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Experiencing cramps a week before your period? It can indicate serious complications in some cases

Well, we are anyway troubled by cramps during periods, but did you know you could also get them a week before you start your menstrual cycle? Find out why it happens.
bathing on period blood
You may experience cramps before your period. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 8 Nov 2021, 19:07 pm IST
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Period cramps are medically known as dysmenorrhea. They are mainly caused due to the contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles that occur during the menstrual cycle. This causes extreme discomfort around the abdomen, lower back, and thighs. The pain can be anywhere from mild to debilitating for some, and can even go on for a week.

In fact, there are some women who experience some amount of cramping even a week or more, before their monthly cycle. To understand why it happens, we got in touch with Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai.  

early cramps
Early cramps are common. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Before we move on to other details, let’s understand what a normal period means. 

What is a normal period?

The menstrual cycle is a sequence of events that occurs each month within a female’s body for the possibility of pregnancy. The 28 day-long period is considered to be the average cycle of the period. However, it can last from 21 to 35 days. “Moodiness, difficulty in sleeping, food cravings, cramps in the lower abdomen and back, bloating, tenderness in the breasts, and acne are some of the common symptoms of normal periods,” says Dr Siddhartha.

What causes period cramps?

Dr Siddhartha says, “Experiencing menstrual cramps before your period is absolutely normal, but in some cases, these same signs could highlight other ailments. Hence, knowing the exact reasons behind getting cramps before periods will help you find ways of prevention and cure. However, it’s normal to experience cramps a few days before your period, which happens due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This occurs due to hormonal changes in your body before your period.” 

Hence, a majority of women endure symptoms like mood swings, tender breasts, and fatigue.

Is experiencing cramps a week before periods normal or not?

If you are wondering whether these are period cramps or something else, you need to first keep a track of your menstrual cycle. Although cramping is usually an indicator of the menstrual cycle, Dr Siddhartha says it does not always mean a symptom of PMS, “but yes there are possibilities of the same.”

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early cramps
You need to speak with a doctor if you’re experiencing pain but are not on your period. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

If you are unsure, make sure to immediately approach your gynaecologist. Dr Siddhartha shares that sudden cramps in those who do not generally experience them, could indicate these:

  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Cysts
  • Implantation
  • Ovulation pain
  • Pregnancy
  • Menstrual disorder (early period)

PMS cramps are not so painful in nature, and primarily target the back area. Normally, PMS cramping is experienced three to five days before your period. Therefore, in certain instances, such cramping is normal.

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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