What the cramps feel like: They’re severe — like sudden leg cramps in your lower belly. You may also have ongoing pain in your groin and back.
Cramps Without a Period
Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn’t always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy — even cancer — can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by.
It can be tough to tell whether having cramps without a period is caused by something simple or more serious. But there are common reasons for cramping without your period.
An inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
What it is: You get long-term (chronic) swelling and irritation in different parts of your digestive tract. It happens when something goes haywire in your immune system. It isn’t the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Crohn’s can affect any part of your digestive tract (including your mouth). Ulcerative colitis involves only the large intestine (colon).
What the cramps feel like: It depends on the type of IBD you have. With Crohn’s, you’ll feel cramps and pain in the right lower or middle parts of your belly. They can be mild to severe. If you have ulcerative colitis, the cramps will be on the lower left side of your stomach.
Other symptoms: Which ones you have depend on the specific type of IBD. They include:
- Severe changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation)
- Urgent need to pass a bowel movement
- Feeling that your bowels aren’t completely empty after you go
- Blood in your poop
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
Ovulation
What it is : If you haven’t gone through menopause and still have your ovaries, you might get cramps mid-month, about 10-14 days before your period. This happens when your ovaries release an egg to ready your body for a possible pregnancy. The harmless twinge of discomfort is called “mittelschmerz,” which means middle pain.
What the cramps feel like: You’ll notice pain on one side of your lower belly. It lasts a few minutes to a few hours. It can be sharp and sudden, or you might just have a dull cramp. The side of the pain depends on which ovary released the egg. It may switch sides every month or strike the same place each time.
Other symptoms: There aren’t any.
Ruptured ovarian cyst
What it is: A cyst is a sac of fluid. Sometimes they form on your ovaries. One type, called a follicular cyst, breaks open to release an egg and later dissolves in your body. If this doesn’t happen, a different cyst can form. Most are harmless. But if one grows large, it could burst.
What the cramps feel like: A ruptured cyst doesn’t always cause pain. If it does, you might have sudden, sharp cramps on either side of your lower stomach below the belly button. The location depends on which ovary had the cyst.
Other symptoms: You may also have some spotting. Before the cyst ruptures, you may feel pain or pressure in your lower belly, thighs, or lower back.
Pregnancy pain
What it is: Your growing baby is attaching to the lining of your womb, or uterus. This is called “implantation pain,” and it’s a sign of pregnancy progress.
What the cramps feel like: You might have a few slight cramps about 4 weeks into your pregnancy — around the time when you’d get your period. If you aren’t sure whether you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a test.
Other symptoms: There are none. If you’re pregnant, you might start to feel queasy around the fifth or sixth week.
Ectopic pregnancy
What it is: This is when a baby grows somewhere other than your womb. Most often it happens in one of your two fallopian tubes. It’s life-threatening for the mother and can’t result in a live birth.
What the cramps feel like: You may have mild cramps followed by sudden, sharp, stabbing pains on one side of your lower belly. The pain can get so severe that you also feel it in your shoulder and lower back.
Other symptoms: Before the cramps, you may have had typical pregnancy signs, like nausea and sore breasts. But not all women with an ectopic pregnancy have those. You might not even know you’re pregnant.
Miscarriage
What it is: It’s the loss of an unborn baby before the 20th week of pregnancy.
What the cramps feel like: They might start out like period pains, and then get more severe.
Other symptoms: You may have vaginal bleeding or spotting. Some pregnant women have these symptoms but don’t miscarry. But if you’re expecting and either one happens, always call your doctor.
Endometriosis
What it is: This is a long-term (chronic) condition in which tissue similar to your womb’s lining attach to other organs and begin to grow.
What the cramps feel like : They seem like regular period cramps, but they can happen any time of month. You may also have cramps and pain in your low back and stomach below your belly button.
Other symptoms: Sex that involves deep penetration may be painful. Some women have painful bowel movements. Endometriosis can make it hard to get pregnant.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
What it is: It’s a bacterial infection that’s usually spread by sex. It affects the parts that help you conceive and grow a baby. This includes your fallopian tubes, womb, ovaries, vagina, and cervix.
