Conditions and symptoms
What Do 'Premenstrual and Menstrual Cramps' Mean on a Label?
Premenstrual and menstrual cramps · say it: pree-MEN-stroo-ul and MEN-stroo-ul KRAMPSAlso written: period pain, period cramps, dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain
Short answer
Premenstrual and menstrual cramps are aching or cramping pains in the lower belly just before and during a period, caused by the womb contracting.
What it means
During a period, the womb (uterus) contracts to shed its lining. Chemicals called prostaglandins drive these contractions, and higher levels cause more cramping. Pain is usually in the lower belly, sometimes spreading to the back or thighs, and can start a day or two before the period. The medical term is dysmenorrhea.
The phrase is in the 'Uses' section of many over-the-counter pain relievers: 'temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to... premenstrual and menstrual cramps.' NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work well for this because they lower prostaglandins; the usual NSAID warnings about the stomach, kidneys and heart still apply. Some combination 'period' products also contain a diuretic or caffeine.
Cramps that are very severe, getting worse over time, not helped by usual pain relievers, or with very heavy bleeding or pain outside periods should be checked, as they can be a sign of conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Where you may see it
- The 'Uses' section of ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen labels
- 'Menstrual relief' combination product packs
- Gynaecology or GP notes ('dysmenorrhea')
📄 How it looks on a report
Uses: temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backache and premenstrual and menstrual cramps.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Severe period pain is not something you just have to put up with; it can be checked.
- A product for period pain still carries the usual warnings for its ingredients.
- Cramps are not always caused by periods; new or unusual pain should be checked.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Premenstrual and menstrual cramps”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Acetaminophen
A pain reliever and fever reducer
- Aspirin
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a platelet aggregation inhibitor
- Ibuprofen
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a type of medicine that reduces pain, swelling, and fever
- Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
a combination birth control pill that contains a progestin and an estrogen
- Naproxen
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is a medicine that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Premenstrual and menstrual cramps” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
Seeing this word on your own report? Get every line of it explained, free.
Explain my report🧩 Related words
🔎 Look up another word
More words: conditions and symptoms
General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.