Cramps before AF?

I've been on the pill for 6+ years.....and this is my first cycle off of them so I've totally forgotten what it's like to have a 'real' period.

I've been getting cramps on and off since Friday...I remember these all too well but I don't remember getting them BEFORE AF!

The thing I'm most confused about is that from what I could tell with EWCM, I ovulated sometime around the 7th-10th of this month. If I had a 28 day cycle, AF would be due on the 15th. I was expecting that it would come later but since I've been getting cramps since Friday....

Just trying to understand my body here! Any analysts care to share?

Re: Cramps before AF?

I always get cramps before AF, that's how I know she's coming....usually for about 2 days or so before she comes. HTH

Re: Cramps before AF?

I never got cramps before AF. But, with both pregnancies, I got cramps a few days before AF was due.

Re: Cramps before AF?

I usually get cramps a few days before AF. I think that's totally normal! That's why they call it "PRE-menstrual" syndrome (unfortunately!)

Re: Cramps before AF?

Re: Cramps before AF?

I just came off BCP a few months ago and the first cycle off the pill I was cramping for about 5+ days prior to the onset of red blood (Sorry, gross). I ended up spotting a few days prior to the full on AF too. I was only crampy that first cycle off BCP. The last 2 months I have not experienced the same cramping problems. Be prepared though, my first AF off of BCP was very heavy for me. You may experience the same. HTH

Re: Cramps before AF?

Posted by Deirdre730

I just came off BCP a few months ago and the first cycle off the pill I was cramping for about 5+ days prior to the onset of red blood (Sorry, gross). I ended up spotting a few days prior to the full on AF too. I was only crampy that first cycle off BCP. The last 2 months I have not experienced the same cramping problems. Be prepared though, my first AF off of BCP was very heavy for me. You may experience the same. HTH

Re: Cramps before AF?

Posted by TaraGotHutched

Posted by Deirdre730

I just came off BCP a few months ago and the first cycle off the pill I was cramping for about 5+ days prior to the onset of red blood (Sorry, gross). I ended up spotting a few days prior to the full on AF too. I was only crampy that first cycle off BCP. The last 2 months I have not experienced the same cramping problems. Be prepared though, my first AF off of BCP was very heavy for me. You may experience the same. HTH

Thanks Deirdre!

I loved how my period would come like clockwork on the Tuesday morning of each cycle. Now I'm all nervous about when it's gonna show up!!

Does your period come at a typical time during the day?

Re: Cramps before AF?

You have been on the pill for 6 years. That's a very long time. So even though you may not have had cramps before, you're older now and your body changes. I get cramps 2-4 days before AF. Sometimes they are light and sometimes I have to take some advil. I think as the months go on and your body adjusts to being off the pill you may find different things going on then before. Feel better!

Re: Cramps before AF?

I just got off the pill this month after 6 years and got cramps the last day. I forgot what it was like also, but I am so glad to be off the pill.

Re: Cramps before AF?

I get cramps 2 days before AF starts.

Re: Cramps before AF?

Same thing happened to me back in december when I went off the pill also after so many years.
I have gotten used to it and now it aint that bad!!

Re: Cramps before AF?

I was in your same exact situation...and I was pg without knowing it! I had then had craping for the first couple of weeks of my pregnancy!

Re: Cramps before AF?

I get them too...usually starts 3-4 days before and vary from mild to moderate...they go away the day before AF comes and then wham! are back with a vengeance the first 2 days I get AF (this was such a change from when I was on the pill)