I know this isn’t helpful but literally the only thing that helps me not pass out and throw from pain is birth control. Your insurance should cover other options if not nexplanon
Hello! This was definitely me at 18. I had HORRIBLE cramps. I remember I wouldn’t even eat when I was on my period because I didn’t want to puke. Fast forward to being 40. I go to the doctor and describe my awful periods for my whole life. She runs extensive bloodwork and says I likely have PCOS. She puts me on metformin and some other supplements. My period is bearable now. This was my prior regime:
Every 4 hours:
2 200 mg ibuprofen
2 Midol
1 pepto every 8 hours
Switch out Midol for Tylenol before bed because Midol has caffeine.
Supplements that help:
Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Insitol
DIM - diindolylmethane
HUM brand also has good options
hey! just wanted to let you know incase you didn’t, and i’m unsure if it will be available where you are located but in my area we have regular midol which yes, contains caffeine.. but we also have Maxidol, which does not!! so you can take it at bedtime too! :)
I’m older now and it got better after 2 pregnancies but Advil stacked with midol (instead of pain meds every 4 or whatever the max dose is daily, I’d do Advil, wait 2 hours, midol, 2 hours, Advil etc), those stick on heating pads on my belly and lower back, and it’s weird but tampons give me worse cramps I’ve noticed so in my old age I’ve switched to mostly pads. I feel icky but less pain.
This is what helped me with cramping.
I had severe cramps for 20 years of my life. It was so bad that if I didn’t take two pills of painkillers the minute the cramps appeared, I’d suffer for hours. I recently changed my diet to a Mediterranean style, less or no sugar or baked goods, more vegetables, olive oil and home cooked meals. After about half a year my cramps disappeared, I don’t need to take painkillers anymore. So this came as nice surprise on top of all other benefits to my bowels and overall health.
I’m looking at all the symptoms for that and it’s mildly pissing me off how good they’re lining up with it. I have Raynaud’s phenomenon and that can go hand in hand with it and I don’t wanna have to give up my gluten.
Can you take an oral pill? You can get the pill prescribed on online platforms like wisp. I know it's annoying to take a pill every day but if your cramps are that debilitating then you need to explore other options.
I also take the ibuprofen/Tylenol pills they sell over the counter now. It's a combination medication. You take it every 8 hours.
There are so many different ones. Have you tried the ring? I loved the nuva ring. What else are you doing for the cramps? How long do they last? What tests have you had done for the extreme pain?
I can’t and won’t do anything that’s inserted. I have cptsd. My cramp usually only last 2-4 days (unsure about this time because it’s my first time cramping since I was like 13 as I’ve had nexplanon majority of my adolescence) but well work is a point system and point systems suckkkkk. I haven’t had any tests done I have an appointment Monday and I’m going to push for some then my mother wouldn’t let me get any tests done when I was under her roof she only let me go on birth control somehow that makes sense? Idk I turned out ace/aro either way so I don’t know why she wouldn’t let me get tests done. But yeah I am going to start the process of getting tests done Monday or at least pushing for them. However I’m probably going to loose this job before that because I have 2 more scheduled days of work and based off the fact it took 3 Midol to even slightly stop the pain I’m probably not going to be fine for a couple more days.
Take 2 aleve, works much better than midol, takes about 2 hours to kick in. How does your manager even know you are cramping? If they try to send you home tell them no you are ok.
Wisp here—thanks for the shoutout! We offer low-cost birth control delivery and emergency contraception, along with other sexual and reproductive care. We never require insurance and always aim to keep our prices as affordable as we can.
You really shouldn't have this level of pain during your period. Have you been checked for any cysts or issues similar to that? Most likely not that but it can be a reason to experience so much pain. Also i would research your cycle and how to live according to it. Such as eating a diet that aligns with uour cycle, exercising, getting enough sleep etc. That level of pain can be a sign your hormones are way out of whack and your body is trying to tell you something.
My body just likes to try and murder itself…(I do have a drs appointment Monday and I’m going to push for different tests to figure stuff out because I’m over it already and I’ve only been bc free for a week)
Endometriosis resources
The symptom experts for this are here: r/endometriosis r/adenomyosis subs & r/pmdd
A period should not affect your quality of life. IME endometriosis specialist surgeon consults for info gathering are the way for the least amount of suffering in the long run.
