Track your cramps
Abdominal and pelvic cramps are multifaceted, varying from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Understanding their cycle and intensity is crucial for managing reproductive and digestive health.
Why track this symptom?
- Identify if cramps occur outside of your standard menstrual cycle.
- Observe the effectiveness of different pain relief methods.
- Correlate pain spikes with activity levels or stress.
How Trace Health helps
Trace Health logs cramps in one tap, with their severity and the exact time, privately. Log your period too, and after a few cycles Trace shows whether your cramps come as your period starts and tells you in advance when they are likely, so you can prepare for your most difficult days.
Common causes
Menstrual cramps are primarily caused by prostaglandin release, which triggers uterine contractions to shed the endometrial lining. Higher prostaglandin levels lead to more intense cramping. Secondary causes include endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, and uterine fibroids that can increase menstrual flow and pain. Adenomyosis, where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, can cause severe cramping that worsens over time.
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate care if cramps are accompanied by fever, severe nausea and vomiting, or pain so intense you cannot stand or walk. Also see a doctor promptly if you experience sudden, sharp pelvic pain that differs from your usual cramp pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I log when tracking cramps?
Record the location, severity, timing in relation to your menstrual cycle, what helped relieve them (heat, medication, rest), duration, and any associated symptoms like bloating or mood changes. Note if pain patterns change cycle to cycle.
How does tracking cramps help my doctor?
Cramp tracking helps your doctor distinguish between normal menstrual cramps and conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. Severity trends, cycle timing, and response to pain relief all provide diagnostic clues.
When are cramps severe enough to see a doctor?
See a doctor if cramps prevent you from normal activities, do not respond to over-the-counter pain relief, are getting progressively worse, or are accompanied by heavy bleeding or pain outside your period. Your tracking history helps build the case for further investigation.
Should I track cramps even on days when I don't have my period?
Yes, definitely track any pelvic or abdominal cramping throughout your entire cycle. Mid-cycle pain might indicate ovulation, while cramping at other times could signal conditions like ovarian cysts or endometriosis. This complete picture helps identify patterns beyond menstrual cramps.
How can I use my cramp data to communicate better with my gynecologist?
Bring specific data on your worst pain days, including pain scores and what didn't work for relief. Note any patterns like 'cramps started earlier in my cycle over the last 3 months' or 'pain now lasts 5 days instead of 2.' This concrete information helps your doctor assess whether your symptoms warrant further investigation.
Your health data stays on your iPhone.
No account. Private. No personal information is ever requested. Your health data stays on your iPhone by default. A backup option to your private iCloud is available. Trace Health never collects or sells your health data.
What people say
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 62+ ratings on the App Store.
- “This is what I was looking for in a symptom tracking app. I like the ability to adjust severity and check in when a symptom has resolved itself.” (Missyfro, United States)
- “I’ve only used this app for a few minutes, but I already know it’s going to be amazing. I’d been looking for a long time for something practical to monitor the symptoms of my chronic illness. The basic need is already met, and if the analysis feature works as planned on top of that, it’ll be just extraordinary.” (Maud'moiselle, France)
Read the complete guide: How to Track Cramps: A Complete Guide →