What the cramps feel like: You’ll have pain on both sides of your lower belly and lower back. It can happen any time of the month.
Other symptoms: PID causes abnormal vaginal discharge and, sometimes, spotting. You might have pain or burning during sex or when you pee. Your periods might be heavier or longer. You might run a fever or have nausea and vomiting. You’ll need to get the disease treated by a doctor.
Pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction
What it is: Severe spasms happen in the muscles that support your bladder, womb, vagina, and rectum. It can happen after you have trauma with vaginal childbirth or after an injury, like a car accident.
What the cramps feel like: They’re severe — like sudden leg cramps in your lower belly. You may also have ongoing pain in your groin and back.
Other symptoms: You might have pain during your periods or sex, a burning feeling in the vagina, and problems pushing out stools. It could burn when you pee, or you may have a strong urge to go all the time. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor for a urine test to rule out a bladder infection. If you have one, the doctor will see bacteria in your urine.
Interstitial cystitis
What it is: This long-term condition affects your bladder. Some doctors call it “painful bladder syndrome.”
What the cramps feel like : You’ll notice them in your lower stomach (pelvic) area and in your genitals, along with pain and tenderness. They’ll get worse as your bladder gets full and when it’s almost time for your period.
Other symptoms : You’ll feel like you have to pee a lot, and it’ll be urgent. Sex might also hurt.
Irritable bowel syndrome
What it is: This disorder causes stomach pain and bloating with diarrhea, constipation, or both.
What the cramps feel like: They’re sudden and in your belly. They might go away after you poop. Your specific pain will depend on whether you have constipation or diarrhea. You might go back and forth between the two or only have one type. Symptoms usually get worse during your period.
Other symptoms: You might feel pressure, like you tried to go, but couldn’t fully empty your bowels. You might feel sick to your stomach, have gas, or spot mucus in your poop.
Appendicitis
What it is: It’s irritation and swelling of a small pouch (appendix) on the end of your large intestine.
What the cramps feel like: You may notice pain around your belly button at first. Then, it gets worse and moves to the right lower side of your stomach. Cramps get bad fast, and they may wake you up. It could hurt if you cough, sneeze, or move.
Other symptoms: About half of people with appendicitis also have a fever, feel sick in their stomach, or throw up. Medical treatment is a must. A burst appendix can be life-threatening.
Ovarian cancer
What it is: This type of cancer starts in the ovaries, the organs that make your eggs.
What the cramps feel like: Vague. You may write the pain off as something else, like constipation or gas. But the hurting and pressure in your lower belly won’t go away.
Other symptoms: Your belly may swell so much that you find it hard to button your pants. You might get full quickly when you eat and notice a strong, frequent need to pee. See a doctor if you have these symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
Diagnosing Cramps with No Period
Always call a doctor if you have cramps that won’t go away, whether or not you have your period. (Get medical help right away if you have sudden, severe belly pain that continues to get worse.)
Your doctor will want to know if your pain is sudden or ongoing. The more details you can give, the faster they may be able to diagnose and treat you. You’ll be asked questions about your symptoms and your periods.
Your doctor may do tests or procedures to learn the cause of your cramps. If your doctor suspects it is related to your uterus, or ovaries, common tests are:
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
- Laparoscopy, a type of exploratory surgery to look at the structures inside your pelvic area, including your uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Your doctor may refer you to someone who specialize in stomach or intestinal disorders or a urologist if they suspect that cramps are caused by any of those areas .
Show Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Pelvic Pain.”
Glencoe Regional Health Services: “Possible causes of ovarian pain.”
St. Luke’s Health System: “Ruptured Ovarian Cyst.”
Kruszka, P.S. American Family Physician, July 15, 2010.
KidsHealth: “Pregnancy Calendar: Week 4.”
KidsHealth: “Pregnancy Calendar: Week 5.”
March of Dimes: “Ectopic Pregnancy.”
March of Dimes: “Miscarriage.”
Healthy Women: “Pelvic Pain.”
