Menstrual cramps

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

  • Dull, throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen
  • Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs

Some women also experience:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loose stools
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness

When to see a doctor
If you've started menstruating within the past few years and are experiencing cramps, chances are your menstrual pain is not a cause for concern. However, if menstrual cramps disrupt your life for several days a month or if you're older and just started experiencing severe menstrual cramps, see your doctor.

Causes Definition

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References
  1. Morrow C, et al. Dysmenorrhea. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:19.
  2. Danakas GT. Dysmenorrhea. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  3. Smith RP, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  4. Dysmenorrhea. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp046.cfm. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  5. Smith RP, et al. Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  6. Rainone F. Dysmenorrhea. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html.  Accessed March 24, 2011.
  7. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn. March 26, 2011.
DS00506 May 3, 2011

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