus-like tissue (lines the uterus) outside the uterus. This ectopic presence of uterus-like tissue normally responds to hormones. Moreover, it follows the same pattern of breaking down and bleeding just like the tissue lining the uterus. In contrast, it cannot leave the body. This endometrial tissue can induce lesions, leading to swelling and pain. This can be another reason for period cramps but no periods like condition.

People having endometriosis may suffer from symptoms similar to the symptoms before the start of the period. It can thus be one of the causes of period cramps but no periods like condition. Some people only experience these symptoms during their period. Others may have these symptoms during the complete menstrual cycle.

Fibroids

Fibroids are small and non-cancerous growths that can grow both inside and outside the uterus walls. Most people with fibroids do not have any symptoms. But, some people may exhibit symptoms including bleeding and abdominal cramps without having periods. Fibroids can thus be one of the reasons of period cramps but no periods.

Irritable bowel syndrome

About 20% of the adult population in the United States may have irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome may induce abdominal cramps and pain in the stomach and pelvic region. This means it may also be a cause of period cramps but no periods like condition. There is no such management for IBS other than dietary modifications.

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)

One of the reason of period cramps but no periods like condition can be IBDs. Inflammatory bowel disease may be in the form of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. It is actually the inflammation of the digestive system preventing it to stop the absorption of some vital nutrients. It is a chronic type of problem that requires long-term management to deal with the symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease may cause abdominal cramps and severe pain in the stomach.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of eggs from the ovary. Moreover, the ovulation period starts just before 14 days of the period. Ovulation may cause abdominal cramps, discomfort, and pain. It usually happens in the mid-menstrual cycle leading to abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Early pregnancy

You may be experiencing early pregnancy lower back pain and cramps. When an embryo gets implanted in the uterine lining, it can cause uterine cramping or spotting with embryo implantation. But, the uterine cramping is mild than the severe abdominal cramping of the regular periods.

Ectopic pregnancy

When an embryo implants other than the uterus (ovary or fallopian tubes), it is pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can also cause abdominal cramping and pain. Women in early pregnancy having abdominal cramping or spotting must visit their doctors to get checked properly.

Miscarriage:

Every pregnant woman has a 25% chance of miscarriage. When the pregnant woman starts bleeding and having abdominal cramps just like menstruation, then you must consider the chance of miscarriage.

When is there a need to visit a doctor for period cramps?

Sometimes you experience period cramps but no periods for a long time. There are several other reasons for period cramps that may require medical attention. Consider these basic points to make a decision regarding visiting a doctor.

• How intense are your period cramps are
• How long do these period cramps last
• Whether you are having associated symptoms with period cramps
• Where you lie in your monthly menstrual cycle

How to diagnose that abdominal cramps are not because of periods?

After you get to know the exact cause of period cramps but no periods like condition, you need to be sure that the abdominal cramps are not because of periods. If your cramps did not go away whether you are having your period or not, visit your doctor to get checked. Your doctor may ask for your complete history regarding abdominal cramps. The better you provide history, the more chances to get an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, your doctor may ask whether your pain is acute or ongoing. In addition, your doctor may go for different diagnostic tests and procedures to understand the cause of abdominal cramps. The common diagnostic tests include

• Ultrasound
• Pelvic exam
• Laparoscopy – it is a type of diagnostic test to explore the structures of the pelvic area, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tube. 

If your doctor finds any medical problem, your doctor may refer you to a specialist to delay your concerns. These diagnosis will surely help you deal with period cramps but no periods like condition.

How can we get relief from abdominal cramps?

You are having period cramps but no periods. It can be a very painful condition to deal with. There are several therapeutic methods to get relief from such kind of period cramps. Now after knowing about the causes of period cramps but no periods, let’s find some relief methods. Here are some of these methods to find relief at your home.

• Get a warm bath to relax. Moreover, using a heating pad or warm water bottle over the abdomen can help you deal with period cramps.
• Having warm water or hot beverages can relax the uterine muscles and reduce period cramps.
• You can go for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs to get relief from period cramps. These drugs block the action potential of the increased prostaglandins helping to contract the uterus. It can reduce period cramps.
• If you are going for birth control pills, prefer hormonal birth control pills. It will reduce the amount, length, and flow of menstrual bleeding and ultimately lead to reduced period cramps.

Conclusion:

Most women suffer from period cramps but no periods. There are multiple medical problems that are associated with period cramps. These conditions can mimic period cramps. Sometimes, the period like cramps lasts longer. When this happens, you must visit your doctor to get rid of the underlying cause.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)