Period pain, but no periods: what are the causes?

However, there are several reasons why you might be experiencing this.

Here, we take a look at what some of these might be, providing some answers and support to put your mind at ease. (But, if your symptoms are painful and you're concerned, make sure you speak to your GP.)

When you have a period, the main cause of pain is uterine contractions, which we call ‘cramps’. This can cause a sharp pain or a dull ache in your tummy which, for some people, can spread into the lower back and thighs.¹

Throughout your monthly menstrual cycle, the lining of your uterus builds up in preparation for a potential newly fertilised egg to implant.² Menstrual cramps happen when there’s a rise in hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger your uterus (womb) to contract and shed this built-up lining. These contractions are the cause of the discomfort you feel in the days leading up to and during your period.

If you track your monthly cycle – on a calendar or with an app, for example – you can get a rough idea of when your most painful days will be. For most people, the worst day will be the day their period starts, with the pain gradually easing during their period.³

The medical name for painful periods is ‘dysmenorrhea’, and there are two main types: primary and secondary.^{3, 4}

Primary dysmenorrhea is period pain that isn’t caused by a specific condition. It’s also the most common type of period pain, and should only last for a few days.^{3, 4}

Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by an underlying medical condition, which causes unusually heavy or painful periods.

In this case, the pain you feel may be especially bad in the days before your period starts, as well as during your period. It can also get worse, rather than improve, as your period goes on.^{3, 4}

Some of the conditions that can cause this type of painful period include: ⁴ 

It’s important to speak to your doctor if you think you may have a condition which is causing you severe period pain.

To learn more about what period pain is, why it happens, and how to relieve it, take a look at our guide to period pain.

As well as having period pain as the result of a period, it’s also possible to have period pains with no period at all. There are several reasons why this may happen, ranging from ovulation to medical conditions.

Ovulation usually happens once a month, around two weeks before your next period.⁵

Some women will experience pain when an egg is released from an ovary, which can last for a few minutes, or up to 48 hours. When experiencing ovulation pain, it typically only affects one side of your tummy and causes either a dull ache or a sharp, sudden pinch-like pain. 

The pain can also feel similar to period pain, and can sometimes cause light spotting, so the two can be easily confused.^6,7

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the function of your ovaries. Like endometriosis, it’s not exactly clear what causes it, but it’s often related to high levels of insulin and a hormonal imbalance.¹¹

Symptoms of PCOS include difficulty getting pregnant, excessive hair growth, and irregular or absent periods.¹¹

Research shows that the irregularity of periods in people with PCOS can cause a much heavier bleed, which can result in more intense and painful cramping. This cramping may be severe and can start a few days before your period and last for a few days after you’ve finished bleeding.¹²

Very early on in pregnancy, you may experience something called implantation cramps. This can feel like slight twinges in your tummy and there may also be some light bleeding as the fertilised egg attaches to the wall of your uterus.¹³

At around four weeks of pregnancy, the uterus also slowly begins to expand to make room for your baby to grow. This can cause mild stretching or tearing sensations very low down in your tummy, just above your pubic bone.¹⁴

So, if you’ve been cramping for a few days, and your period is overdue, it could be because you’re expecting.

You can take an at-home pregnancy test on or after the day your period is due to find out. Some tests you can purchase are sensitive to hCG (the hormone that indicates pregnancy) up to six days before your missed period.

It can be particularly worrying to experience cramping when you’re pregnant. However, there are several common and harmless causes, including:^15,16 

• Braxton Hicks contractions (sometimes known as ‘practice contractions’) 
• bloating 
• trapped wind 
• constipation 
• round ligament pain (bands of tissue that hold the uterus in place stretch) 
• uterine contractions after orgasm 
• increased blood flow to the uterus

In some cases, cramping and pain can be a sign that something is wrong. It can also be a sign that your contractions have started and your baby is ready to come into the world.¹⁵

It’s always important to seek professional medical advice if you’re worried about any of your symptoms.

Any pain you experience is unwanted, whether it’s due to normal period pains, more severe menstrual pain, or irritating trapped wind while you’re pregnant!

To help ease your discomfort, take a look at some of our top recommended remedies and period pain advice.

However, if you’re ever concerned about your symptoms, you should always speak to your GP. They’ll then be able to provide you with tailored support and potential medical treatments to help you get back to enjoying a pain-free life.

This article is for information only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.