Did you know the medical name for period cramps is Dysmenorrhea ? Period cramps happen due to a hormone-like substance, prostaglandins, which causes the uterus walls to contract and then shed its lining, resulting in your period. If prostaglandins levels are higher, more pain is often associated with the cramps. The intensity of the cramps varies from woman to woman. In most cases, period cramps are a sign of a healthy body reacting to the natural shedding of the uterus wall, and can be managed with simple measures like placing hot water bottle on your abdomen, mild exercise & stretching, avoiding caffeine and tobacco in the days leading upto your period. However, if menstrual cramps are disrupting your life every cycle and your symptoms get worse, you should speak to your doctor to rule out other conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory diseases which can be mistaken for usual cramps.