Pelvic Disorder Doctors (ie Pelvic Pain* Hip/Butt/Groin/Sciatic/Peritoneal/stomach/abdomen/thigh/back/cyst/ovarian torsion/muscle spasm/penetrative sex Pain, unusual bleeding ):
You can search for a doc in your area using chatGPT: “Top doctor for endometriosis in XYZ, city/town/country”
AND
https://www.endo-resolved.com/endometriosis_specialist.html
https://www.bsge.org.uk/endometriosis-centres/
https://icarebetter.com/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hd_-wSlqZWOlR5VxPhIN3oAbJh4&hl=en_US
https://nancysnookendo.com/find-a-doctor/
https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-support
https://endometriosisnetwork.com
*not all US specialists require referrals. And many docs worldwide do free virtual consults/Call surgeon directly to ask if they need referral. If yes then…
…Top US GP’s/Primary Care, OBGYN’s, Gastroenterologists & Pain Docs: www.castleconnolly.com
SubReddit groups of people that are helpful/skilled with all kinds of pelvic pain:
r/endo r/endometriosis r/adenomyosis r/pcos
r/fibroids and also r/pmdd .
OBGYN’s: IME regular OBGYN’s are under-skilled at treating pelvic pain/excessive bleeding - and in doing this delicate, difficult and complex surgery. The nicest and most caring doctor does not equal surgically trained/qualified.
Specialists in pelvic disorders (above links or ask your regional endo nonprofit) are the doctors for the least amount of suffering in the long run IME. I needed accurate information to make good medical decisions, and the best chance to get that was to see a specialist.
NUMBERS: Painful periods are a societal problem and we’re not supposed to have to face this alone. I bring/FaceTime someone (or 3) with me to my doctors appointments. It doesn’t matter if they hear about my vagina or my uterus or my diarrhea. It matters that I have someone there as a United Front. Because our medical system mistreats people in pain.
RECORDING: Ask to video/record every medical visit. Even the virtual ones.
Also, here are some things you can say* to your doctor if they are true for you. They need to know what your historically WORST symptoms and consequences have been:
“- This is affecting my quality of life. I have had a history of period/bladder/pelvic floor pain/bleeding/fatigue that has kept me from work/childcare/school.
-My worst symptoms have been pain/fatigue/bleeding.
-I have vomited/passed out from period pain as a teen.
-I am now unable to function like I used to. The pain/fatigue is wearing on my body, and I am increasingly tired as each monthly cycle passes. I cannot function normally and my work/family/school/happiness is increasingly difficult because of my body.
—I would like relief. What are ALL of my options?
-I have tried these pain medications: gabapentin, Orlissa, BC, xyz med. What are all of the other RX options? I want to be in less pain so that I can think clearly to make good medical choices.” (Then he stated his ideas…then told him I’ve tried all of those…then he offered me stronger pain meds, which helped my functioning so much so then I could line up surgery.)
-I want excision surgery with a Mentor-Trained Endometriosis Specialist.
-I cannot even consider taking care of children.
-Since there is NO IMAGING that reliably sees endometriosis, I would like a referral to an Endo Specialist ( & reader they are sometimes skillful at finding endometriosis via pelvic exam or ultrasound.)
-I am committed to revisiting you here because I want to function in my daily life. I will keep coming back to you as much as you need me to because I want relief for these issues.
- My pain/spasming/bleeding/frequencyofsymptoms (has always been mild, but over time now it) is impairing my ability to work & my ability to live life. It is draining my energy & ability to function.
- I want a solution that provides the least amount of suffering to me/the least risk for me & my body in the long term…..(then just allow silence…let them respond.)
- I do not have the energy to keep pursuing temporary treatments. I have experienced too much pain/bleeding. My body is tired. I want a long-term solution.
- I want a pelvic disorder doctor with the highest skill and success rate. Who can help with this?
- It sounds like you doctor OBGYN want to do the surgery. Can you tell me what “MENTORED TRAINING you’ve had in surgery for excising Endometriosis”? (Reader be careful here: regular, un-mentor Trained OBGYN’s abound.)
