Cramps but No Period: What’s Going On?

You’re on the couch, clutching a hot water bottle to your belly.

It feels like period cramps, but your period is nowhere in sight. 😖

What’s going on?

Having period cramps but no period is more common than you might think.

As it turns out, there are a ton of things that aren’t menstruation that can cause similar feelings.

So what’s behind it? Let’s see if we can narrow it down.

In this article: 📝

Why do I have cramps but no period?

If there’s no chance you’re pregnant, and you’re asking yourself ‘why am I having cramps but no period?’, there are still a lot of potential reasons.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Ovulation pain
• Anovulation (a cycle without releasing an egg)
• Ovarian health conditions
• Bowel, bladder, or stomach issues
• Implantation pain

So how do you know which is responsible for your mid-cycle cramps?

Is it ovulation pain (mittelschmerz)?

If you’re about mid-way between periods, your cramps could be something called Mittelschmerz. [1]

This is a very German word for the painful cramps (Schmerzen = pain) that a lot of women get in the middle (Mittel = middle) of their cycle when ovulation occurs.

Some women get this every month, but just because it’s not familiar to you, doesn’t mean that you won’t experience Mittelschmerz once in a while.

🔎 Get clued up: Ovulation Pain: Is it Normal & What Does It Mean?

Could anovulation be the cause?

Anovulation is when you have a cycle (or cycles) where your ovaries don’t release an egg.

But although there’s no egg, your uterus still gets itself ready for a potential pregnancy and your body goes through the same hormonal cycle as usual, which means you still get period cramps. [2]

🥚 Dig deeper: Can You Get Pregnant When You’re Not Ovulating?

Could a digestive issue be the reason for mid-cycle pain?

Your digestive system and your reproductive system aren’t physically connected, but when there’s something up, it can cause similar symptoms.

What’s more, hormones such as progesterone, which rises and falls through your cycle, can speed up or slow down your digestion.

Many people report that problems in the bowel, bladder, or stomach trigger cramps in their lower bellies, which can easily be mistaken for period cramps.

Possible culprits here include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [3]
• Urinary tract infections [4]
• Interstitial cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome [5]
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [6]
• Constipation [7]
• Indigestion [8]

Are ovarian health conditions causing cramps but no period?

If you know that you’re not pregnant and notice that your period cramps are persisting throughout your cycle, it is probably worth making an appointment with your doctor.

Although it’s rare, period-style cramps can be an early warning sign of longer-term health conditions that can be much better treated if you catch them early.

Some conditions which are known to cause cramping include:

• A ruptured ovarian cyst [9]
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine polyps [10]
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Ovarian cancer (although here, cramps would most likely be accompanied by other symptoms — like swelling, bloating, constipation, pelvic pain, or pain during and after sex) [11]

Again, the most likely scenario is that the cramps are nothing to worry about, but it is something to mention to your doctor.

Why do I have cramps while trying to conceive?

If you’re TTC (trying to conceive) and having period cramps but no period, it’s natural to wonder.

At a time when you’re hyper-aware of everything your body is doing, every twinge could have you Googling.

We know the feeling. 🙃

Can early pregnancy feel like period cramps?

Possibly, yes.

Cramps without a period can be a sign of early pregnancy, known as “implantation pain”.

It usually occurs around four weeks into a pregnancy, roughly when you’d expect your period.

When the embryo implants in the lining of your womb, you can feel anything from a tugging sensation to what feels like a menstrual cramp. [12]

The problem is, several other things can give you a similar feeling while you’re TTC.

🔎 What to look for: Understanding Implantation Symptoms

Could cramps be early pregnancy loss?

Unfortunately, yes, there is a chance your mid-cycle cramps could be an early pregnancy loss.

An ectopic or chemical pregnancy could be the reason. [13]

The only way to know is to take a pregnancy test and talk to your OB-GYN or doctor.

We know this can be hard, so if you want to, you can always talk to other women who understand what you’re going through on Peanut.

👉 If you’re curious: What Does a Miscarriage Look Like?

When should I be worried about cramps without a period?

While those cramps might be a real downer, it’s usually nothing to stress about.

But it’s worth keeping an eye on how you’re feeling — here’s when it’s a good idea to have a chat with your doctor:

• Severe or worsening pain: If the cramps are so intense they disrupt your daily activities or don’t improve with home remedies, it’s time to see a doctor.
  
• Fever: Cramps with a fever could signal an infection, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  
• Unusual vaginal discharge: Changes in what’s going on down there (color, smell, amount) could signal an infection or other issue.
  
• Bleeding between periods or after menopause: Spotting or heavy bleeding outside your normal cycle? Book in to see your doc.
  
• Pain during sex: This could be a sign of endometriosis, an infection, or other conditions.
  
• Significant nausea, vomiting, or dizziness: This could be serious, like an ectopic pregnancy or a burst ovarian cyst. Don’t wait, see your doc ASAP.
  
• Persistent cramps: If cramps last for several cycles or get worse, there could be a few other causes that your doctor can help with.
  
• Trying to conceive: Cramps could be a clue, but they could also be a sign of a fertility issue — a doctor can help you understand what’s going on.
  
• History of medical conditions: If you have PCOS, endometriosis, or other health conditions, keep an eye on any cycle changes and see your doc.

But these aren’t the only reasons why you should see a doctor.

Trust your instincts — if something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Even if the cause of your mid-cycle cramps turn out to be minor, getting checked out gives peace of mind and means you can get the treatment you need.

What can I do to find relief from mid-cycle cramps?

The good news is there are a few things you can do to ease your non-menstrual cramps:

• Heat is your friend: Grab a heating pad, hot water bottle, or take a warm bath. Heat relaxes tense muscles and increases blood flow, working wonders for cramps — but don’t get too hot. 🥵
  
• Hydration station: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent bloating and supports your body’s overall function. Aim for extra H2O around ovulation. 💦
  
• Gentle movement: Light exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming can increase blood flow and distract you from the pain. 🧘‍♀️
  
• OTC relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can help knock out those cramps. 💊
  
• Orgasms: Yes, really! Orgasms can trigger muscle relaxation and offer temporary relief. ❤️‍🔥
  
• Anti-inflammatory foods: Munch on leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (like salmon), and spices like turmeric and ginger to help naturally reduce inflammation. 🥗
  
• Steer clear of bloat-causing foods: During ovulation, avoid gassy foods, overly salty things, caffeine, and alcohol — these can make cramps even worse. 🍸
  
• Acupuncture: Some people find acupuncture helps regulate their cycle and reduce pain. 📌
  
• Massage: A gentle belly massage can help with muscle tension and relaxation. 💆‍♀️
  
• Talk to your doctor: If home remedies don’t cut it, discuss options like hormonal birth control which can prevent ovulation and the associated pain. 👩‍⚕️

If your pain is severe, nothing seems to help, or you experience other unusual symptoms, it’s always best to check in with your doctor.

They can rule out any underlying conditions and offer better-tailored advice.

Ultimately, we know it’s easy to jump to conclusions when your body experiences something like cramps but no period.

But our bodies are complex, and, while it’s as frustrating as it is reassuring, cramping can be a sign of a lot of different things.

And if your cramps are really cramping your style, try some pain relief, like a hot water bottle or popping a couple of OTC painkillers.

The best way to get to the bottom of them? Talk to your medical provider.

And if you want other tips on how to ease your mid-cycle cramps, have a chat with our Peanut Community — we think you’ll fit right in.