Understanding Cramps and Period Pain

 4 mins 30 secs

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  • About Belly Pain

When it comes to describing painful period cramps, the words of Rachel from Friends come to mind: “No uterus, no opinion!”

Only those in possession of female reproductive organs can fully understand the level of pain that many women experience every month. But what causes menstrual cramps, and what can you do to relieve the pain? Read on to find out.

What Are Period Cramps?

Period cramps (menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea) are abdominal cramps that occur during a woman’s menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may happen before, during or after menstruation.

Menstruation occurs when the lining of the uterus that’s been building up in preparation for pregnancy needs to be shed and cleared out of the body when fertilization does not occur. To shed this lining and push it out together with blood, the uterine (or womb) muscles contract. These contractions may lead to period cramps1.

Some people do not feel these period cramps. Others experience mild discomfort, and others feel pain in the lower abdomen or severe pain extending to the legs and the back1. Studies estimate that at least 1 in 4 young women have period cramps that are so painful it causes them to skip school, work, or social activities2.

Other symptoms that may accompany period cramps include1:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • feeling generally unwell

It’s important to remember that although period cramps may happen to women, severe pain from period cramps should not be left unnoticed. See a doctor if you have severe pain, if it interferes with your daily activities, or if the pain has gotten worse over time1. These could be signs that something else is causing what you believe to be normal and expected period pain.

How Do You Know if it's Period Cramps or a Stomach Ache?

Stomach ache usually manifests as cramps that cause dull, throbbing pain3. Period cramps and stomach cramps are similar in this sense, because they do cause the same kind of pain. However, there is a key difference relating the location of the pain.

While period cramps occur in the lower part of your abdomen, where the uterus and ovaries are, stomach cramps tend to occur higher up in the abdominal cavity, where the stomach is located. The pelvic organs are located at the lower part of the abdomen, hence the pain occurring lower down as well4,5.

Sometimes, however, it is possible to get stomach aches from your period. Stomach pains during periods and changes in bowel movements can be signs of an underlying condition such as endometriosis, so do see a doctor if you have these symptoms6.

What Helps with Period Cramps?

A range of home remedies and pain relievers can help with period cramps. However, effective treatment depends on what causes menstrual cramps. For example, when period cramps are caused by an underlying problem or condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids, treatment with hormonal therapy or surgery may be recommended1. Best to consult your doctor to check the cause of your menstrual cramps.

Remedies

For period pain that’s only caused by the usual cramps of menstruation, the following remedies might help1:

  • applying a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the area
  • light exercise such as yoga or jogging
  • psychotherapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques
  • vitamins and minerals

Some studies show that 100 mg of Vitamin B1 taken daily may help reduce period pain. Vitamin B6, on its own or with magnesium, can also help7.

Pain Relievers For Period Cramps: NSAIDs, Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan®) Venus

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can help relieve period cramps1. However, they can also be quite tough on the stomach and can cause side effects if you take them in the long term.

Antispasmodics such as Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) are also effective in treating period cramps. Antispasmodics target the pain at its root cause by acting on the smooth muscle of the gut, stopping the contractions where they occur.

Some studies suggest Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) may be a safer option than some NSAIDs when it comes to treating period cramps11. This is because it sidesteps the gastrointestinal side effects. Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) is tough on pain, but gentle on the stomach.

Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, also helps relieve period pain without side effects on the stomach7. This is why Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan Venus) is also available — a power combo of Hyoscine butylbromide and paracetamol for those with stronger pain and cramps.

What is the Right Buscopan for You? Click here to find out.

Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) has been the trusted ally in the fight against abdominal cramps since 1952.

What Causes Period Cramps?

Sometimes, painful period cramps are caused by something else other than the normal muscle contractions of the uterus. In these cases, the following causes are commonly to blame1,10:

  • Non-cancerous growths: These could be fibroids, polyps, or cysts
  • Intrauterine Devices (IUD): Contraceptive coils used for birth control are one example.
  • Endometriosis: In this condition, the tissue lining the womb is not properly eliminated. Instead, it overgrows and sometimes grows on other organs, such as in the ovaries.
  • Adenomyosis: This is a condition in which tissue lining the womb grows into the layer of muscle inside the womb8.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a set of symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances9.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is a condition in which the upper genital tract is inflamed due to infection10.

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Buscopan Plus Product

Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Plus)
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