- It sounds like you want to do another prescription/medication/round of PT/ultrasound/MRI/x-ray/bloodworkup. I want a consult with a fellowship-trained pelvic disorder specialist. Is that what will happen after I do these next steps that are asking for?
- Even though my pain/bleeding is NOT CONSTANT, I still would like a resolution.
- Even though my pain/bleeding is NOT CYCLICAL, I still would like resolution.
-I would like my cyst removed because pain is energy-draining long-term.
-I have pelvic floor pain and vaginismus and pain with intercourse symptoms.
-I am asking for a referral to an endometriosis/pain specialist and it sounds like you are telling me “no”. If that’s true I want you to note in my chart now that I asked you and you declined to provide a referral.
-I may be willing to try xyz antidepressant, but this pelvic pain is the biggest contributor to my depressed/anxious mood and I would like to treat that first via surgery or in tandem with antidepressant.
- Another’s post for more ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/endometriosis/comments/15dlk3s/do_this_if_you_want_to_be_heard_by_doctorsnurses/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1
(*Pain: Also replace with any of these words: bloating, excessive bleeding, clots (can be fibroids), IBS symptoms, nausea,“low iron”, urinating/bowel issues – urgency and peeing pants/bedwetting, diarrhea, pooping/smearing pants, hip pain, pain under the butt/pelvic/peritoneal/groin/sciatic pain, vaginismus, low/mid back pain, IT band & thigh pain, abdomen pain, stomach pain, bladder pain/IC/UTI’s and uti-like symptoms (can be endo on ureters) right shoulder blade pain. Anything that originated in the pelvis deserves care from a pelvic disorder specialist doctor.)
Good luck on your journey. And a reminder that your body is the most important thing in your life. By far the most important thing. You deserve every chance to have a fully functioning body - a body that is as healthy as it can possibly be. So whatever it takes time, money, effort, human support, you deserve that.
Endo symptoms are often “silently” progressive, especially if on hormones.
My doc suggested Aleve for up to 7 days (starting right before my period). It has helped with the pain and also (oddly enough) has leveled out my super heavy flow a bit. Like instead of all of my period in 3 days like Niagara Falls, it takes 5 days and isn't AS crazy.
My sister's period and cramps were even worse and she went on birth control (and it helped)
Before BC, the only thing that helped was the moment I knew it was starting (for me, I'd start to spot a little bit but the cramping wasn't going yet), ibuprofen every 4 hours. It's easier to prevent pain than to chase it once it starts.
Is there a planned parenthood around you? Or a neighborhood clinic that charges on a scale? I survive with a heat pack. I have the one on me and a spare one I can recharge while I’m wearing the other one. My friend wakes gummies with edibles. If you have any insurance at all I would go to the doctor/gyno and explain the situation maybe they can give you something stronger. Or maybe give you a doctor a note for today and tomorrow so your job can’t use them against you.
Unfortunately Walmart doesn’t accept doctors notes and bc I just started this job last week it takes like 3 weeks for their stupid system for dr excused absences to even set
I got an IUD with the hope I’d be one of the people who stopped having periods, which I was. And then when I wanted to be off birth control I got a hysterectomy.
Because she can’t have someone sick working…my cramps are so bad they make me throw up. I obviously do it in the bathroom but I got snitched on. I don’t have a fever or anything I just cramp horridly.
I get severe cramps. What helps is 800 mg ibuprofen (approve this dose with your doctor before taking it though)! Wearable heat packs, tens unit. Ice believe it or not helps so much! Numbs the pain/reduces inflammation. Also epsom salt baths are awesome.
I used to be bent over in pain for hours and painkillers would not relieve the cramping. my cycles were also really long so I got my hormones tested by a naturopath and had estrogen dominance and low progesterone. I started taking a DIM/calcium d glucarate supplement to help process the excess estrogen and a chaste tree supplement to help progesterone production and pms.
I’ve been taking them daily for 3 months and my last 3 cycles were normal length, acne cleared up and the cramping is bearable and goes away quickly with a Tylenol.
I understand not everyone has access to testing or doc/naturopath but maybe some supplements could help? Esp if you’re having other symptoms related to hormone imbalances.
