What Factors Can Increase the Risk of Period Cramps?

While period cramps as a symptom of menstrual bleeding can be experienced by anyone, there are certain factors which increase the risk of experiencing period cramps. These are:

• Age up to 30 years
• Younger age at menarche
• Longer and heavier menstrual bleeding
• Smoking
• Higher or lower than normal body mass index
• Family history of dysmenorrhea
• Nulliparity (a female who has never given birth to a live baby)

What Conditions Can Increase the Risk of Period Cramps?

Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of period cramps. These are:

• Endometriosis: A condition in which tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, causing pain and inflammation.
• Adenomyosis: A condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus, causing heavier bleeding and painful cramps.
• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growth in the wall of the uterus causing painful cramps.
• Ovarian cysts: An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system, which includes the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• Cervical stenosis: In some women, the opening of the cervix is small, which can obstruct menstrual flow and cause pain.

Can Period Cramps Cause Any Complications?

• Period cramps itself does not cause any complications apart from disruption in daily activities, loss of productivity, poor quality of sleep, and negative effects on mood.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea might cause some complications like infertility, heavy bleeding, endometrial carcinoma, and anemia based on the underlying issue.

Medically reviewed by: Dr Yash Bahuguna

Researched by: Dr Inara Isani

Written by: Avantika Sukhia