Why do women have menstrual cramps?

Answer 1

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.