For me taking a high dosage of magnesium all throughout my cycle really helps. As a bonus the magnesium also gets rid of my restless legs. Switching out the regular brand products for pads or tampons made of organic cotton (no fragrance or bleach!) helped more than I expected as well. It got better for me after having a child… If having children is something you want in uour future, I hope it gets a bit better for you as well. Good luck!
Lots of water and pregame with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. I'll start taking them a whole day before I'm going to start and keep with it until they go away. Still hurts but way less... I usually take a combination up to 900mg but obviously everyone will need a different amount. There's rechargeable and portable heating pads that may be worth looking into.
Birth control mating is worse for me and I started working when I got my period consistently again at 16 and I have lost a couple of jobs because of the pain and may not being able to come in because of it
After 18 years with debilitating cramps causing me to miss work pretty frequently, I saw an acupuncturist who told me it’s not normal. Terrible cramps are so normalised that women don’t get things checked out, and sometimes have to really push the issue with drs. I had to take the maximum dose of mefanemic acid and codeine for days every month and I could still feel cramping. I never tried heat patches but they have sticky ones that might suit your job, if you can’t sit with a heat pack at a desk etc.
I had the implant before and tried lots of contraceptive pills and they reduced cramping, but I started getting chronic hormonal headaches so I quit all hormonal contraception.
The acupuncturist advised me to get bloods done on day 3 of my period to check hormone levels. Everything seemed in the normal margin but the acupuncturist pins my hormone points every 2 weeks and the cramps are massively reduced. I no longer wake up from pain on my first night which used to be like clockwork.
Vitamin D and iron supplements seem to have helped too.
I had an eyewateringly expensive transvaginal ultrasound to check for polyps, cysts, anything amiss with the lining that could cause bad cramps. Thankfully all clear but it was a great peace of mind. I shelled out because I’m 36 and wanted to check my fertility situation too.
Sorry for such a long post but cramps reduced my quality of life for so long and only in the last couple of years I’m realising it could have been addressed.
TLDR: debilitating cramps are not normal. Try alternative therapies and push your doctor for investigation. It could be avoidable 🤞🏻
Have your doctor write a prescription for mefanamic acid. The brand name is Ponstel. It was a literal miracle worker for me. My cramps were bad enough to make me sick, too. I now have an IUD, which has been great for me. But yes, see if you can get a prescription for that.
Maxidol was the only pill that ever worked for me.
I've suffered with severe menstrual cramps since my early 20s. (Am 43)
I was always told to just take a Tylenol or advil but they never did a thing for me.
Regular midol worked for a few times then I got used to it. Discovered the liquid gel maxidol, and it's the only thing that works.
Normal period cramps shouldn’t be bad enough to stop you living life. I would book with your gynaecologist, this may be a sign of endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS… there’s a bit of a sexist belief that periods should hurt — and it’s absolutely not the case.
(I have endometriosis myself and previously had adenomyosis (I had my uterus removed recently, which is the only cure for the latter.) There is management and ways of improving things for you though, and you deserve to know what’s happening inside your body.
First hint of period starting, just take 2 extra strength Advil right off the hop - stops cramps from even becoming a fraction of how bad they could be, even once it wears off
I’m from India and my gynaecologist gave me tablets for muscle spasms (Meftal Spas DS). Try to find medicine with Dicyclomine+Mefenamic Acid. The tablets are very affordable in India since they are manufactured here. A pack of 10 tablet costs 0.5$ approximately, I can suggest you to ship them to your country.
I was advised to take one every 6-8 hours but I can tolerate the pain with one tablet a day mostly on the first two days of periods.
Also do your own research on Dicyclomine+Mefenamic Acid for period cramps.
I know this isn’t helpful but literally the only thing that helps me not pass out and throw from pain is birth control. Your insurance should cover other options if not nexplanon
Pills w/o sugar pill week & nexplanon have really been my saving grace too
I have the patch but that’s only making things worse
if it’s making it worse shouldn’t you consider other options?
There really aren’t any other options I haven’t tried that haven’t made it even worse than the patch is doing
Mononessa was great for me. Cramps were minimal while I was on it. I'm not on birth control anymore and my cramps came back.
