EXPLAINING OUR BODY on Instagram: "🩸 The Process of Cramping During Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea) Menstrual cramps — medically called dysmenorrhea — are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen that many people experience before and during their period. They happen because the uterus contracts to help shed its lining. Here’s what’s going on in your body: 🧠 1. Hormones Trigger the Cycle At the start of your period, levels of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) increase. • These chemi