Menstrual cramps that occur after a period ends or in women who have already gone through menopause can be caused by a number of medical conditions related to the reproductive organs, including endometriosis, mittelschmerzand recent insertion of an intrauterine device. Menstrual cramps usually present with pain in the abdomen and pelvis. This pain can also radiate down to the lower back and even down to the thighs. Menstrual cramps are a common side effect of menstruation and usually appear on the day a woman starts her period and can last only a few days or until she finishes her menstrual cycle. However, despite this, even women who normally have consistent cycles can experience an atypical period on occasion, resulting in unexpected or unexplained cramps after a period.
The key to understanding the reasons for cramping after a period is to pay attention to the specific location where the pain occurs and to note when the cramps occur. Abdominal cramps, for example, appearing after a period can be the result of endometriosis, a condition that involves the abnormal growth of uterine tissue in areas outside the uterus, such as the ovaries. Although this tissue cannot leave the body like typical uterine tissue, it continues to behave in a similar way by breaking down and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. The tissue then heals and over time can cause adhesions that irritate or damage nearby organs.
However, one of the most likely causes of cramping after a period is mittelschmerz , a condition in which women experience pelvic pain and cramping related to ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovaries. This pain caused by mittelschmerz is distinguished from typical menstrual cramps by the fact that the pain occurs about two weeks from the time the last period ended, the time when ovulation normally begins. Symptoms of the condition can range from sharp pulse like pain to dull aching sensations, usually occurring only on one side of the body. However, for a few months, this pain can change sides.
Menstrual cramp-like pain could also be the result of a recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. These small, flexible plastic devices are a form of birth control inserted directly into the uterus that prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Once the procedure is done, some women may experience mild cramping for a few months until the uterus fully adjusts to the foreign presence.
In some cases, the pain between periods is not serious, and home care can provide relief. Common home treatments include rest, use of a heating pad, and over-the-counter pain remedies. However, since there are so many possible causes of cramping after a period, recurring and unexplained pain will usually require an accurate diagnosis by visiting a health care provider. Symptoms of endometriosis, for example, can include constant pelvic cramping. However, for many women with this condition, the pain is most noticeable during their periods and can occur with disabling cramps and severe bloating.
Some additional potential causes of cramping after a period ends include ovarian cysts and fibroids. If these cramps occur with a high fever, blood in the stool, or dizziness, women will usually need to seek emergency medical attention. The doctor may need a pelvic exam, imaging tests, and a review of the patient’s symptoms to determine the cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.