WomensHealth.gov: “Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fact Sheet.”
Center for Young Women’s Health: “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.”
Christiana Care Health System: “Pelvic-Floor Muscle Dysfunction.”
UpToDate: “Patient information: Chronic pelvic pain in women (Beyond the Basics).
UpToDate: Patient information: Irritable bowel syndrome (Beyond the Basics).”
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Definition and Facts for Appendicitis.”
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Symptoms and Causes of Appendicitis.”
American Cancer Society: “What Is Ovarian Cancer?”
Mayo Clinic: “When to see a doctor.”
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “Dysmenorrhea : Painful Periods.”
F1000 Research , September 2017.
Cramps but No Period? 9 Possible Causes
Cramping but no period? There are several gynecological and non-gynecological reasons you may be experiencing cramping. But is it normal to have cramps but no period? While they may be harmless, it’s always worth investigating the root cause of having cramping but no period to ensure your symptoms aren’t more serious.
Menstrual cramps are common, especially for women experiencing estrogen dominance, high prostaglandins or increased levels of inflammation. If this sounds like you, you may want to take a look at Natural Remedies for Cramps & PMS .
Why Do I Have Cramps But No Period?
If you’re having period cramps but no period, or a late period and cramps at an unexpected time of the month, it could be due to a number of things. Common causes include pregnancy, cysts, or IBS. Let’s dive into 9 of the most common reasons women experiencing cramping (other than their period) and what it means for your health.
1. Pregnancy
When a woman comes into my office with menstrual cramps and no bleeding, my first question is: is there a chance you could be pregnant?
It is common for women who have never experienced pregnancy, to have mild cramping and even some spotting that accompanies implantation.
I can remember when I was pregnant with my son, I swore my period was coming because my cramps were so bad. But three positive pregnancy tests later, it was clear that my period wasn’t the cause of my cramps. It’s completely common to mistake early stages of pregnancy with the beginnings of a period, which is why taking a pregnancy test is step one when you’re having cramps but no period.
If you’re a sexually active woman with cramping and a missed period, I recommend taking a pregnancy test at-home or with your doctor. It is always possible to become pregnant even while using contraceptives, so if you’re in doubt, please test.
2. Ovulation
Some women can actually feel ovulation. This is a condition called Mittelschmerz, when a woman physically experiences the release of the egg from the ovary. Ovulation occurs mid-cycle, usually around days 10-14 of your cycle. If you feel cramping mid-cycle, especially if it only lasts for a day, it could be ovulatory pain.
Ovulation pain varies from woman to woman. Some explain it as sharp and stitching, others a dull ache, and others a burning sensation. In most cases, ovulation pain can be eased with a hot water bottle or heating pad. Light exercise can also help reduce this temporary discomfort.
Ovulation cramps are usually not concerning unless the pain becomes unbearable. If you have severe cramp pain in the middle of your cycle, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Although bothersome, I think it is pretty amazing that a woman can be so in tune with her body that she’s aware of ovulation while it’s occurring.
3. Ovarian Cyst
Cysts on the ovaries can cause pain and cramping throughout the month, though they’re especially common mid-cycle. The feeling can be dull or sharp, and the pain usually subsides when the cyst has minimized or burst.
If you consistently get inexplicable cramping, especially on one side at a time, I recommend a transvaginal ultrasound. This is an imaging process that goes through the vagina to look at the ovaries. This can help see any cysts or problems with the ovary.
Most ovarian cysts are benign, but they can become problematic if the cysts become too enlarged or there are a number of them.
When the mass of the ovaries is too large, it can lead to ovarian torsion. This is when the ovary twists, cutting off blood supply. This can be life-threatening. You’ll usually know something more serious is occurring, as the extreme pain will be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease where the tissue that lines the uterus grows in other parts of the body. That tissue is still sensitive to hormone fluctuations, so it mimics the same swelling and bleeding that happens in the uterus throughout the menstrual cycle.