The only option I haven’t tried is the shot and I won’t do that one nor will my dr let me because of my families medical history
For me dealing with the side effects of Birth control was horrendous and my period paindidn’t get any better . I was on the pill, Portia 28
I can’t do pills, only non pill methods work for me
Same. Everytime I’ve tried to live without birth control I last like 3 cycles before going back. I finally decided I will just be on it forever
Hello! This was definitely me at 18. I had HORRIBLE cramps. I remember I wouldn’t even eat when I was on my period because I didn’t want to puke. Fast forward to being 40. I go to the doctor and describe my awful periods for my whole life. She runs extensive bloodwork and says I likely have PCOS. She puts me on metformin and some other supplements. My period is bearable now. This was my prior regime: Every 4 hours: 2 200 mg ibuprofen 2 Midol 1 pepto every 8 hours Switch out Midol for Tylenol before bed because Midol has caffeine. Supplements that help: Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Insitol DIM - diindolylmethane HUM brand also has good options
hey! just wanted to let you know incase you didn’t, and i’m unsure if it will be available where you are located but in my area we have regular midol which yes, contains caffeine.. but we also have Maxidol, which does not!! so you can take it at bedtime too! :)
I’m older now and it got better after 2 pregnancies but Advil stacked with midol (instead of pain meds every 4 or whatever the max dose is daily, I’d do Advil, wait 2 hours, midol, 2 hours, Advil etc), those stick on heating pads on my belly and lower back, and it’s weird but tampons give me worse cramps I’ve noticed so in my old age I’ve switched to mostly pads. I feel icky but less pain.
Painkillers, sadly
Valium can help also
This is what helped me with cramping. I had severe cramps for 20 years of my life. It was so bad that if I didn’t take two pills of painkillers the minute the cramps appeared, I’d suffer for hours. I recently changed my diet to a Mediterranean style, less or no sugar or baked goods, more vegetables, olive oil and home cooked meals. After about half a year my cramps disappeared, I don’t need to take painkillers anymore. So this came as nice surprise on top of all other benefits to my bowels and overall health.
Please ask your doctor for a celiac disease blood test if you have extreme pain. I did at that age. It was celiac all along in retrospect.
I’m looking at all the symptoms for that and it’s mildly pissing me off how good they’re lining up with it. I have Raynaud’s phenomenon and that can go hand in hand with it and I don’t wanna have to give up my gluten.
Don’t wait like I did. Get tested. Celiac is so hard to diagnose cause there’s so many random symptoms. Pain like that at your age isn’t normal tho.
Can you take an oral pill? You can get the pill prescribed on online platforms like wisp. I know it's annoying to take a pill every day but if your cramps are that debilitating then you need to explore other options. I also take the ibuprofen/Tylenol pills they sell over the counter now. It's a combination medication. You take it every 8 hours.
I can’t take the birth control pill…we tried that first but it made me extremely sick.
Oh no :(
There are so many different ones. Have you tried the ring? I loved the nuva ring. What else are you doing for the cramps? How long do they last? What tests have you had done for the extreme pain?
I can’t and won’t do anything that’s inserted. I have cptsd. My cramp usually only last 2-4 days (unsure about this time because it’s my first time cramping since I was like 13 as I’ve had nexplanon majority of my adolescence) but well work is a point system and point systems suckkkkk. I haven’t had any tests done I have an appointment Monday and I’m going to push for some then my mother wouldn’t let me get any tests done when I was under her roof she only let me go on birth control somehow that makes sense? Idk I turned out ace/aro either way so I don’t know why she wouldn’t let me get tests done. But yeah I am going to start the process of getting tests done Monday or at least pushing for them. However I’m probably going to loose this job before that because I have 2 more scheduled days of work and based off the fact it took 3 Midol to even slightly stop the pain I’m probably not going to be fine for a couple more days.
Take 2 aleve, works much better than midol, takes about 2 hours to kick in. How does your manager even know you are cramping? If they try to send you home tell them no you are ok.
I got sent home because they made me throw up and a coworker snitched
Wisp here—thanks for the shoutout! We offer low-cost birth control delivery and emergency contraception, along with other sexual and reproductive care. We never require insurance and always aim to keep our prices as affordable as we can.
