Menstrual Type Cramps ALL the Time - Anyone Have This Experience?

Updated on March 14, 2012
N.K. asks from Farmington, MI
9 answers

I had my second baby about a year and a half ago. Since then, I have been experiencing menstrual type cramps at times when I shouldn't have cramps. They started just a few times a week ,but lately it is every day for a good part of the day. It tends to show more in the early evening. Also getting lower back aches - which is actually much worse than the cramps. I feel like I have my period all the time. I will be seeing my Gyno in a few weeks, but has anyone experienced this and if so what was the cause? The cramps are not that bad - and are not enough for me take pain medication, but they seem to be getting worse and are definitely uncomfortable.

Some background - I am 37, and have never had any other issues with female stuff. I have been on the same birth control pill on and off for many years (obviously not while I was pregnant/trying to conceive). I have very regular light periods with a fairly short cycle.

I don't know if this could be related but I am also experiencing increased pain lately from restless leg syndrome.

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L.M.

answers from Dover on

Definately talk to you doctor...you may want to try to get in early.

I did experience this but it was back when I was a teen, wasn't sexually active yet. My periods were horrible but I would also get cramping all month long. Sometimes I could barely walk to class...if fact, my boyfriend even carried me to homeroom would day because of it. At the time, they gave me naproxen to start taking a few days before my period...which helped but didn't stop the all month long cramping. They put me on the pill to regulate my cycles (including the cramping) and it helped dramatically...periods were still horrible though.

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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

Don't wait a few weeks, make an appointment right away. If you are having cramps when not on your period, they are NOT menstrual cramps! It could be anything from something totally harmless like a cyst to something really serious.
If you are in pain every day and it is bad enough that you have to take pain medication, if it was me, I would see a doctor tomorrow!
Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful
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K.L.

answers from Lafayette on

I had an inguinal hernia that felt like menstrual cramps-and the hernia didn't stick out so I had to have an ultrasound and CT scan to diagnose. Def. ask your doctor!

I have RLS and I agree that it shouldn't cause pain-but I don't have symptoms when I watch how much sugar I have.

BTW for women, those inguinal hernias are right by the uterus and I swear my hernia hurt worse during my period and when I would ovulate. Nothing the doc ever agreed with but I know how I felt. I went years without a diagnosis-and I asked several doctors, until one day I could no longer stand and couldn't catch my breath it hurt so bad. run this idea past them before it gets that bad, sweetie.

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

Seek your Dr.'s advice and if they say there is nothing wrong I would bet it is a hormone imbalance. I am way past the monthly visitor stage but sometimes I get crampy feeling I just use an extra pump of my Arbonne balancing cream (and I always advise my clients to do the same) and in a short while it is gone. Good Luck and keep us posted.

R.A.

answers from Providence on

It sounds like endometriosis, however, it could be anything. I would call your Gyno, and ask to speak with a nurse. You might be able to be seen earlier, and have your symptoms checked out sooner. I wouldn't wait.

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L.E.

answers from Provo on

Could be endometriosis. I didn't discover mine until after I weaned my second baby. Heavy bleeding and bad cramps are hallmarks of endometriosis, which is what most doctors look for, but these symptoms are not always present. Since I was a teen I have often had fairly light and irregular periods, often skipping a month. Adenomiosis (diseased uterine lining) also causes a lot of random cramping. Get into the doctor sooner if you can because many of the causes of your symptoms can progress quickly. Good luck and feel free to email me.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Do not wait. I would call the ob/gyn today and say you need an emergency appointment today because you are in constant pain! The fact you have "never had any other issues with female stuff" doesn't mean anything; if you have issues now, they need immediate attention.

What you describe is daily and almost constant pain in an area of the body that contains very complex organs where even minor issues can be painful and major ones potentially dangerous. Also, if the ob/gyn does not find a gynecological issue, please go directly to your general doctor to be checked for other possible causes -- digestive, muscular, etc. This could be ANYTHING from endometriosis to ovarian issues to muscle spasms to celiac disease -- only doctors can tell.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I agree with Ina G. Make an appointment to see the doctor soon. I've had these symptoms. Overall, the cause was endometriosis along with irregular periods. However, I've also had pain and cramps with an ovarian cyst. The doctor has always done an ultrasound to diagnose this.

How long has this been going on. My daughter had an ectopic pregnancy that presented with lower back pain and abdominal cramps. If you've had these symptoms for several weeks, it's not that.

I've also had abdominal cramps and lower back pain with IBS, irritable bowel syndrome

Restless leg syndrome does not cause pain. At least call your doctor's office and ask if you should be seen.

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M.E.

answers from Chicago on

Also ask your doctor if this could be hormone-related. I have just started getting this over the last six months, along with all the other wonderful symptoms related to menopause.

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