3. Menstrual cramps
Women often experience stomach pain once a month, around the time that their menstrual cycle is due. This pain is experienced in the lower part of the abdomen, around the area where the female reproductive system lies.
These cramps are the result of the uterus contracting, which allows the lining of this organ to be expelled. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances, contribute to the pain, as they trigger inflammation that helps the uterus contract.
The higher the prostaglandin levels are, the more severe menstrual cramps can be. Additionally, other issues, such as ovarian cysts, could make the pain intense. An over-the-counter pain reliever, a hot compress, and rest will help to ease this type of stomach pain.
