menstrual cramps on right side... normal?

Hello,

I'm 23 years old and ever since I first got my first period I've had menstrual cramps on the right side of my lower abdomen. I've never though much of this, until recently when I realized most of the women I know say they feel cramping on both sides, or just on the lower abdomen.

When I was about 15-20 I would get really bad cramps, and by bad I mean, debilitating, nausiating, fainting, couldn't get out of my bed cramps (the first time it happened my mom even thought it was the appendix)... nothing would do it, and it was as if all the pain was concentrated on my right side. Then after some hours of pain I would somehow fall asleep and I would wake up as if nothing had happened. Sometimes relief would come after vomiting too. I later found out I'm anemic which would explain the fainting and dizziness, so my doctor gave me iron pills. The thing is, since I didn't know pain on only one side was uncommon (at least that's what I've concluded now) I never pointed it out then.

Thankfully, I don't get bad cramping anymore but I still get faint-to-mild cramping on my lower right side that just goes away by drinking warm liquids or just ignoring it. (although I did almost faint about 6-7 months ago, during my period, but no cramping, just nausea due to low iron levels). I have a 32-35 day cycle, menstruating about 5-7 days (the first and second days are always very heavy, changing ultra tampons approx. every 2 or 2-1/2 hours... and even having to set up an alarm several times during the night to change them)

Anyway, I don't get any cramps or any pain on my left side at all, so how normal is it to get menstrual cramping on just the right side of the lower abdomen? Is there something I should worry about?

p.s. Sorry my message is so long but I just wanted to give as much info as possible that could potentially answer my question. Thanks in advance!

[lefroufrou]

anyone???

is menstrual cramping on right side of lower abdomen normal???

[dietpepsi1981]

Hello,
I have noticed the same burning/tugging on my lower right side. I am not sure how long this has happened, but at least since after the birth of my son in 2003. Have you ever been checked for cysts? I am thinking the burning I experience could be a cyst. It wouldn't hurt to go to a doctor and try to get an ultrasound to rule that out. Do you ever "feel" anything when you press down in that area? I feel something and it hurts a bit. Really think it is a cyst.

[Jadakiss555]

cramping on both sides is normal but cramping on one side is normal also. Cramping on one side is usually due to a cyst on that ovary. It will also cause chronic pain and excessive bleeding. No worries tell your doctor and they will just prescribe you birth control to regulate it or if your like me and can't take birth control they may just issue you a strong pain reliever.

[kaarthik]

hi its normal there is no need for any worries.. take care

[MalaLES]

Hi,

I have been having the same exact problem ever since i gave birth to my son in 2002. I have gone to see many different doctors & no one can give me an answer or solution to my problem. I keep getting different answers.I know for a fact that i do get ovarian cyst and i did have one rupture in 2003 but that was due to a pregnancy that i had to terminate because of the cyst i had on my right ovary. The pain get soo severe that i cant even get out of bed. The pain always comes when i get my period. and the 1st two days are always the worst. The last doctor i saw told me that i might have to remove my ovaries if the problem doesnt get any better. Whenever i go to the ER all they do is prescribe me with very strong pain killers and send me home. I Hope you have better luck than i do with the problem and if you do find out what is the cause of the pain can you please let me know.