Most women are familiar with the bloating, cramping, and aches that accompany menstruation. And while it’s one of the most common complaints during that time of the month, many are unaware of the causes of their discomfort. The gynecologist and staff at Advanced OB-GYN Services in Saint Peters, MO, offer their support to patients, as well as insight and guidance about what causes the pain and how to minimize the pain—especially when the symptoms become uncharacteristically severe.

What Causes Regular & Severe Cramping?

1. Premenstrual Syndrome

Also known as PMS, premenstrual syndrome describes the feelings of irritability, bloating, and cramping that happens about five to seven days prior to getting a period. PMS occurs once the egg has been released into the fallopian tube and is not fertilized. When expecting implantation, the uterus lining thickens to create an ideal environment for a fertilized egg. Once your body recognizes there is none, it sheds the lining by contracting and relaxing. These actions are the most common causes of menstrual cramping.

2. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries, often during ovulation—or when an egg is released to be fertilized. During this time, the body increases in hormones to help with fertility, but sometimes they cause cysts to develop. If a woman notices excessive menstrual cramping or stronger pains than usual, she should see her gynecologist to rule out the issue. Despite being common and typically resolving on their own, larger ovarian cysts may require removal or monitoring. 

3. Endometriosis

When a woman has a period, the uterine lining is typically expelled out of the body. However, for those who suffer from endometriosis, not all the lining is shed outside the body, and some of the tissue can implant on the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. When this happens, the afflicted organs swell and contributes to excessive menstrual cramping each month. Moreover, the condition builds with every monthly cycle, increasing in pain. 

Though menstrual cramping is common, a gynecologist can usually lessen the symptoms in severe cases and offer women necessary solutions. At Advanced OB-GYN Services, Dr. Hazan, a board-certified OB-GYN, offers his patients same-day emergency appointments and is always on-call to see to their immediate, pressing needs. Call (636) 928-1800 for the St. Peters, MO, office, or (314) 291-2140 for the one in St. Louis. You can also view the range of services offered on the website.