Menstrual cramps are characterized by sharp pains in the lower abdomen that vary in intensity and usually last up to three days after the onset of the menstrual flow.

Along with menstrual cramps, women often experience the following symptoms:

• Breast tenderness or pain
  
• Lower back or leg pain
  
• Heavy or prolonged (lasting five days or more) menstrual bleeding
  
• Headaches
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Diarrhea or constipation
  
• Sweating
  
• Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
  
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms (e.g., weight gain and/or abdominal bloating, acne, fatigue, depression)

Some women experience more severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and related symptoms that last for several days each menstrual cycle. Others experience only minimal discomfort that disappears soon after the onset of the menstrual flow. Some women do not experience any menstrual cramps or discomfort.

Sometimes the painful menstruation is due to an underlying pelvic condition (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). In such cases, a woman will continue experiencing dysmenorrhea until the cause is treated.