15 Natural Tips to Get Relief from Menstrual Cramps and Weakness Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrhea or period pain. Dysmenorrhea is a medical term used for menstrual cramps, which are caused by uterine contractions during menstruation. These are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Menstrual cramps are one of the most common and annoying parts of your period. In some women, these cramps start right before or during the menstrual period. The pain varies