Cramping But No Period

Periods or menstruation begins around 11-13 years of age. This stage is also known as puberty and a girl experiences changes in her body in various forms. Hormones start playing a major role and the effects become evident, internally as well as externally. The menstrual cycle is a systematic process and any disruption is generally caused by imbalance in hormones. The symptoms before onset of periods differ according to health, and cramping being the most common. The cramps mostly occupy abdomen, back, hips and legs. Sometimes they last long, delaying periods or even missing them. So comes the question, can there be cramping without periods.

Cramping But No Period: Why

Cramping during menstruation period is quite normal. Contraction of uterine muscles discharge the uterine lining from the body. Muscular cramping causes abdominal cramps. The pain is quite normal and is a healthy sign of normal cycles. The two hormones, estrogen and progesterone start playing a key role. Once the menstrual cycle is over, your body starts preparing itself once again for ovulation. Thus, mild cramping during ovulation is a genuine symptom, unless it becomes severe.

The most common reason behind cramping without period is delayed menstrual cycle. It normally happens if you are experiencing stress (physical and mental) or getting exposed to environmental changes. Your food habits and lifestyle also play an important role in controlling the activity of hormones. Delayed periods is one of the effects of disturbance in ovulation process and cramping takes place more often. It might also result from endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Both the conditions are extremely painful, marked by severe cramping.

Period like symptoms or menstrual cramping without periods is also included under premenstrual syndrome. It's very irritating to experience the cramps without occurrence of periods. Other symptoms associated with PMS are nausea, dizziness, morning sickness, mood swings, lack of sexual activity, loss of appetite, etc. The cramps actually indicate that your periods are about to start within a day or two. However, when you get persistent cramps but no period, then some other factors might also be associated with it.

Cramping like symptoms without periods is an early sign of pregnancy. Such conditions are often confused with periods. Cramping in early pregnancy occurs because the uterine muscles expands to implant the embryo. Expansion of muscles causes much pain around the abdominal region and this is once again normal. But what would be the reason if you get a negative pregnancy test and simultaneously experience cramping without periods? Negative pregnancy test, cramping and no periods if occur at the same time, then you need an immediate medical check up. Severe cramping could be due to internal complications. The most common being Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cyst. PCOS occurs due to rise in androgen levels. It leads to formation of multiple cysts in the ovary. PCOS if not diagnosed at early stages causes infertility. If you observe irregular periods and experience severe cramping, then get yourself diagnosed properly to rule out any underlying condition. Disturbances in periods also arise if you are suffering from thyroid gland disorders and indigestion problems.

You can definitely wait a week or so if your periods are getting delayed but make sure you go for a medical check up if the condition prevails and your periods are missed. You should never neglect any internal health complications to avoid aggravation of the symptoms.