Vaginal Pain Before Period: Causes & Concerns

Question
Dear Catherine,
Hi, Every month before i get my period i get really sharp pains in my vaginal area. My friend, who has never experienced these kinds of pains before, has recently lost her verginity and is only now experiencing these pains. I, however, am still a virgin. what are these pains and should i be worried?
thanks very much,
betty

Answer
betty;

menstrual cramping is one of the few symptoms a women deals with before and during the menstrual cycle. each women is different,some have the cramps and some dont.

woman's body produces hormones known as prostaglandins to help the uterus contract and shed its lining. the uterus has to contract to create the menstrual flow,and many women experience the contraction as cramps.

how painful your cramps are will depend on how much prostaglandin your body produces.
but if you have persistent,really excruciating cramps,there may be other factors at work as well.

you may have an overgrown uterine lining-a condition calle endometriosis. endometriosis often makes cramps hurt worse.

i suggest seeing your gyn for a check-up.

catherine;