Let’s talk about something not everyone mentions: period cramps in butt. While period conversations often focus on abdominal pain, many people who menstruate also experience a range of other discomforts, including butt cramps.
It may feel embarrassing or confusing, but butt cramps are a real thing. When we say “butt cramps,” we’re talking about any pain you might feel in your glutes or around your rectal area. You also may feel a general cramping sensation in your lower pelvic region during your period.
Here, we’ll explore the causes of period cramps in butt, how you can manage them, and when it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
What Causes Butt Cramps During Your Period?
If you’re experiencing butt cramps during your period, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Here are some of the reasons why you might be feeling those aches and pains.
Uterine Contractions and Prostaglandins
Menstrual cramps are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. As your uterus contracts, it can cause pain.
Prostaglandins, hormones involved in breaking down the uterine lining, can irritate the rectum and surrounding areas, causing pain that radiates to your buttocks. That’s why nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen work so well on menstrual cramps: they block the production of prostaglandins.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Involvement
Hormonal changes during your period can also affect the pelvic floor muscles, including the rectum, leading to cramping and pain. If your pelvic floor muscles are tense, that tension can show up as pain in your buttocks and rectal area.
Referred Pain and Nerve Pathways
Sometimes, pain signals from the uterus can travel along nerve pathways that also serve the buttocks and surrounding areas, causing referred pain. In other words, the pain feels like it’s in your butt, but it’s actually coming from your uterus.
Impact on existing bowel issues
Hormonal changes can also worsen existing bowel issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during menstruation. In fact, a 2002 study found that women with IBS were more sensitive to rectal pain during their periods than at other times of the month.
Are butt cramps during your period normal?
Yes, probably. Period cramps are, as one article put it, “an unpleasant phenomenon that nearly all people who menstruate experience at some point during their life.” And those cramps don’t always stay in your abdomen.
In fact, a 2014 study found that about 73% of people who menstruate experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom either before or during their period. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea were the most common.
While butt cramps are usually normal, severe or constant pain, especially if you have other concerning symptoms, may be a sign of something else.
How to Find Relief: Managing Butt Cramps at Home
When those butt cramps hit, what can you do? Here are a few ways to manage the discomfort in the privacy of your own home:
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your muscles hydrated, which may help reduce cramping.
- Diet: A high-fiber diet can help you avoid constipation, which can make rectal pain even worse.
- Exercise: Light exercise or stretching can improve blood flow and relax your muscles. Walking can also help.
- Rest: Give your body time to recover and reduce muscle tension by prioritizing rest.
Comfort Measures
- Warmth: Relax your muscles and ease pain with warm baths or a heating pad.
- Stretching: Certain stretches, such as the Double Knee-to-Chest Stretch, Child’s Pose, and Deep Squat Stretch, may help relax your pelvic floor muscles.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
- NSAIDs: Medicines like ibuprofen can block prostaglandins and reduce pain.
- Magnesium: Some people find that magnesium supplements help reduce pain and inflammation, but you should always talk to a doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine.
Alternative Therapies
- Orgasms: Orgasms are a natural way to release endorphins, which can help ease pain.
- CBD suppositories: Some people find that CBD suppositories relieve rectal pain during periods.
When to see a doctor
While period cramps in your butt are often harmless, it’s important to know when to seek medical help. See your doctor if you experience:
- Severe or constant pain: If the butt cramps are intense, don’t go away, or keep you from doing your daily activities, talk to a medical professional.
- Additional symptoms: Seek medical advice if the butt cramps come with other concerning symptoms, like:
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Fever
It’s also important to rule out other conditions, like endometriosis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses, or fistulas. Your doctor can help you determine whether you have an underlying medical issue.
Finally, your doctor may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy to create a customized treatment plan.
In Summary
Experiencing butt cramps during your period is surprisingly common, and in most cases, you can manage them with simple self-care strategies.
Prioritize lifestyle adjustments, like regular exercise, and use comfort measures, such as heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These can often provide significant relief.
It’s always a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or persistent. They can help rule out any underlying conditions and ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to openly discuss your menstrual symptoms with your doctor. They’re there to help!