Why Are My Menstrual Cramps Getting Worse With Age?

Under any circumstances, periods aren’t exactly something you look forward to, yet each month, you get through a few days of cramping and bleeding without much fuss. You do this knowing that some cramping is just part of the menstrual journey, and more than half of women experience a day or two of discomfort.

That was then and this is now. These days your periods are far from unremarkable thanks to painful cramps that are having a major impact on your life, and you’re wondering — why now?

If you’re experiencing abnormal pelvic pain during your periods — and this is a new development after years of more normal periods — you’ve come to the right place. At Tahoe Women’s Care, Dr. Gary Willen and our team understand how reproductive health can change over time and what might lead to late-onset menstrual cramps that are hijacking your life.

The two types of dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

Since we’re discussing painful periods that are getting worse with age, we should start with describing the different types of dysmenorrhea, which is the medical term for painful periods:

Primary dysmenorrhea

Some women experience painful periods right out of the gate, and these painful periods tend to get better with time. The cramping lessens with age and especially after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

If your menstrual cramps haven't been a problem until later in life, it’s likely secondary dysmenorrhea, which means the cramps are likely caused by an underlying condition.

So, if your cramps are getting worse with age, the odds are fairly good that we’re looking at secondary dysmenorrhea.

Behind your painful periods

Assuming your worsening cramps later in life are due to an underlying gynecologic condition, let’s review two of the more common culprits in this regard:

1. Endometriosis

More than 11% of women in the United States who are age 15-44 have endometriosis. With this condition, endometrial cells and tissues develop outside the uterus, where they don’t belong. These cells and tissues often create adhesions that interfere with pelvic organs and lead to pelvic pain, which can become worse during your periods.

2. Uterine fibroids

During reproductive years, it’s not uncommon for women to develop uterine fibroids, which are typically noncancerous growths inside the uterus. These growths can get big enough over time to cause symptoms, such as painful periods.

This occurs because, when you have your period, your body produces a chemical called prostaglandin, which causes contractions and inflammation in your uterus. If there are growths inside the uterus, these contractions can become more uncomfortable.

Outside of fibroids and endometriosis, there are other gynecologic conditions that can lead to worsening cramps, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and adenomyosis.

The one takeaway we want to impart here is that worsening cramps later in life typically point toward a reproductive health issue that could benefit from medical attention. So, if you’re experiencing painful periods and this is new to you, we suggest you schedule a visit with us so we can get you answers and relief.

To get started, we invite you to contact our office in Carson City, Nevada, to set up an appointment.