Cramps But No Period

What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.

Cramps but No Period? 9 Possible Causes

Cramping but no period? There are several gynecological and non-gynecological reasons you may be experiencing cramping. But is it normal to have cramps but no period? While they may be harmless, it’s always worth investigating the root cause of having cramping but no period to ensure your symptoms aren’t more serious.

Menstrual cramps are common, especially for women experiencing estrogen dominance, high prostaglandins or increased levels of inflammation. If this sounds like you, you may want to take a look at Natural Remedies for Cramps & PMS .

Why Do I Have Cramps But No Period?

If you’re having period cramps but no period, or a late period and cramps at an unexpected time of the month, it could be due to a number of things. Common causes include pregnancy, cysts, or IBS. Let’s dive into 9 of the most common reasons women experiencing cramping (other than their period) and what it means for your health.

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1. Pregnancy

When a woman comes into my office with menstrual cramps and no bleeding, my first question is: is there a chance you could be pregnant?

It is common for women who have never experienced pregnancy, to have mild cramping and even some spotting that accompanies implantation.

I can remember when I was pregnant with my son, I swore my period was coming because my cramps were so bad. But three positive pregnancy tests later, it was clear that my period wasn’t the cause of my cramps. It’s completely common to mistake early stages of pregnancy with the beginnings of a period, which is why taking a pregnancy test is step one when you’re having cramps but no period.

If you’re a sexually active woman with cramping and a missed period, I recommend taking a pregnancy test at-home or with your doctor. It is always possible to become pregnant even while using contraceptives, so if you’re in doubt, please test.

2. Ovulation

Some women can actually feel ovulation. This is a condition called Mittelschmerz, when a woman physically experiences the release of the egg from the ovary. Ovulation occurs mid-cycle, usually around days 10-14 of your cycle. If you feel cramping mid-cycle, especially if it only lasts for a day, it could be ovulatory pain.

Ovulation pain varies from woman to woman. Some explain it as sharp and stitching, others a dull ache, and others a burning sensation. In most cases, ovulation pain can be eased with a hot water bottle or heating pad. Light exercise can also help reduce this temporary discomfort.

Ovulation cramps are usually not concerning unless the pain becomes unbearable. If you have severe cramp pain in the middle of your cycle, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Although bothersome, I think it is pretty amazing that a woman can be so in tune with her body that she’s aware of ovulation while it’s occurring.

3. Ovarian Cyst

Cysts on the ovaries can cause pain and cramping throughout the month, though they’re especially common mid-cycle. The feeling can be dull or sharp, and the pain usually subsides when the cyst has minimized or burst.

If you consistently get inexplicable cramping, especially on one side at a time, I recommend a transvaginal ultrasound. This is an imaging process that goes through the vagina to look at the ovaries. This can help see any cysts or problems with the ovary.

Most ovarian cysts are benign, but they can become problematic if the cysts become too enlarged or there are a number of them.

When the mass of the ovaries is too large, it can lead to ovarian torsion. This is when the ovary twists, cutting off blood supply. This can be life-threatening. You’ll usually know something more serious is occurring, as the extreme pain will be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease where the tissue that lines the uterus grows in other parts of the body. That tissue is still sensitive to hormone fluctuations, so it mimics the same swelling and bleeding that happens in the uterus throughout the menstrual cycle.

Women with endometriosis can feel menstrual-like cramps throughout the month. These usually occur in the pelvis area, lower back, lower abdomen, and even the upper thighs. This cramping can often be so severe that walking can feel like a chore. For other women, though, the cramping may come and go in waves. Endometriosis pain varies dramatically from woman to woman, which can often make it challenging to diagnose.

If you experience severe cramping but no period throughout the month, you may have endometriosis. Check out this article to learn more about the causes and holistic treatments of endometriosis.

5. Ovarian Cancer

A rare but possible cause of cramps without a period could be ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can cause abdominal or pelvic pain that may radiate into the legs or back. It’s also often accompanied by bowel changes. This can include constipation, bloating, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, and reduced urination.

In some cases, ovarian cancer may also cause spotting, which might lead you to believe the cramping is something else. It’s always worth a chat with your doctor if you have a change in your period or your digestion.

6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that’s made its way into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can be caused by a variety of infections, like E.coli and staphylococcus or gut and respiratory tract organisms.

