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Firstly, it's important to understand that although menstrual cramps are common they are not a normal part of healthy menstruation that women have to tolerate - there's a strong link between menstrual shame and menstrual cramps, also lifestyle has a big impact on menstrual cramps.

During menstruation hormone-like chemicals cause the uterus to contract to push out menstrual flow but if produced in too great an amount these chemicals cause inflammation so blood vessels to the uterine muscles contract and restrict blood flow. Essentially menstrual cramps are similar to a heart attack: oxygen to muscles cut off temporarily, causing momentary death of the muscle.

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Q: Why do women have menstrual cramps?
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Related questions

Does a period hurt coming out?

Menstrual flow leaving your body doesn't hurt, however menstrual cramps can hurt - menstrual cramps are a result of hormones being released that cause the uterus to contract in order to push out the menstrual flow. Some women are more sensitive to these hormones than others or produce higher concentrations - however most women can prevent menstrual cramps by regulating their hormones or altering their diets.


Does it hurt when you start you period?

It can hurt, but not necessarily. Some women experience menstrual cramps when they menstruate - these are caused by certain hormones that cause the uterus to contract to push out menstrual flow, if you produce more of these hormones or are more sensitive to these hormones you can experience more painful menstrual cramps. Teens can be more prone to menstrual cramps due to hormonal irregularity, thus cramps may be more common when you first start menstruating....BUT although menstrual cramps are common they are not a normal part of healthy menstruation, most women can completely prevent cramps with simple dietary changes or herbal treatments to help regulate hormones.


Is chocolate good for menstrual cramps?

No, chocolate isn't good for menstrual cramps - on the one hand caffeine in chocolate can make menstrual cramps worse for some people, on the other hand it makes you happy so more relaxed which helps with cramps. If you experience menstrual cramps it's best to prevent cramps, and although dietary changes can reduce cramps chocolate has no impact on menstrual cramps.


How can birth control pills help cramps?

Menstrual cramps are caused by a chemical found in the menstrual fluid. By reducing the amount of menstrual fluid, the pill reduces cramps.


Does nyquil help relieve menstrual cramps?

Nyquil is for a cough and sore throat not for menstrual cramps.


Why do I not have menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are common but they are not a normal part of healthy menstruation - it's when you have menstrual cramps that there is something wrong. Taboos surrounding menstruation have a major effect on menstrual cramps so those who are more comfortable with their period are less likely to experience cramps, also note that most people can prevent cramps with lifestyle changes.


Does menstrual cramps affect fertility?

No, menstrual cramps are a symptom of a problem not the cause of a problem. Menstrual cramps are most commonly a result of hormonal imbalance, but if severe ask your doctor for tests.


Why do i have menstrual cramps for 2 weeks before I get my period i am not pregnant?

It's not menstrual cramp but it can feel that way. You are ovulating and some women notice none of this and others do.


Will tramadol help with period cramps?

It can, all NSAID's work well for menstrual cramps. It is however better to prevent menstrual cramps to begin with, most women can prevent cramps with simple dietary changes and regulating hormones.


Why does your back hurt right before your period?

The reason that your back hurts right before your period is simply menstrual cramps. The hormone responsible for causing uterine contractions can effect other muscles within your body, and the pain of menstrual cramps can circulate to be felt througout your lower abdomen including your back, and even in your theighs. Menstrual cramps are common but not normal, most women can prevent cramps with simple dietary changes or herbal treatments to regulate hormones, don't just tolerate menstrual cramps.


What are the Chemicals in menstrual cramps?

The hormone-like chemicals responsible for menstrual cramps are called prostaglandins. These normally don't cause menstrual cramps, they are produced to cause the uterus to contract to push out menstrual flow, but in larger quantities they cause inflammation.


Would tylenol help for period cramps?

Yes, Tylenol will help ease the pain of menstrual cramps - all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs all work on menstrual cramps as it is inflammation caused by hormones that cause uterine contraction which cause menstrual cramps. It is however far better to prevent yourself from getting menstrual cramps to begin with, often lifestyle changes alone are enough to prevent menstrual cramps.