Menstrual cramps, which are the painful contractions of the uterus, do not produce any audible sound. The noises people associate with cramps actually come from the digestive system, located nearby in the abdomen. These sounds are a common side effect of the chemical processes occurring during menstruation. The link between the uterus and the digestive tract explains why many people experience both abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances each month.
The Physical Cause of Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps result from the uterus contracting to shed its endometrial lining. The uterus is a muscular organ composed of smooth muscle tissue that expands and contracts throughout the menstrual cycle. When the monthly cycle begins, the uterus actively expels the tissue that built up in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
The uterine muscle contracts with force, which causes the sensation of a cramp. Strong contractions can momentarily compress local blood vessels, briefly cutting off oxygen. This temporary lack of oxygen, known as ischemia, is a significant source of the pain experienced during menstruation.
The Origin of Noises During Your Period
The audible noises coming from the abdomen during a period are digestive sounds, medically termed borborygmi. These rumbling and gurgling sounds are a normal function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are created by the movement of gas, fluid, and partially digested food through the small and large intestines.
The intestines are hollow tubes, and the sounds of this internal movement are amplified by the fluid and air within the digestive tract. Since the intestines are positioned close to the uterus, increased activity is easily perceived as being connected to menstrual discomfort. This digestive process becomes hyperactive during menstruation for a specific reason.
How Hormones Link Cramps and Gut Activity
The connection between uterine cramps and digestive noises is mediated by prostaglandins, a group of lipid compounds. These hormone-like substances are produced by the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) just before and during a period. Their primary role is to trigger the strong contractions of the uterus required to expel the shedding tissue.
Once released, prostaglandins act locally, affecting nearby smooth muscle tissue in addition to the uterus. The intestinal tract is composed of the same type of smooth muscle, which controls the movement of contents through peristalsis. The elevated concentration of prostaglandins in the pelvic area stimulates the intestinal muscles, causing them to contract more frequently and forcefully.
This increased muscle activity in the intestines results in a faster movement of waste. This often leads to common period-related symptoms like diarrhea, increased gas, and louder borborygmi sounds. The level of prostaglandins released directly correlates to the intensity of both the uterine pain and the severity of the digestive symptoms.