It’s the age-old question: Why does my body hate me? For perimenopausal women, it can feel like our bodies are betraying us. Cramping but no period for months, occasional spotting, then suddenly we’re plagued with cramps but no release. It’s enough to drive a woman crazy! But don’t despair, there is hope. In this blog post, we’ll explore what’s really going on during perimenopause and how to find relief from those pesky cramps. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!

Why am I cramping but have no period?

Perimenopause is a time of gradual yet drastic change for your body as your hormone levels fluctuate and your body adjusts to the new normal. During this time, you may experience all sorts of unsettling changes, including cramping and spotting but no period. This can be confusing and frustrating, but it’s actually quite common. If you’re cramping but not getting your period, there are a few possible explanations.

They include, but are not limited to:

• Your hormone levels may not be high enough to trigger ovulation.
• You may be skipping periods because of irregular ovulation.
• You could be experiencing early menopause, which means your periods have stopped permanently.
• You could be pregnant. While less common during this life stage, it’s common to experience period-less cramps as a freshly fertilized ovum settles into its cozy, new uterine home. If there is a possibility of conception, always rule this out first.

If you’re experiencing cramping but no period, talk to your doctor to figure out what’s going on. They can help you manage your symptoms and get through the aggravation caused by perimenopause with as little hassle as possible.

How to Deal with Cramps During Perimenopause

If you are experiencing stomach cramping but no period during perimenopause, you can do a few things to alleviate your discomfort. Aside from taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)/menopause hormone therapy (MHT) which can regulate out-of-whack hormones and eliminate unpleasant perimenopause symptoms, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help to reduce inflammation and pain. In order to avoid additional stomach upset from NSAIDs like ibuprofen, take them with a snack or a meal. Cramps are bad enough without an upset stomach to compound them.

You can also try using a heating pad or taking a warm bath to relax your muscles. However, if you are really struggling to cope with the cramping or it is interfering with your everyday routine, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying causes for severe abdominal cramping. Their expertise can help you find the best way to manage your symptoms and ensure that you stay healthy during this time of transition.

The Bottom Line

We hope this article has clarified the possible explanations for why you might be cramping but not getting your period. Remember, if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult your doctor to rule out any unrelated causes of cramping during perimenopause. Lastly, if you’re looking for support and advice from other women who understand what you’re going through, join perry today. Our online community is dedicated to helping women connect and share advice, tips, and support. Our free app is available in the App Store or Google Play Store.

So, don’t go through this tough time alone—join us today, and let us help you regain control of your life.

References

1. Harper-Harrison G, Shanahan MM. Hormone Replacement Therapy. [Updated 2022 Feb 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/

2. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Period pains: Can anti-inflammatory drugs help? 2007 Nov 16 [Updated 2019 Aug 1]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279323/

3. Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/

4. Goldstein, J. L., & Cryer, B. (2015). Gastrointestinal injury associated with NSAID use: a case study and review of risk factors and preventative strategies. Drug, healthcare and patient safety, 7, 31–41. https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S71976

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.