What Are Period Cramps Period Cramps or Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Many women have menstrual cramps just before the periods called as PMS (Pre-Menstrual symptoms) or during their menstrual periods. Your lower belly or back are the most prone areas where you’ll feel these cramps. They can range from mild to severe. They usually happen for the first time after a girl gets her first period in the initial years, say for one or two years. With age, they usually become less painful, tendency of occurrence also decreases and may stop entirely after you have your first baby. What Causes Them During a period, the uterus contracts to squeeze the lining away from the uterine wall and allow it to exit the body through the vagina. These uterine contractions cause painful cramps. Also if it contracts too strongly during your menstrual cycle, it can press against nearby blood vessels. This briefly cuts off the supply of oxygen t