What Can Make Cramps Worse This Month?

There are plenty of reasons that your cramps can get worse this month, even if they’re not caused by an underlying medical problem. If your pain suddenly becomes severe enough to require you to call off work or school on a regular basis, though, then it’s time to talk to your doctor.

One of the most common causes of more severe period pain is a hormonal imbalance. This condition is often treated with birth control, which can help to balance the hormone levels in your body and reduce prostaglandin production.

Another way that your menstrual cramps can become more intense is if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like extreme fatigue, nausea or vomiting. These can also indicate a serious issue, such as an abdominal condition or a liver problem.

Certain types of uterine tumors can cause painful periods, such as fibroids, which are benign growths of tissue that line the inside of the uterus. They can also increase inflammation and cause cramping.

Hormonal imbalances can also result in painful menstrual cramps, especially if you’re taking birth control that suppresses your body’s estrogen and progesterone. If you’re experiencing this symptom, speak to your doctor about how you can use the right type of birth control to treat the underlying cause of your pain.

Eating too much salt can make your cramps worse because it narrows the blood vessels that supply your uterus, so they don’t receive the oxygen they need. The same goes for caffeine and alcohol.

Foods that are high in saturated fat can also make your menstrual cramps worse because they increase the production of pro-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. This is a good reason to cut down on the amount of fatty foods you consume during your period, says Dr. Nita.

In addition, eating too much sugar during your period can also make it more difficult for your body to regulate its blood sugar level, which can contribute to the onset of cramps. If you do decide to eat sweets, make sure to cut down on the amount of sugar that you consume and focus on healthier options.

Other foods that are high in saturated fat, including dairy products and fatty meats, can worsen your cramps, as can foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (fish, olive oil). In particular, a diet that is too high in these oils can increase the production of the hormones that trigger menstrual cramps.

It’s best to avoid these fatty foods at all costs. In addition, try to eat more fruits and vegetables than you normally do during your period because they’re full of fiber that can help slow down the production of hormones that trigger period cramps.

Getting enough sleep is also a great idea. Lack of sleep can actually lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which in turn increases the production of prostaglandins. That’s why it’s so important to get enough rest and stay hydrated during your period.