Menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of a woman’s period to the day before her next period. During the period cycle, a series of natural processes occur in the body - hormone levels rise and fall, depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. These hormones have can affect your mood and level of energy. The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 24 to 35 days, are normal.

Causes of period pain Menstrual cramps occur when the muscles in the uterus contract to shed the lining. When the uterus contracts, it can press against blood vessels thus squeezing them which in turn briefly cuts off the oxygen supply. This is what causes pain and cramping. During this occurrence, your body releases pain-triggering chemicals in order to encourage the contractions. Over time, these chemicals can build and cause nausea, diarrhoea and headaches.

also read Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019: Know all about importance related to it

Pain that is only associated with the process of menstruation is known as primary dysmenorrhea. But, if the cramping pain is due to an identifiable medical problem such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea.

Women most likely to experience period pain:  Those younger than 20 years of age.  Starting puberty at 11 years or younger.  Those who experience Menorrhagia, or heavy bleeding during periods.  Never having given birth.

Conditions that can worsen menstrual cramps Endometriosis: the tissue that lines the uterus develops outside the uterus. Uterine fibroids - Noncancerous tumors and growths in the wall of the uterus.  Adenomyosis: The tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular walls of the uterus.  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium.  Cervical stenosis: The opening of the cervix is small and limits menstrual flow.

also read Rashes under breast are common in Summer season; Treat with these home remedies