What are the symptoms of menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps can feel like a dull ache in the abdomen, lower back, hips or inner thighs. The pain may start just before your period or at the beginning of your period and can last 1 to 3 days. The pain may be bad enough to keep you from doing your normal activities.
How can I tell if I have a more serious problem?
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Painful periods that started later in life
- Pain at times other than the first couple of days of your period
- Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Pain that doesn't go away when you take medicine to relieve it
Source
Dysmenorrhea by L French, M.D. (American Family Physician January 15, 2005, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050115/285.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 01/11
Created: 03/05