Women with endometriosis can feel menstrual-like cramps throughout the month. These usually occur in the pelvis area, lower back, lower abdomen, and even the upper thighs. This cramping can often be so severe that walking can feel like a chore. For other women, though, the cramping may come and go in waves. Endometriosis pain varies dramatically from woman to woman, which can often make it challenging to diagnose.
If you experience severe cramping but no period throughout the month, you may have endometriosis. Check out this article to learn more about the causes and holistic treatments of endometriosis.
5. Ovarian Cancer
A rare but possible cause of cramps without a period could be ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can cause abdominal or pelvic pain that may radiate into the legs or back. It’s also often accompanied by bowel changes. This can include constipation, bloating, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, and reduced urination.
In some cases, ovarian cancer may also cause spotting, which might lead you to believe the cramping is something else. It’s always worth a chat with your doctor if you have a change in your period or your digestion.
6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that’s made its way into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can be caused by a variety of infections, like E.coli and staphylococcus or gut and respiratory tract organisms.
About 85% of pelvic inflammatory cases are caused by sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Women with PID may not have any signs or symptoms. When symptoms do present women experience extreme cramping without a period, along with discomfort and pain with sex. Fever and vaginal discharge are other signs you have an infection.
IUDs put women at a greater risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. The strings of the IUD actually aid a bacterial infection in making its way into your reproductive organs.
If you have unexplained cramping and a fever, seek medical attention immediately.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Cramping can also have a non-gynecological origin. The colon and sex organs are in close proximity within the body, so pain in one can often translate to pain in the other. Pelvic and lower abdomen pain can easily be confused, which is why it’s important to look at other symptoms accompanying the cramps.
For example, if you identify that certain foods trigger cramps then that point to a gut issue, which gives you a clue as to where to investigate first.
If you have cramping after eating or other bowel-related symptoms, like abdominal bloating and constipation, you may have a case of SIBO, which is commonly misdiagnosed as IBS. This can be diagnosed with an at home test that you can order yourself or ask your doctor to order.
8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Another colon-related cause of lower abdominal cramping is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which commonly presents as Chron’s or ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition that affects the gut. Cramps can occur anywhere in the abdomen, and they’re often accompanied by tiredness, irritability, and even fever. If this is your root cause of missed period cramps then you’ll likely also have abnormal bowel changes, like constipation, diarrhea, or blood, mucus, and undigested food showing up in the stool (not including nuts and corn).
It’s important to catch IBD early to help rebalance the gut and improve the gut flora. Through diet and lifestyle therapies, you can nourish your immune and digestive health to end the pain.
If you believe this is what you may have, you’ll definitely need a gastroenterologist to help you get the diagnosis and counsel you on your options. A Naturopathic or Functional Medicine doctor can help you discover your root cause and creating lasting lifestyle changes to improve your health.
9. Appendicitis
Another cause of cramping in the abdomen can be appendicitis, which is when the appendix is inflamed or infected. If you have a fever and are experiencing lower abdomen pain on the lower right side or cramping around your belly button, it’s a good time to call your doctor or visit the hospital. Appendicitis is an emergency that needs immediate attention.
Diagnosing Cramps but No Period
Remember, if you have period cramps but no blood or period it can be caused by your reproductive system, gut, immune system or may even be a sign of pregnancy. So it’s worth consulting your doctor, especially if your cramps are persistent or severe.
When you feel cramps, jot it down in a journal. What day is it? What time of the month in your cycle? Are you cramping before a period? How does it feel? How long does it last? What did you eat?
This can help your doctor better understand what might be causing your late period pains and how to best treat your pain.
Common tests your doctor might perform to determine the cause include:
- An ultrasound
- A pelvic exam
- A Laparoscopy (surgery which looks inside your pelvic area).
Understanding different causes of cramping and their associated symptoms can help you take the appropriate steps towards regaining your health. Severe cramping is never normal. Mild to moderate cramping and lower back cramps also doesn’t have to be normal with the right holistic steps.
If you are experiencing cramps related to your menstrual cycle check out my 21-day hormone revolution detox . It’ll help you hit the reset button on your hormones and start moving towards a period free of cramps.
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