About 85% of pelvic inflammatory cases are caused by sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Women with PID may not have any signs or symptoms. When symptoms do present women experience extreme cramping without a period, along with discomfort and pain with sex. Fever and vaginal discharge are other signs you have an infection.

IUDs put women at a greater risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. The strings of the IUD actually aid a bacterial infection in making its way into your reproductive organs.

If you have unexplained cramping and a fever, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Cramping can also have a non-gynecological origin. The colon and sex organs are in close proximity within the body, so pain in one can often translate to pain in the other. Pelvic and lower abdomen pain can easily be confused, which is why it’s important to look at other symptoms accompanying the cramps.

For example, if you identify that certain foods trigger cramps then that point to a gut issue, which gives you a clue as to where to investigate first.

If you have cramping after eating or other bowel-related symptoms, like abdominal bloating and constipation, you may have a case of SIBO, which is commonly misdiagnosed as IBS. This can be diagnosed with an at home test that you can order yourself or ask your doctor to order.

8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Another colon-related cause of lower abdominal cramping is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which commonly presents as Chron’s or ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition that affects the gut. Cramps can occur anywhere in the abdomen, and they’re often accompanied by tiredness, irritability, and even fever. If this is your root cause of missed period cramps then you’ll likely also have abnormal bowel changes, like constipation, diarrhea, or blood, mucus, and undigested food showing up in the stool (not including nuts and corn).

It’s important to catch IBD early to help rebalance the gut and improve the gut flora. Through diet and lifestyle therapies, you can nourish your immune and digestive health to end the pain.

If you believe this is what you may have, you’ll definitely need a gastroenterologist to help you get the diagnosis and counsel you on your options. A Naturopathic or Functional Medicine doctor can help you discover your root cause and creating lasting lifestyle changes to improve your health.

9. Appendicitis

Another cause of cramping in the abdomen can be appendicitis, which is when the appendix is inflamed or infected. If you have a fever and are experiencing lower abdomen pain on the lower right side or cramping around your belly button, it’s a good time to call your doctor or visit the hospital. Appendicitis is an emergency that needs immediate attention.

Diagnosing Cramps but No Period

Remember, if you have period cramps but no blood or period it can be caused by your reproductive system, gut, immune system or may even be a sign of pregnancy. So it’s worth consulting your doctor, especially if your cramps are persistent or severe.

When you feel cramps, jot it down in a journal. What day is it? What time of the month in your cycle? Are you cramping before a period? How does it feel? How long does it last? What did you eat?

This can help your doctor better understand what might be causing your late period pains and how to best treat your pain.

Common tests your doctor might perform to determine the cause include:

• An ultrasound
• A pelvic exam
• A Laparoscopy (surgery which looks inside your pelvic area).

Understanding different causes of cramping and their associated symptoms can help you take the appropriate steps towards regaining your health. Severe cramping is never normal. Mild to moderate cramping and lower back cramps also doesn’t have to be normal with the right holistic steps.

If you are experiencing cramps related to your menstrual cycle check out my 21-day hormone revolution detox . It’ll help you hit the reset button on your hormones and start moving towards a period free of cramps.

Cramps But No Period

Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period.

The following 12 diseases and conditions are examples of situations that can cause pain or cramps when not on your period.

Ovulation

In the middle of the menstrual cycle, or about 10-14 days before your period, ovulation occurs. This is the release of an egg from a follicle within the ovary.

• Symptoms can include
  • mild cramping that may be sharp or dull,
  • lasting a few minutes to hours. It typically occurs on one side of the abdomen only.

  Ovarian cyst

  A cyst is an enclosed tissue sac filled with fluid. The ovary is a common location for cyst development.

  • A small ovarian cyst typically does not cause symptoms, but if the cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden, sharp pains or cramps on one side of the lower abdomen.
  • An enlarging cyst may cause dull pain or a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen or back.

  Ovarian cancer

  This is a rare cause of pain or pressure within the abdomen or pelvis.

  • Ovarian cancer may not cause any symptoms, but if the cancer is large, it can cause
    • pain or pressure in the abdomen or back,
    • a feeling of heaviness or fullness,
    • swelling of the abdomen, and
    • feeling an urgent need to urinate.

