Experts don’t consider cramps a primary uterine cancer symptom, but cramps may occur as cancer progresses or with atypical uterine bleeding, a hallmark symptom of uterine cancers.

Uterine cancer affects your uterus, your pear-shaped reproductive organ responsible for menstruation and fetal development.

Endometrial cancer, the most common form of uterine cancer, develops in your endometrium (uterus lining). Uterine sarcoma starts in your uterus’s muscles or connective tissues.

Cramps typically result from changes in prostaglandin levels in your body, and they are a natural attempt to help shed your uterine lining during your cycle through muscle contractions.

Cramps aren’t a primary symptom of uterine cancer. However, changes associated with uterine cancer could lead to dysmenorrhea (more intense cramps during your menstrual cycle).

Atypical uterine bleeding (AUB) is the primary symptom of all types of uterine cancers. It involves bleeding between menstrual cycles and after menopause and heavy or prolonged periods.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 90% of people with endometrial cancer experience AUB.

You may experience severe cramping associated with AUB or changes to your uterus’s lining or muscles. Cramps may also be more frequent in advanced stages of uterine cancers.

Less common symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

  • persistent pelvic pain or pressure
  • atypical vaginal discharge
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • pain during sex or when using the bathroom

Uterine cramps may have many presentations. The pain itself can be sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing.

Cramps may also mimic a squeezing sensation in your pelvis. For some people, cramps may be sudden, short-lived, and intense spasms. For others, they may be persistent, long lasting pain that resembles muscle soreness.

It’s common to experience nausea, lower back pain, bowel changes, bloating, and headaches when you have menstrual cramps.

Cramps related to uterine cancers may manifest in these ways, too, and occur in between periods or after menopause.

Early stage uterine cancer typically presents with AUB or unusual vaginal discharge. You may not experience unusual pain, cramping, or additional symptoms.

If uterine cancer advances or doesn’t receive treatment, your uterus may become enlarged. Pelvic pain and symptoms like severe cramping may become more common.

Other advanced stage uterine cancer symptoms may include:

  • unexplained fatigue
  • unintentional weight loss
  • bowel and bladder symptoms, like diarrhea, constipation, incontinence, and bloating
  • abdominal swelling
  • increased bleeding

Pelvic pain vs. uterine cramping

Persistent dysmenorrhea in uterine cancer doesn’t always link with uterine cramping.

Uterine cramps may naturally occur and worsen from cancer-related changes. But pelvic pain in the advanced stages of uterine cancer may also relate to inflammation, tumor growth, metastasis, and fluid buildup in your abdomen.

These factors can all cause a constant sensation of “fullness,” pressure, or pain in your pelvic area.

Any change in your menstrual cycle, including more frequent or intense cramps, might be a good opportunity to speak with a gynecologist.

Because uterine cramps link with changes in prostaglandin levels, these changes don’t always relate to cancer. Prostaglandin levels may change based on factors like overall hormone fluctuations, inflammation, diet changes, medications, stress levels, and tissue damage in your pelvis.

Changes in cramp duration or severity may indicate:

Consider contacting a healthcare professional if you have vaginal bleeding or uterine cramping after menopause.

When detected at early stages, uterine cancer has a high chance of remission, with a 5-year survival rate of around 95%.

Uterine cramps aren’t a primary symptom of early stage uterine cancer, but they may develop with other cancer symptoms like atypical bleeding. Advanced uterine cancer may lead to persistent and severe cramps for some people.

If you experience sudden or unusual cramping, consider contacting a healthcare professional as soon as possible, particularly if you have atypical vaginal bleeding.