What causes menstrual cramps?

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    Louie Neri, Meredith Yetter

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    Morgan Pfiffner, Graham Walker
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Elevated prostaglandin concentrations triggered by the drop in progesterone before menstruation are thought to be the main cause of menstrual cramps. There is some less certain evidence that elevated vasopressin concentrations may also play a role in this condition.[1]

    References

    1. ^Zofia Barcikowska, Elżbieta Rajkowska-Labon, Magdalena Emilia Grzybowska, Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon, Katarzyna ZorenaInflammatory Markers in Dysmenorrhea and Therapeutic OptionsInt J Environ Res Public Health.(2020 Feb 13)