How to Stop Cramps in Your Butt During Period

When your period rolls around, you may be braced for mood changes, bloating and the familiar ache of abdominal cramps. What you may not be prepared for is a sharp pain in your buttocks or anus.

Often described as a sudden lightning bolt, this pain is also known as proctalgia fugax. While it may be shocking, butt cramps are actually very common. So what causes them? Are they normal? And how do you stop cramps in the buttocks during period pain?

What causes cramps in the buttocks during your period?

If you have had a butt cramp, you might wonder why it happened. A few culprits can be responsible.

Prostaglandins

For the lining of your uterus to shed during your period, hormones called prostaglandins are released. These hormones cause the muscles of the uterus to contract, but they can also trigger contractions of the pelvic floor and rectum. That is likely what is behind cramps in the buttocks, and it is also why you may experience diarrhea during your period.

Nerve irritation

The swelling that can happen during your period can put pressure on nearby nerves. The sciatic nerve in particular runs through the lower back, hips and buttocks, and when it is irritated it can cause pain and cramping there.

Poor posture

When you feel generally under the weather, as is common during menstruation, it is normal to spend more time than usual lying down. Resting helps, but holding a poor posture for long stretches can tighten the muscles in your lower back and buttocks, which can make them more prone to cramping during your period.

How to stop cramps in the buttocks during your period

While butt cramps can be a rude shock, there are some simple, effective ways to find relief.

Heat therapy

A heating pad is a reliable companion during your period. Just as you would use it on abdominal cramps, use it on your lower back or buttocks to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

Stretch and light exercise

You do not need to go overboard with exercise on your period, but gentle movement can help reduce muscle spasms and ease nerve tension. Try gentle yoga or stretches that target the pelvis and gluteal muscles.

Hydration and diet

As an athlete needs electrolytes to prevent cramps during a workout, you need them during your period too. Look for magnesium-rich foods or supplements. Yes, that includes dark chocolate.

Over-the-counter pain relief

Taking medication for pain relief during your period is a personal choice, and many people find relief from NSAIDs like naproxen. If they work for abdominal cramps, they can work for butt cramps too.

Why prevention matters

While treating cramps in the buttocks during period pain can help you find some relief, prevention is important too. Support during your cycle and in the lead-up to your period can help reduce the severity of these lightning bolt pains.

How Wave Bye can help

Wave Bye's non-hormonal period support products can help you take control of frustrating symptoms, including cramps in the buttocks. By supporting your cycle with targeted vitamins and medications, you can find more balance and comfort in your body during your period and beyond.

Explore our range of evidence-based, non-hormonal menstrual support products, and say Wave Bye to PMS, period pain and cramps in the buttocks.