Why do I Have Lower Cramps but No Period

Experiencing lower cramps with no periods? This blog is for you.

By this time, your mind must have filled with a lot of questions about this discomfort. If you observe it closely, you might also have other symptoms like nausea and fatigue accompanying the cramps. The lower cramps with no menstrual bleeding can be caused by several reasons. The reasons may range widely from ovulation, the presence of uterine conditions, to cervical cancers. The cramps with no periods can also be an early indicator of a healthy pregnancy, especially if you experience them after ovulation.

Your healthcare provider would generally be able to roughly determine the underlying cause of lower cramps by analysing associated symptoms. Based on this, they would be able to plan for the appropriate course of action.

Keep scrolling if you wonder, “Why do I have lower cramps but no period?”. This blog lets you know why the discomfort occurs in detail.

Can pregnancy be the Cause of Lower Cramps with No Periods?

Lower cramps without having periods can sometimes be an early indicator of pregnancy. Women might experience these cramps similar to menstrual cramps, but without having a period. These cramps can possibly happen as soon as the implantation of the fertilised egg takes place in the uterine lining (endometrium). Lower cramps with no periods, in medical terms, is most often referred to as implantation cramping. Women may experience such cramping after the ovulation period, sometimes right before their expected menstrual cycle.

As days progress after the successful implantation, it can develop:

• Slight bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sore breasts
• Fatigue
• Food aversions and cravings
• Headache and dizziness
• Bloating

If you are trying to become pregnant and experience any of these symptoms along with cramping, it is suggested to wait until your missed period. You can do the pregnancy test a week after your missed cycle to have the exact result.

What are the Other Causes of Cramps with No Periods?

While early pregnancy can be the cause of lower cramps without having periods, it could also indicate other existing medical conditions. Listed below are some of them.

Ovulation

The release of an egg (ovulation) from the ovary may sometimes cause mild cramping in the abdomen. The occurrence will usually happen in the mid-cycle, that is, around days 10 to 14. This type of cramping may last for a few minutes to hours. You may be able to notice the cramps in only one side of your lower abdomen. The cramps may also switch sides every month at times.

Lower cramps with no periods due to ovulation can also develop:

• Vaginal discharge
• Stomach bloating
• Enlarged or sensitive breasts
• Mood swings

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a uterine condition where the endometrial-like tissues tend to develop in various reproductive organs of a woman. The organs may include ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the connecting tissues of the uterus. Several women have described the endometriosis cramping as sharp or stabbing pain. The pain may get even worse during menstruation, which is medically called dysmenorrhea. This pain is often prolonged and can be more severe than usual menstrual cramps.

Lower cramps with no periods due to endometriosis can also develop:

• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pain during bowel movements (dyschezia)
• Pain during urination
• Irregular periods
• Fatigue
• Infertility

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS condition can cause lower cramps without periods. This is possible as the condition has a strong association with hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation. This disruption can certainly impact the overall reproductive health of women. The cramps due to PCOS do not occur at a predictable time like ovulation and menstruation cramps. Rather, they may occur randomly, varying in intensity.

Lower cramps with no periods due to PCOS can also develop:

• Irregular or infrequent periods
• Severe acne
• Obese and difficulty losing weight
• Skin darkening
• Excessive hair loss
• Infertility

Ruptured Ovarian Cysts

Ruptured ovarian cysts can be another cause of lower cramps, even without periods. This may happen due to the sudden rush of fluids or blood from the ruptured cysts to the pelvic cavity. When this fluid rushes into the pelvic cavity, it can irritate surrounding tissues. Women might experience sharp pain or cramping due to this irritation.

Lower cramps with no periods due to ruptured ovarian cysts can also develop:

• Menstrual irregularities
• Abdominal bloating
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Pain during bowel movements

UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause lower cramps without menstruation. UTIs are bacterial infections that are often found to affect the urinary system of women. The disorder can develop irritation and inflammation in the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. This can potentially lead to discomfort and cramps in the lower abdomen and pelvic region.

Lower cramps with no periods due to UTIs can also develop:

• Burning sensation or pain while urinating
• Foul-smelling in the urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Lower back pain

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Again, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause lower abdominal cramps, even without menstruation. PID is a type of infection that can impact the woman’s reproductive organs. The organs may include the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. PIDs are most often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are also sometimes caused by bacterial imbalances within the vagina. Whatever the cause of infection is, it can develop inflammation and irritation within the reproductive organs. This can manifest as lower cramps, even in the absence of periods. The pain is often described to spread from the lower abdomen to the lower back or legs. The pain may also get severe during intercourse.

Lower cramps with no periods due to PIDs can also develop:

• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heavy vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also cause lower abdominal cramping, even though it is not related to the menstrual cycle. IBS is a disorder found in the large intestine or colon. The disorder can cause the digestive muscles to contract more frequently and heavily than usual. The occurrence can contribute to the development of abdominal pain and cramping. The cramping may worsen from the movement of the bowel and gas within the stomach.

Women with IBS can experience the pain to be sharp, aching, dull or cramping.

Lower cramps with no periods due to IBS can also develop:

• Bloating and gas
• Pain or cramps in the stomach
• Lower back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
• White mucus in the stool

Cervical Cancer

The existence of cancer cells in the cervix region can cause lower cramps. Many women with cervical cancer have described the pain to be similar to menstrual cramps, even when a menstrual period is not present. The pressure given by the tumour on the surrounding muscles and nerves can develop abdominal cramps. Even though cervical cancer does not exhibit any symptoms in the early stage, it does develop certain symptoms as the tumour progresses.

Lower cramps with no periods due to cervical cancer can also develop:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Bleeding in between menstrual cycles

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are a medical condition where the fertilised egg gets to implant outside the uterine lining. This occurrence may most frequently happen in the fallopian tubes. This can develop lower abdominal cramps similar to menstrual cramps, even when there are no periods. The pain may develop as the fallopian tube stretches or ruptures due to the medical condition.

Cramps involving ectopic pregnancies can range from mild to severe (sharp pain). Furthermore, studies show that women with ectopic pregnancies have experienced pain only on one side of their pelvis.

Lower cramps with no periods due to ectopic pregnancies can also develop:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Shoulder pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and fainting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating
• Pain while urinating
• Pain during bowel movements

Summary

Even though lower cramps without periods can be concerning, they are indeed an indicator of your body’s response to various factors. The factors may include ovulation, uterine conditions, cervical cancer, and even early pregnancy. Experts state that women may also experience abdominal cramps as soon as they start or stop using the birth control pills. In addition, stress can also play a part.

Seek medical help when you notice:

• The pain is prolonging or worsening
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain or irritation when bowel movements
• Pain or irritation when urinating
• Persistent fever
• Discomforts in one side of the body

Keenly monitoring the discomforts, including timing, location, and intensity, accompanying lower cramps can be significantly beneficial. This can help your healthcare provider narrow down the diagnosis and establish the appropriate treatment plan.