Why Am I Having Cramps Between Periods

Many women have cramping between periods. Some cases are not a cause for worry and will go away on their own. However, unexpected cramping may be an early indication of uterine fibroids. Patients in New York near Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, or West Orange, NJ and Cincinnati, OH should meet with a fibroid specialist for an assessment.

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that are not always symptomatic but can lead to irregular periods, cramping, bleeding, or abdominal pain. Call American Fibroid Centers and see how we help patients with advanced treatment options, like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

What does fibroid pain feel like?

Any discomfort caused by fibroids varies based on the size and location of the tumor. Some women experience pressure or aching in their lower abdomen, while others feel intense cramping. Pain can be mild or severe enough that it’s difficult to walk or stand. While many over-the-counter treatments, like ibuprofen or heating pads, can relieve some discomfort, patients should seek help from a medical professional when symptoms interfere with daily life.

Am I having fibroid pain or menstrual cramps?

It can be difficult to understand the difference between fibroid pain and menstrual cramps. The best way to identify the difference is to know what’s normal for you. American Fibroid Centers recommends keeping track of your normal cycle with a period app or calendar. Log your symptoms, pain level, and the amount of bleeding involved on each day of your period. This information will help us understand your individual situation.

What happens if I have cramping between periods?

Patients with new or concerning symptoms, such as an irregular period, should speak with a fibroid specialist. Our trained team will perform an assessment and ask questions about your symptoms and menstrual cycle. We may recommend an MRI to confirm the diagnosis before creating a treatment plan moving forward. We frequently work with patients in Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, and West Orange, NJ.

How does UFE reduce fibroid symptoms?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe way to reduce the size of uterine fibroids and improve symptoms like cramping. American Fibroid Centers uses cutting-edge image-guided technology and other specialized tools to perform this procedure.

We begin UFE by making a small puncture within the femoral artery. A catheter is inserted through the blood vessel to better access the uterine arteries. A unique iodine dye allows us to have a detailed computerized image of the uterine tissue and locate the fibroids.

During the next part of the procedure, we inject small particles into the area to stop blood supply to the fibroids. This causes the tumors to shrink and eventually reduce symptoms. About 85 – 90% of women who undergo treatment experience significant improvements. We also schedule follow-up appointments as needed to ensure cramping has improved.

Treat cramps and other fibroids symptoms

Cramping between periods or an irregular period can be disruptive to your daily life. Unfortunately, pain and discomfort could be a sign of uterine fibroids. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms, contact American Fibroid Centers. Our team of specialists will help create a treatment plan that’s right for you. We are proud to help women living in New York near Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, Brooklyn, or West Orange, NJ and Cincinnati, OH.

Learn more about vascular health, prevention, and care for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Why Am I Having Cramps Between Periods
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