Severe menstrual cramps

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Severe menstrual cramps

Rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 being the worst pain you have ever experienced. Then look below to find the appropriate term to apply to the level of severity of your pain.

• 0 = No pain
• 1 to 5 = Mild pain
• 6 to 7 = Moderate pain
• 8 to 9 = Severe pain
• 10 = Worst pain possible

Women who regularly have menstrual cramps learn what to expect each month and how to deal with their pain. Each woman is able to tolerate pain differently. Menstrual pain that is much more severe than usual may be caused by a more serious problem, such as:

• Hormonal imbalance.
• A ruptured or twisted ovarian cyst or twisted ovary (ovarian torsion).
• Growths in or around the uterus, such as endometriosis, cervical polyps, or uterine fibroids.
• Pelvic infection.

Severe lower abdominal pain that does not occur with menstrual bleeding may be a symptom of a more serious problem. Also, severe lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding that either is much heavier than your regular menstrual flow or is happening at an unexpected time may be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Call your health professional for an evaluation if you are having severe lower abdominal pain.

Credits

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer