What could cause periodic abdominal cramps?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Periodic abdominal cramps are recurring waves of pain in the stomach area that come and go over time. Common causes include digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, and food intolerances. Less commonly, periodic cramps may signal underlying diseases, tumors, or inflammatory conditions such as IgA vasculitis, a disorder that inflames small blood vessels.

Because abdominal cramps can stem from a wide range of causes—some minor, others serious—identifying the source early is important. If you're experiencing recurring cramps, the smartest first step is to gather clearer information before deciding whether to see a doctor. A free, AI-powered symptom check can help you understand what may be causing your symptoms in just a few minutes, guide you on urgency, and help you navigate your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Abdominal cramps that come and go can have several causes. Some diseases are known for causing periodic abdominal pain. Tumors can also present with recurring abdominal pain. Another cause of intermittent abdominal pain is a condition called IgA vasculitis.

Causes of Periodic Abdominal Cramps

Periodic Diseases: Some diseases naturally cause pain that comes and goes over time.
Tumors: Tumors in the abdomen might cause pain that occurs repeatedly.
IgA Vasculitis: This is a condition that can lead to intermittent abdominal pain, among other symptoms.

If you experience periodic abdominal cramps, you can use our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical care.

(References)

Reimann HA. (1976). Three periodic diseases as causes of recurrent abdominal pain .... Archives of disease in childhood, 986126.
Chen YJ, Yu HH, Yang YH, Lau YL, Lee WI, & Chiang BL. (2014). Recurrent abdominal pain as the presentation of tumor .... Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi, 22921805.
Buscatti IM, Simon JR, Viana VSL, Arabi TMA, Trindade VC, Maia ACC, et al. (2021). Intermittent abdominal pain in IgA vasculitis. Revista paulista de pediatria : orgao oficial da Sociedade de Pediatria de Sao Paulo, 34495272.

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