menstrual cramps
Monthly uterine contractions
Menstrual cramps are the painful contractions of the uterus that many women experience during their period.
The pain typically centers in the lower abdomen but can radiate to the lower back and thighs.
Cramps range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities: She called in sick because of menstrual cramps.
Lipid-derived signaling compounds
- uterusFemale reproductive organ
- endometriumInner uterine membrane
- contractionsShortened word forms
- sheddingLosing outer covering
dysmenorrhea · inflammation · muscle · lining · blood flow · cervix · vasopressin · ischemia
Egg discharge from ovary
- lutealOf the corpus luteum
- follicularPertaining to follicles
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
- progesteroneOvarian steroid supporting gestation
hormonal · period · PMS · menarche · bleeding · monthly · day one · onset
Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
- naproxenAnti-inflammatory analgesic drug
- heating padElectric warmth for aches
- hot water bottleHeated rubber vessel for warmth
- pain relieverDrug reducing discomfort
massage · stretching · rest · warm bath · anti-inflammatory · acetaminophen · NSAID · ginger tea
Persistent dull discomfort
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- spasmsSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- pelvicOf the hip girdle
- abdominalOf the belly region
sharp · dull · stabbing · gnawing · intense · debilitating · severe · moderate
Swollen, expanded state
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- headacheCranial pain
- backachePain along spine
mood swings · irritability · diarrhea · vomiting · dizziness · sweating · tenderness · discomfort
prostaglandins
Lipid-derived signaling compounds
- uterusFemale reproductive organ
- endometriumInner uterine membrane
- contractionsShortened word forms
shedding · dysmenorrhea · inflammation · muscle · lining · blood flow · cervix · vasopressin · ischemia · smooth muscle
ovulation
Egg discharge from ovary
- lutealOf the corpus luteum
- follicularPertaining to follicles
- estrogenFemale reproductive hormone
progesterone · hormonal · period · PMS · menarche · bleeding · monthly · day one · onset · regularity
ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
- naproxenAnti-inflammatory analgesic drug
- heating padElectric warmth for aches
- hot water bottleHeated rubber vessel for warmth
pain reliever · massage · stretching · rest · warm bath · anti-inflammatory · acetaminophen · NSAID · ginger tea · raspberry leaf
ache
Persistent dull discomfort
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- spasmsSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- pelvicOf the hip girdle
abdominal · sharp · dull · stabbing · gnawing · intense · debilitating · severe · moderate · mild
bloating
Swollen, expanded state
backache · mood swings · irritability · diarrhea · vomiting · dizziness · sweating · tenderness · discomfort · malaise
- reproductive healthpregnancy, infertility, childbirth, male infertility, fertility rates
- women's healthgynecologist, gynecology, OB-GYN, period, pelvic exam
- pubertypuberty, voice cracking, adolescence, growth spurts, body hair
- women's wellnesspregnancy care, hormonal balance, prenatal care, postpartum care, breast health
- menstrual problemsamenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular periods, heavy periods, painful periods
- stomach painstomach ache, tummy ache, belly pain, abdominal pain, upset stomach
menstrual crampscomfort
Ease or soothing relief
painlessness · relaxation · muscle relaxation · pain-free · pain relief
cramp, cramped, cramps, cramping, menses, menstruation, menstrual, menstruate, crampy