Although birth control pills typically reduce or eliminate period pain, some people report cramping as a side effect. Cramping caused by oral contraceptives is usually temporary.
Most birth control pills are combination pills. This means that they contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
These hormones help stop pregnancy by preventing ovulation, the development and release of an egg from your ovaries. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. The lining of the uterus is also altered to prevent implantation.
The minipill only contains progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. It also stops ovulation, alters the cervical mucus, and changes the uterine lining.
Taking your pills properly not only helps prevent pregnancy but can also help keep cramps at bay. If you miss pills or take them late, hormone levels may change and trigger breakthrough bleeding and mild cramping.
While some people only experience occasional menstrual cramping, others experience debilitating cramps every period.
Menstrual cramps are triggered by the secretion of prostaglandins from glands in the uterus. Prostaglandins are also the hormones
Birth control pills may be prescribed to help relieve painful menstrual cramping.
Birth control pills are thought to reduce the amount of prostaglandins. This, in turn, is said to reduce blood flow and cramping. The pills also suppress ovulation, which prevents any related cramping.
A 2024 review suggests that combination birth control pills taken cyclically, or 21 days on and seven days off, and those taken continually can be effective in treating primary menstrual pain.
Cramping may also be the result of an underlying medical condition. Conditions that cause painful menstrual cramping include:
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus implants outside the uterus.
- Fibroids. Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterine wall.
- Adenomyosis. In this condition, the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine muscle wall.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This pelvic infection is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Cervical stenosis. Not to be confused with cervical spinal stenosis, this is a narrowing of the opening of the cervix. This narrowing obstructs menstrual flow.
Most people adjust to birth control pills with few side effects. Side effects that may occur include:
- headaches
- irregular periods, which may or may not be accompanied by cramping
- nausea
- enlarged breasts
- breast pain
- weight loss or gain
Less common side effects of the birth control pill include:
Although some people report mood changes and depression while taking birth control pills, research hasn’t established a definite link.
Progestin-only pills are thought to
Before using birth control pills to relieve cramps, you may want to try nonhormonal treatments such as:
- taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your pelvic area to relax muscles
- taking a warm bath
- performing gentle exercises, such as yoga or Pilates
Most people experience little to no cramping while taking birth control pills. Some have mild cramping for a cycle or two as their bodies adjust to hormone changes, but this often decreases or stops completely.
You should speak with a doctor if you have sudden or severe cramping or pelvic pain. This is especially true if the pain or cramping is accompanied by:
- bleeding
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- a fever
These could be symptoms of ectopic pregnancy or a ruptured ovarian cyst.
It’s possible to get cramps on birth control, especially in the first cycle or so. For most people, however, birth control pills ease cramping or stop it altogether. When they’re taken properly, birth control pills shouldn’t cause cramping or make it worse.
It’s important to talk with a doctor if you experience persistent or severe cramping.
Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.