Facebook Pixel
EmpowHER Guest
Q: 

Cramps one week prior to period

By Anonymous June 21, 2010 - 7:14am
 
Rate This

I have started feeling cramping last Thursday (late afternoon), today is Monday and my period should start this coming Sunday, June 29th. I have never experienced this before, it's not severe just uncomfortable (there is no spotting) and of course it's worrisome. I am 43 and my periods are very regular, usually on the 28th day, but for at least a year they might start two days before, on the 26th day. My doctor confirmed that that is totally normal.
I have been close with my husband once this month, unfortunately I really don't remember exactly when, it seems that it was a few days after my last period ended. Also, I have started exercising 3 weeks ago, power walking for about 3 miles and pilates, that seem to be the only real change in my lifestyle, I eat healthy and I'm in good shape. I will take a pregnancy test, I just think that I should wait till this Sunday (day of my period) and see what happens.

Besides the cramping there are no other symptoms, I feel totally fine. Any suggestions?
Thank You!

Add a Comment8 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I always start my pms crap around 1 week before my period starts, especially now being over 40. They are severe in the morning and taper off during my day. They stop about 2 days before and once I start they come back again hard during heavy times.
I'm going to the gyno next month just for a check up, never had a problem before.

July 11, 2016 - 9:40am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your last post. You'll be glad to know that first thing on Sunday morning I started my period, also the cramps have ended a few days before, so I had them for a total of 5 days.
I truly appreciate all of your help.
Sincerely

-E

June 29, 2010 - 6:03am
(reply to Anonymous)

E.,

That's terrific news. I'm so happy for you! And I hope those troublesome cramps are a one-time thing for you. If they recur next month, think about making an appointment with your gynecologist to get checked out, since it doesn't seem to be normal for you. Thanks for coming back to update us!

June 30, 2010 - 9:37am

Gosh. There are so many things that can cause pelvic pain and/or abdominal cramping. And yours are notable because you don't seem to have any other accompanying symptoms; plus, this is a new thing for you.

I hate to see you wait until Sunday to ask your doctor about this. Might you put in a call to your doctor (you may just be able to talk to the nurse or nurse practitioner) to tell them that you've been having pelvic pain for almost a week and you don't know why? Here's my thinking: On the off chance that it IS something like an ectopic pregnancy, I don't want you to have to deal with several days' more of pain before you even test.

Here's one page that lists many possible causes of pelvic pain or cramping. I'm linking you to it not to scare you! But just to inform you that your pain could be associated with so many different things (for instance, digestive problems). Take a look:

http://www.medicineonline.com/articles/a/2/abdominal-cramping/pelvic-pain-in-females.html

Will you give your doctor's office a call and run this by them?

June 22, 2010 - 10:01am

Hi, Anon,

I'm assuming, then, that you don't regularly have PMS or cramps in the days before your period starts?

I do notice that the timing of the beginning of your power walking and pilates is since you've had a period, right? In other words, this is the first period you will have since you started exercising? Is it possible that you're overheating or exercising a little too rigorously and are making yourself sore in the process?

Of course it's possible that you might be pregnant, especially since you don't remember exactly when you had sex with your husband. But usually cramping is not a sign of pregnancy this early. If it continues, you may want to call your doctor -- an ectopic pregnancy could cause cramping, but it usually is only on one side of the abdomen, and often is accompanied by spotting or light bleeding and even nausea.

Is the cramping constant? Does it feel like menstrual cramps?

June 21, 2010 - 10:12am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Diane Porter)

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your response.
Yes, the cramping is constant, it starts in the morning after I start my day, but it might go away (almost completely) in the evening, and I don't feel it once I go to sleep. I forgot to mention earlier that my tummy is very bloated and it sort of feels uncomfortable, 'heavy'. It does feel like menstrual cramps, although I never experienced them to be constant, and when I have them I'll take advil and they would 'go away', with theses cramps advil did not help. Also, the cramps feel like they are pretty low in the abdomen. No I don't always experience PMS and yes the power walking started after my last period.
I sincerely appreciate your response.
-E

June 21, 2010 - 3:20pm
(reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anon

I'm wondering if there is a change in your bowel habits or urinary frequency? The location of the cramps could be related to issues with bowel or bladder as well as muscle or your reproductive system.

If we can give you further direction or resources, please let us know.

June 21, 2010 - 4:10pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Cary Cook BSN RN)

Hi Cary,
Thanks for your response.
And no, there is no change in neither bowel or urinary habits.
Thank you.
-E

June 21, 2010 - 5:28pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Menstrual Cycle

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Menstrual Cycle Guide

HERWriter Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!