Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Reasons for Having Cramps After a Period?

Dorothy Bland
Dorothy Bland

It’s usually considered atypical for a woman to experience menstrual cramps after her period has ended or after she has gone through menopause, but some of the more common reasons why this happens are irregular or painful ovulation, recent insertion of certain intrauterine birth control devices, or endometriosis, which is a medical condition in which uterine tissues grow outside of the uterus. Ovarian cysts and fibroids may also be to blame. Persistent pain past the end of a period is often a sign that something is wrong, and it’s usually a good idea for anyone with these symptoms to get the opinion of a medical professional. Sometimes it’s nothing to worry about, but it might be the start of something that, if caught early enough, can save a lot of trouble down the road.

Pinpointing the Source

Abdominal cramps after a period may be due to endometriosis, a condition involving the abnormal growth of uterine tissue in areas outside the uterus.
Abdominal cramps after a period may be due to endometriosis, a condition involving the abnormal growth of uterine tissue in areas outside the uterus.

One of the first things a woman who experiences cramps after a period should do is pay attention to the specific location where the pain is occurring. It’s also usually important to take note of when they’re happening, both in terms of placement in a woman’s monthly cycle and time of day. Usually, menstrual cramps present with pain in the abdomen and pelvis. This pain can also radiate down the lower back and even into the thighs. Menstrual cramps are a common side effect of menstruation and generally show up on the day a woman starts her period and can last for just a few days or until her menstrual cycle ends. When it comes at a different time or occurs in a specific, targeted place, it may be related to a more specific problem.

Pain Related to Ovulation

Cramping menstrual-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.
Cramping menstrual-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.

One of the more likely causes of cramps after a period is a condition known as mittelschmerz, in which women experience pelvic pain and cramps related to ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. The pain caused by mittelschmerz is distinctive from typical menstrual cramps because it occurs about two weeks from the time that the last period has ended, when ovulation normally begins. Sensations can range from sharp pulsing pain to dull aches, generally occurring only on one side of the body. During some months, however, this pain may switch sides. It is often more intense in the mornings and evenings, as well.

Certain Birth Control Methods

Endometriosis, or uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, can cause cramps after a woman's period.
Endometriosis, or uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, can cause cramps after a woman's period.

Cramping menstrual-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. These small flexible plastic devices are a form of birth control that medical professionals surgically implant directly into the uterus. They prevent sperm from being able to reach an egg. Once the procedure is done, some women may experience mild cramps for a few months until the uterus fully adjusts to the foreign presence. These cramps are technically unrelated to menstruation, but often feel like menstrual cramps and often come between periods.

Endometriosis

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience pain following menstruation.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience pain following menstruation.

Endometriosis, a condition involving the abnormal growth of uterine tissue into areas outside of the uterus such as the ovaries, could cause irregular pain, too. These abnormal growths are not able to exit the body like typical uterine tissue, but they often continue to behave in a similar fashion by breaking down and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. The tissue then heals over and in time can lead to adhesions that irritate or damage nearby organs. Some of the main symptoms of endometriosis include constant pelvic cramps, though for many women the pain is more noticeable during their periods and may occur with severe bloating.

Cysts and Fybroids

Ovarian cysts may cause cramps to occur after a period has passed.
Ovarian cysts may cause cramps to occur after a period has passed.

Some additional causes of cramps after a period has ended include ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Cysts are essentially fluid-filled sacs that form during ovulation. They aren’t always harmful, but if they are large or particularly numerous they can put painful pressure on the whole system. Fibroids, on the other hand, are dense growths that happen within the walls of the uterus. These are also usually benign, but they too can cause cramping depending on their size and precise location.

When to Get Help

Persistent pain after a woman's period has ended is usually a sign that something is wrong.
Persistent pain after a woman's period has ended is usually a sign that something is wrong.

Pain between periods is not always serious, and sometimes home remedies can bring about effective relief. Common home treatments include rest, use of a heating pad, and over-the-counter pain remedies. As there are so many possible causes of cramps after a period, however, unexplained and reoccurring pain will generally require an accurate diagnosis by visiting a health care provider. Cramps that occur with high fevers, blood in the stool, or dizziness almost always require immediate attention. A pelvic exam, imaging tests, and a review of the patient’s symptoms may be needed by the doctor to figure out the cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Discussion Comments

anon992794

I have been facing the same problem for my last seven or eight cycles. On the eighth or ninth day of the cycle, these cramps start hurting in my lower abdomen, the lower back, my rectum. My whole system hurts like something is shedding inside. This is accompanied by constipation. The pain does not decrease, even with heat pads and meftal spas. The ultrasound doesn't show anything. Even two gynecologists could not understand the reason for all this.

Can you help me? I am worried and do not know what to do.

anon953549

I have the same problem as anon332329. Can anyone some give us some answers?

anon948962

To the first poster (anon332329), talk to your gynecologist about looking into endometriosis. I have been diagnosed and have your symptoms. The only way to be diagnosed and see what is going on is through a laparoscopic surgery. They may be able to remove some of and you will gain insight on what foods to avoid, etc. Stress and sugar are major triggers for my flare ups. Good luck!

anon937562

@Anon332329: I have the same issue and ovarian cysts were found when they did a CAT scan. They said normally you don't notice when they rupture but if you had a large one, that's when you'll feel it. I recommend going to the hospital to get checked out thoroughly. I have to go often because you never know.

pattlorenzo

My wife is 42 and she is having her period every two months. Is this normal?

anon344003

You should have your hormone levels tested ASAP. I had the same problem as you and they always just did ultrasounds and said nothing was wrong and sent me on my way. Then one doctors tested my hormone levels and they are extremely high and they are now finding many new problems. Never take a first answer from a doctor. We all know our bodies better than any doctor.

anon332329

This is the best article I have read relating to my problem.(I could not understand the reason for my problem).

I have been facing the same problem for my last seven or eight cycles. On the eighth or ninth day of the cycle, these cramps start hurting in my lower abdomen, the lower back, my rectum. My whole system hurts like something is shedding inside. This is accompanied by constipation. The pain does not decrease, even with heat pads and meftal spas. The ultrasound doesn't show anything. Even two gynecologists could not understand the reason for all this.

Can you help me? I am worried and do not know what to do.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Abdominal cramps after a period may be due to endometriosis, a condition involving the abnormal growth of uterine tissue in areas outside the uterus.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Abdominal cramps after a period may be due to endometriosis, a condition involving the abnormal growth of uterine tissue in areas outside the uterus.
    • Cramping menstrual-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Cramping menstrual-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.
    • Endometriosis, or uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, can cause cramps after a woman's period.
      By: blueringmedia
      Endometriosis, or uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, can cause cramps after a woman's period.
    • Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience pain following menstruation.
      By: ryanking999
      Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience pain following menstruation.
    • Ovarian cysts may cause cramps to occur after a period has passed.
      By: joshya
      Ovarian cysts may cause cramps to occur after a period has passed.
    • Persistent pain after a woman's period has ended is usually a sign that something is wrong.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Persistent pain after a woman's period has ended is usually a sign that something is wrong.
    • Ovarian cysts may cause menstrual cramps after a period.
      By: michaeljung
      Ovarian cysts may cause menstrual cramps after a period.
    • A reaction to birth control may cause cramps.
      By: apops
      A reaction to birth control may cause cramps.
    • Irregular ovulation may cause cramping after a menstruation.
      By: John Takai
      Irregular ovulation may cause cramping after a menstruation.
    • An ice pack may help relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps.
      By: overcrew
      An ice pack may help relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps.