Your uterus is basically one big muscle (the shape of a pear) which starts to contract, causing cramping, that helps the lining of the uterus shed during a period. This shedding will be your 4 to 6 days of uterine bleeding and is fondly known as your period. Period cramping can be felt in the lower back or belly. Cramps tend to be more intense during the first day or two of a period.

Every woman experience cramps differently. If you are having heavy periods with large blood clots you will probably experience more intense cramping. Some women may have light bleeding but still have severe cramps. Blood flow and volume doesn’t always correlate how significant the cramping will be. Depending on the position of the uterus-anterior, posterior or mid position-in your pelvis can determine where you may experience the worse menstrual cramping. Lower back and abdominal pain are the most common places women experience the discomfort.

For many of us cramps can be completely debilitating and stop us from doing our daily routine. For others cramps are noticeable but not disruptive. Cramps can be a normal part of the period cycle.