Last updated on October 21, 2020
Question:
Why do I have cramps ten days before my period?
Answer:
Many women experience mild cramping a few days before their menstrual blood flow. The cause is the uterus contracting, which helps to encourage the shedding of the lining. However, for some women, the cramping is severe — to the point that daily activity is interrupted by the pain of the cramps. Severe menstrual cramps are called dysmenorrhea by doctors.
In the case of severe cramps, there are numerous possible causes. It could be something as simple as stress, or it could be something more severe, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, or a disease. Because of the wide variety of causes, a woman experiencing severe cramps is encouraged to see her doctor. The type of treatment will depend on the cause found by the doctor.