cramping when AF is not due; potential causes? please help

[Xeri_28]

Hi everyone! I hope someone can help me. What could cause menstrual-like cramps when AF is not due for at least another week? I read on another forum that actual cramping is caused when the lining is breaking away from the uterus, and not from the flow of the bleeding itself. So I guess my question is, can this “breaking up of the lining” happen a full seven days before the flow is even visible? What else could cause this discomfort?

I also feel a sharp stabbing pain on my lower left side of my pelvis (ovary?), and lower back pain. DF and I had a lot of unprotected sex this past weekend (I was sure my ovulation happened the Monday before; we’re not actively TTC). I’m thinking this can’t be conception or implantation, could it?

Any information is greatly appreciated! Thank you thank you!

In peace and friendship,

Xeri

[VivC]

Could be that AF is trying to show up early. Mine is a week LATE, and I've been cramping the whole time!

Could be pregnancy-related - cramping is common in early pregnancy.

Other than that, I can't help you too much. I'd wait for AF and take a pregnancy test in a few weeks.

[jennthediva]

How bad are the cramps? I think it's pretty normal to start cramping at least a week before AF arrives. My breasts start to get sore, and I cramp a little bit. Then I cramp a lot and I can tell AF is coming that day or the next.
I wanted to mention that my period was a few days late, but I attributed that to February being a short month. Anyway, I was cramping like normal before my period and it stopped for a few days like normal. Well the day it started, I had that same sharp pain you are describing around my ovary area.
I heard this is pretty common in women with PCOS, and even endometriosis (I have that). If it gets bad though, get it checked out. When I get the really bad stabbing pain around that area, it ends up being an ovarian cyst.

[monaalisaa]

I'm feeling the same, lower back pain, cramps, left side achy, and sharp pain that comes and goes on right side. Not supposed to start period for a week and 1/2. Thinking it may be ovulation, i'm just not sure. Hope you're ok!!

[MommyJenny74]

I usually have cramps a couple days before my period, I also get the stabbing ovary pain around that time. I did have the period-type cramping when I was pregnant (even before I knew I was pregnant). They told me it was because the ligaments supporting my uterus were stretching. Hope this helps.