Introduction:
Cramps are sudden, uncontrolled feeling in the stomach muscles, and they can be experienced anywhere between the chest and groin. They are uncomfortable and hurt a lot. Most of the time, women experience abdominal cramps during their menstruation. However, it can happen without periods and to any gender. If the cramps are severe, happen often, or last for more than a day, this might be a sign of a harmful medical problem that needs medical attention.
What Are the Causes of Abdominal Cramps Without a Period?
There are multiple reasons for having menstrual cramps without a period, ranging from natural and normal conditions to serious medical problems. The most common causes of abdominal cramps without periods include:
1) Ovulation - Ovulation is the most common reason for cramps other than the period. It happens naturally in the middle of the menstrual cycle, within 10 to 14 days of the period. It happens due to the release of an unfertilized egg from the ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation does not always cause pain, but many women have reported dull or sharp pains around the lower abdomen during ovulation.
2) Ovarian Cysts - The ovaries make several cysts every month in preparation for ovulation, but the egg is released from only one cyst. The other cysts disappear before the period, but sometimes these cysts stick around. Normally, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms, but sometimes they can trigger period-like pain or feeling of heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen or back.
3) Ectopic Pregnancy - When a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, it is known as ectopic pregnancy. About 90 percent of the time, this occurs in a fallopian tube. It is life-threatening for the mother because as the fetus grows, it can cause the rupture of the tube, causing internal bleeding that requires immediate surgery. It can cause mild cramps followed by sharp, sudden stabbing pains on one side of the lower belly. The pain can sometimes get so severe and radiate to the shoulder and lower back.
4) Endometriosis - Endometriosis occurs when tissue that usually grows inside starts to grow outside, which can cause significant cramping. Abdominal cramping related to endometriosis differs from regular premenstrual syndrome pain, as this often shows up days or weeks prior to typical PMS (premenstrual syndrome) cramping, and it may last even after the period is done.
5) Miscarriage - It is the loss of the fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Miscarriages are more common, and there is about a 25 percent chance of having miscarriages in every pregnant woman. Severe menstrual-like cramping is an important sign of miscarriage. It is important to contact a doctor if a pregnant woman experiences severe abdominal cramping in the early period of pregnancy.
6) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is a condition that occurs due to increased androgens in the body that can affect hair growth, weight gain, ovary function, and insulin sensitivity. Around 20 percent of women are affected by PCOS, and it is more common among obese women or who have a family member like a mother or sister with this condition. It can result in anovulatory cycles and irregular spotting. PCOS is a common cause of cysts growing on the ovaries, and if they cause the ovary to twist or rupture, it can result in pelvic pain that feels a lot like period cramps.
7) Uterine Polyps - A uterine polyp is a small benign overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. Polyps in the uterus can cause period-like discomfort and cramping, even without a period. The polyps can make it harder to become pregnant, and it has a small chance of developing into uterine cancer. So the doctor will recommend removing them with a simple procedure known as a hysteroscopy.
8) Hormonal Birth Control - Hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy by thinning out the endometrial lining in the uterus, so there are no tissues and lining to shed at that time of the month. So a skipped or delayed period is a common side effect of hormonal birth control. Birth control pills can result in spotting or super-light flow that can cause period symptoms, like cramping and breast tenderness, even without a period.
9) Ovarian Cancer - Ovarian cancer is a rare condition but the deadliest cancer for women, killing about 12,810 women a year. This is because ovarian cancer often shows no or very subtle symptoms. The symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, urinary problems, and weight loss. In some women, a missed period is also seen. So it is important to contact a doctor if a period is missed for three or more months.
10) Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID) - It is a bacterial infection of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes that occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the reproductive organs. Cramping is a common symptom of PID, and other symptoms include vaginal discharge and spotting.
11) Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Inflammatory bowel disease includes several conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It can cause long-term swelling and irritation to different parts of the digestive tract. It occurs due to immune system dysfunction. The type of cramps depends on the type of inflammatory bowel disease.
When to Consult a Doctor for the Cramps Without a Period?
Consulting a doctor for menstrual cramps depends on the additional symptoms experienced by a patient, like bleeding, lower back pain, and severe and persistent belly pain. However, abdominal cramping can also occur due to many natural reasons, so if there are enough causes for concern, then it is necessary to contact a doctor. The following details should be considered before contacting a doctor:
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The intensity of the pain.
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Duration of the pain.
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Any other associated symptoms.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The exact diagnostic test depends on the type of the disease. The doctor takes a brief medical history and conducts a pelvic examination. The following are the commonly used diagnostic methods:
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Ultrasound - This device uses the sound wave to create images of the pelvic region and the reproductive organs.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - This device uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of three-dimensional images of the internal organs.
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Hysteroscopy - A special visualization instrument is inserted through the vagina and cervical opening to examine the uterus and the other reproductive organs.
What Is the Treatment for the Cramps Without Periods?
In most cases, the same pain relievers used to treat cramps during the period can also treat abdominal cramps that occur without the period. Following good dietary habits, exercising, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and drinking enough water will also help.
If the cramps have severe underlying causes, such as endometriosis, then the treatment will depend on the age, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the disease. Most cases need minimal invasive treatment, but in severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed.
Conclusion -
Most women experience abdominal cramps without a period during some period of their life. It can be due to natural causes, pregnancy, or any other underlying cause. It is important to note the type, duration, and severity of the pain and consult a doctor if the cramp does not improve or worsen.
