In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Are premenstrual cramps a hargashah?
January 3, 2005

Question

Are cramps considered a hargasha? Does it matter when the cramps were felt (i.e, before an anticipated date of period, or right after mikveh immersion)

Answer

Cramps are not considered a hargashah. Hargashah is not well defined in written halachic sources. A number of possibilities are described:



  • she feels her uterus open


  • she feels her whole body shake


  • she feels an internal flow.




  • Menstrual cramps do not fall into these categories.

    If your cramps come regularly, and you always see blood at at the same interval following the cramps, you may have a veset haguf. We suggest you read about these two concepts on our website, where they are discussed at length, and get back to us if you have a more specific question.
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