Menstrual Cramps Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Menstrual cramps are the cramping in the lower abdomen,
usually in the first or second day of the
menstrual cycle.
These are caused contractions of the uterus as it expels
its unneeded contents, and also by the passage of clotted
blood through the cervix. Ibuprofen
(Advil) or other pain relievers
can reduce the severity of cramps; some women report that
exercise is also helpful. Severe menstrual cramps,
particularly if paired with excessive bleeding or passage
of large blood clots, can occasionally be a sign of endometriosis or other disorders of the female reproductive
tract. Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrhea.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Menstrual Cramps
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Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the...learn more »
Causes of Menstrual Cramps
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- What causes abdominal adhesions?
- How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
- How can abdominal adhesions cause female infertility?
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the...learn more »
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Endometriosis Article
- Endometriosis facts
- What is endometriosis?
- Who is affected by endometriosis?
- What causes endometriosis?
- What are endometriosis symptoms?
- Endometriosis and cancer risk
- How is endometriosis diagnosed?
- How is endometriosis treated?
- Medical treatment of endometriosis
- Surgical treatment of endometriosis
- Treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis
- Related endometriosis article:
Endometriosis - on eMedicineHealth
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Article
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) facts*
- What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Article
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) facts
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Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors of the Uterus) Article
- Uterine fibroids facts
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- Do untreated uterine fibroids pose a risk?
- What are the usual ways of diagnosing uterine fibroids?
- What is the treatment of uterine fibroids?
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Other Causes of Menstrual Cramps
Examples of Medications for Menstrual Cramps
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others
- Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
- celecoxib, Celebrex
- conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, Prempro, Premphase
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
- ketoprofen None (Note: previous brand names no longer available in the US include Orudis, Oruvail)
- naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
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