Cramps without a period can leave you scratching your head, but what exactly does it mean?
Have you ever experienced those all too familiar cramps, but no period? It’s a tricky situation that many of us face, which makes us ask – what is causing these cramps?
When you hear the word cramps, you might automatically think periods, but they aren’t the sole culprits of pain that feels like period pain. We’ll be delving into the possible reasons why you might have cramps but not be on your period.
Understanding your body’s signals
Our bodies are great at sending signals when something isn’t quite right and pelvic pain (pain that you feel in the lower part of your tummy) is no exception.
If you have cramps without a period, it could be your body’s way of trying to tell you that there’s an underlying medical condition or health issue, so it’s important you don’t ignore these signals.
What exactly could be causing those cramps?
The possible causes of cramps without a period are varied and diverse, they could range from a normal occurrence to a more serious health concern. It’s key to understand that some causes of cramps without a period can be more serious.
The intrauterine system (IUS) & intrauterine device (IUD)
The IUS is a type of hormonal contraception which is inserted inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. The non-hormonal version is called an IUD.
The IUD and IUS can come with some side effects which include period-like cramps and backache. You might have this for a few hours or a few days after it’s fitted.
Ovulation
Ovulation, the process of releasing an egg from the ovary, can sometimes trigger mild cramps or pain mid-cycle. It’s common to have ovulation pain about 14 days before your period. It can:
• Feel like a dull pain or sharp twinges
• Last from a few minutes to one to two days
• Only affect one side of your tummy at a time
• Switch sides (depending on which ovary releases an egg)
Ovarian cysts
An ovarian cyst is a sac that’s usually filled with fluid. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, but a large cyst can cause period-like pain which can range from dull to sharp pain. Ovarian cysts may affect both ovaries at the same time, or they may only affect one. If the cyst bursts or twists, it can cause a sudden, very severe pain.
Ovarian cysts can have other symptoms like bloating, pain during sex and pelvic pain. You can learn more about ovarian cysts in our pelvic pain condition page.
It’s important to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:
• You have sudden, severe pelvic pain
• You have pain in your tummy, you feel sick or are being sick
Pregnancy-related pain
Pregnancy can cause stomach pain or cramps early on, which is common. These are usually nothing to worry about, but they can be a sign of something more serious. If you’re worried about any pain, make sure to speak to your midwife.
Cramping in pregnancy might be where your womb is stretching or growing. In early pregnancy, some women might describe this as being very similar to period pain.
Implantation cramps
Some people also feel implantation cramps which is when the fertilised egg implants itself in your womb lining. Not everyone feels these cramps and they have no impact on the health of your pregnancy. People feel implantation cramps in different ways. They’re usually mild.
These cramps can mimic sensations of period cramps, which can cause confusion for people who are trying for a baby, as they might not know if their cramps are pregnancy-related.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes (tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb). In some pregnancies, the egg can get stuck there. This means it won’t develop into a baby and it can be dangerous for your health if the pregnancy continues.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:
• Bleeding from your vagina which tends to be different to a regular period. This bleeding often starts and stops and it might be dark brown and watery
• Pain in your shoulder tip (where your shoulder ends and your arm begins). It isn’t known why this happens but if you experience this, it’s important to get medical advice
• Discomfort when going to the toilet
• Stomach pain which is typically down one side, this could be suddenly or gradually
If you have a combination of these symptoms and you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to speak to your GP or call NHS 11, even if you haven’t had a positive pregnancy test.
In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy can rupture. This is when it grows large enough to split the fallopian tube. Ruptures are serious and surgery is needed as soon as possible. Signs of a rupture can include:
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling sick
• Fainting
• A sharp intense pain in your tummy
Make sure to call 999 for an ambulance or go to A&E if you have any of these symptoms.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term condition that happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb, such as in the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. This can cause painful cramps, similar to your period. This pain is usually worse during your period.
There are other symptoms of endometriosis which include pain during or after sex. You can learn more about endometriosis in the guide we’ve put together.
If you think you have endometriosis, it’s important to speak to your GP.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection which can affect the womb, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. It’s a common condition but it isn’t clear how many people are affected by it.
PID doesn’t often cause any obvious symptoms, but one symptom is pain around the pelvis or lower tummy. Other symptoms include:
• Discomfort or pain during sex that’s felt in the pelvis
• Bleeding between periods and after sex
• Heavy and painful periods
• Pain when weeing
In rare cases, people become very ill and they might have:
• A severe pain in their tummy
• A fever
• Feeling and being sick
If you have any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, it’s key to speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic. If you have any severe pain, you should contact your GP urgently or go to A&E.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer happens when cells in the ovary start to change and grow abnormally. If ovarian cancer symptoms are identified and diagnosed at an early stage, the prognosis is more optimistic.
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
• Persistent bloating
• Increased abdominal size
• Persistent cramps, pelvic pain and tummy pain
• Changes in your bowel habits that you can’t explain
• Feeling full quickly and difficulty eating
• Needing to wee more regularly
If you have any of the above symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP.
While these conditions can sound daunting, early detection and treatment are key to help manage any symptoms you have. You can learn more about pelvic pain in our pelvic pain condition page.
If you have persistent or severe cramps or pain, or you’re worried about any symptoms, make sure to speak to your GP.
It’s always important to listen to your body, especially if there are any cramps or pain that you don’t recognise the source of. Cramps but no period can be confusing, but they shouldn’t be brushed aside.
