scientific name: Primary Dysmenorrhea

When: Menstrual cramps start a day or so before actual menses or the first few days of menses. The severity of cramps varies widely from woman to woman and even between the same woman's periods.

Effects: They are felt in the lower or middle abdomen. They can spread to the hips, thighs, and back. Some have cramps that are barely noticable. Some have crampes that are extremely painful. They may also have weakness, chills, and dizziness. Gasto-intestinal symptoms are also common with severe cramps: nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. Spasms of the leg and abdominal muscles occurs with severe cramps. (oh so true!)

The cause: 2 main causes

1st cause: prostagladins
A substance called prostagladins are produced by the body and are released when lining shed with menstruation. They cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself. (ouch!!)

They also cause the arteries and veins expand, so they pool blood instead of circulating it. This itself causes discomfort and heaviness. It can drops the woman's blood pressure and therefore, the reason she might feel cold, clammy and lightheaded (the blood is diverted).

2nd cause: the flot itself
Heavy flow or clots in the menstruation have to squeeze out through the small opening of the cervix. This stretching is believed to cause pain as well. This is believed to be the the reason some women's cramps subside or disappear after their first baby. The cervical opening has widened.

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some say that the best natural treatment: bananas!
Others say.. take a walk (that is IF u are able to get up though)
but sure thing is: get a cup of hot drinks =D