Why Do Women Get Butt Cramps During Menstruation?

One of the most commonly faced problems during periods is abdominal cramps. Lots of women face this problem along with heavy menstrual bleeding. However, it is not just our body and stomach area that might get impacted during this time. Some people get leg cramps too but the most unusual form of cramps that also happens during periods are butt cramps. Lets us learn what causes this and how we can cope with the pain. Here’s what you need to know about why some people experience butt cramps during their periods and whether the side effect is worrying.

What Are Butt Cramps?

It all boils down to the same factor causing all those other issues during your period—hormones. As a period begins, cells that line the uterus called endometrial cells break down and let out hormones known as prostaglandins. “Prostaglandins can cause inflammation and contraction—and some women experience contraction of the muscles in the bowel and rectum. Prostaglandins make your anal and rectal area more sensitive during that time.

It’s those same prostaglandins that are behind what is known as “period poop” Prostaglandins stimulate the smooth muscles in your uterus to help it contract and shed its lining each month. The hormones have a similar effect on other smooth muscles in your body, like in your bowels. The result is more poop.

Research has suggested that approximately 73% of menstruating people experience at least one of the primary gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms either before or during menstrual bleeding. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea are the most common GI symptoms.

Treatments Available For Women

Rest in a warm bath: experts say that a warm soothing bath can help alleviate cramps and not just butt cramps, it can also help with pain in the other parts of the body too. Warm water helps in relaxing the muscles and prevents it from cramping.
Use a heating pad, blanket, or water bottle: any source of heat applied to the body can help ease the muscles and reduce pain and discomfort, we can also try using a heating pad on the area.
Take an NSAID: after we have tried all home remedies to reduce cramps, if they are still not enough then there are always over the counter pills that help kill pain and also Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed by doctors.