    Why Haven’t I Gotten My Period?

    10 symptoms of perimenopause

    Perimenopause refers to the time period that begins when the ovaries begin to decline in function and continues until menopause (defined as the total cessation of menstrual flow for one calendar year). During this time, a woman may exhibit these symptoms that are largely due to abnormal hormonal fluctuations:

    • Irregular vaginal bleeding
    • Hot flashes
    • Breast tenderness
    • Nausea
    • Night sweats
    • Weight gain
    • Decreased fertility
    • Loss of bone density
    • Mood changes
    • Altered blood cholesterol levels

    Pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and endometriosis

    Sometimes women in the very early stages of pregnancy experienced slight cramping, similar to mild menstrual cramps, right around the time that the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is termed “implantation pain” and happens right around the time of the expected period.

    • Usually, there are no other symptoms at this time other than the absence of a period. Sometimes there is light spotting at the time of implantation.

    Ectopic pregnancy

    An ectopic pregnancy refers to a fertilized egg attaching in an abnormal location outside of the uterus (womb), typically in the fallopian tubes.

    • A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can lead to sudden, severe sharp pains in the lower abdomen that can spread to the back.
    • Before this happens, there may be the typical symptoms of early pregnancy like
      • tiredness,
      • breast pain or tenderness, or
      • nausea.

      Endometriosis

      This is a condition in which tissue, similar to that found inside the uterus, grows in other locations outside of the uterus. It is a very common condition.

      • Endometriosis can cause painful menstrual cramping during the menstrual period and at other times of the month as well. It can cause
        • infertility,
        • painful bowel movements, or
        • pain during sex in some women.

        QUESTION

        Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome and appendicitis

        PID refers to an inflammation of the internal sex organs that usually results from the spread of a sexually transmitted disease. It is usually caused by bacteria that spread from the vagina and cervix upward into the uterus, tubes, and ovaries.

        • PID causes lower abdominal pain on both sides of the body, often accompanied by
          • fever,
          • vaginal discharge,
          • nausea,
          • vomiting, and
          • pain or burning with urination.

          Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome

          This is a condition that results from chronic inflammation of the bladder. It can cause pain at any time of the month.

          • Symptoms typically get worse when the bladder is full (when you have to urinate). It can cause pain and tenderness in the low abdomen or pelvic area. Other possible symptoms are
            • painful urination and
            • feeling an urgent need to urinate.

            Appendicitis

            The appendix is a small pouch of tissue attached to one end of the large intestine. When it becomes irritated and inflamed (appendicitis), it may rupture and cause more serious problems.

            • Symptoms of appendicitis include
              • abdominal pain that starts in the middle and usually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen.
              • fever,
              • nausea, and
              • vomiting.

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              Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion

              IBD refers to chronic (long-term) inflammation in the bowels (intestines). Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are forms of IBD.

              • Symptoms depend on the severity and exact type of IBD but usually include some type of abdominal pain.
              • Other symptoms can include
                • diarrhea,
                • bloody stool,
                • weight loss,
                • fatigue,
                • fever, and
                • feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

                Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

                This disorder is different from IBD. With IBS there are a number of symptoms related to digestion, but there is no chronic inflammation in the intestines as with IBD.

                • Symptoms of IBS can vary from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include
                  • diarrhea,
                  • constipation, and
                  • abdominal pain or cramping.

                  Indigestion

                  This refers to having symptoms related to digestive symptoms and is a common complaint. Indigestion is also referred to as dyspepsia.

                  • Symptoms of indigestion usually include
                    • pain in the upper part of the abdomen,
                    • feeling overly full, or
                    • feeling too full after eating.

                    SLIDESHOW

                    When to seek medical attention

                    Always seek medical attention for the following serious symptoms that can accompany cramps or pain:

                    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
                    • Sudden, severe, or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
                    • Pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
                    • Frequent vomiting
                    • High fever
                    • Blood in vomit or stool
                    • Black or tarry stools
                    • Shortness of breath
                    • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
                    • Unexplained weight loss
                    • Slow or rapid heartbeats
                    • Loss of consciousness

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                    Medically Reviewed on 3/8/2022
                    References

                    Jameson, J.L., et al., eds. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.

                    National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Period pain: Overview.” Aug. 1, 2019.

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