Menstrual pain. A woman's hands are seen holding her lower abdomen, while suffering painful cramps of the menstrual cycle. Lower abdominal and pelvic pain may occur before or during a menstrual period. This pain at the time of menstruation is known as dysmenorrhea. During menstruation, strong uterine contractions cause the menstrual dis- charge to be expelled. At ovulation, pain in the abdomen may also be felt when an egg is forcibly expelled from an ovary.