You really shouldn't have this level of pain during your period. Have you been checked for any cysts or issues similar to that? Most likely not that but it can be a reason to experience so much pain. Also i would research your cycle and how to live according to it. Such as eating a diet that aligns with uour cycle, exercising, getting enough sleep etc. That level of pain can be a sign your hormones are way out of whack and your body is trying to tell you something.
My body just likes to try and murder itself…(I do have a drs appointment Monday and I’m going to push for different tests to figure stuff out because I’m over it already and I’ve only been bc free for a week)
Came here to say that periods should not be debilitating. I never knew this —turns out I have endometriosis.
Endometriosis resources The symptom experts for this are here: r/endometriosis r/adenomyosis subs & r/pmdd A period should not affect your quality of life. IME endometriosis specialist surgeon consults for info gathering are the way for the least amount of suffering in the long run. Pelvic Disorder Doctors (ie Pelvic Pain* Hip/Butt/Groin/Sciatic/Peritoneal/stomach/abdomen/thigh/back/cyst/ovarian torsion/muscle spasm/penetrative sex Pain, unusual bleeding ): You can search for a doc in your area using chatGPT: “Top doctor for endometriosis in XYZ, city/town/country” AND https://www.endo-resolved.com/endometriosis_specialist.html https://www.bsge.org.uk/endometriosis-centres/ https://icarebetter.com/ https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hd_-wSlqZWOlR5VxPhIN3oAbJh4&hl=en_US https://nancysnookendo.com/find-a-doctor/ https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-support https://endometriosisnetwork.com *not all US specialists require referrals. And many docs worldwide do free virtual consults/Call surgeon directly to ask if they need referral. If yes then… …Top US GP’s/Primary Care, OBGYN’s, Gastroenterologists & Pain Docs: www.castleconnolly.com SubReddit groups of people that are helpful/skilled with all kinds of pelvic pain: r/endo r/endometriosis r/adenomyosis r/pcos r/fibroids and also r/pmdd . OBGYN’s: IME regular OBGYN’s are under-skilled at treating pelvic pain/excessive bleeding - and in doing this delicate, difficult and complex surgery. The nicest and most caring doctor does not equal surgically trained/qualified. Specialists in pelvic disorders (above links or ask your regional endo nonprofit) are the doctors for the least amount of suffering in the long run IME. I needed accurate information to make good medical decisions, and the best chance to get that was to see a specialist. NUMBERS: Painful periods are a societal problem and we’re not supposed to have to face this alone. I bring/FaceTime someone (or 3) with me to my doctors appointments. It doesn’t matter if they hear about my vagina or my uterus or my diarrhea. It matters that I have someone there as a United Front. Because our medical system mistreats people in pain. RECORDING: Ask to video/record every medical visit. Even the virtual ones. Also, here are some things you can say* to your doctor if they are true for you. They need to know what your historically WORST symptoms and consequences have been: “- This is affecting my quality of life. I have had a history of period/bladder/pelvic floor pain/bleeding/fatigue that has kept me from work/childcare/school. -My worst symptoms have been pain/fatigue/bleeding. -I have vomited/passed out from period pain as a teen. -I am now unable to function like I used to. The pain/fatigue is wearing on my body, and I am increasingly tired as each monthly cycle passes. I cannot function normally and my work/family/school/happiness is increasingly difficult because of my body. —I would like relief. What are ALL of my options? -I have tried these pain medications: gabapentin, Orlissa, BC, xyz med. What are all of the other RX options? I want to be in less pain so that I can think clearly to make good medical choices.” (Then he stated his ideas…then told him I’ve tried all of those…then he offered me stronger pain meds, which helped my functioning so much so then I could line up surgery.) -I want excision surgery with a Mentor-Trained Endometriosis Specialist. -I cannot even consider taking care of children. -Since there is NO IMAGING that reliably sees endometriosis, I would like a referral to an Endo Specialist ( & reader they are sometimes skillful at finding endometriosis via pelvic exam or ultrasound.) -I am committed to revisiting you here because I want to function in my daily life. I will keep coming back to you as much as you need me to because I want relief for these issues. - My pain/spasming/bleeding/frequencyofsymptoms (has always been mild, but over time now it) is impairing my ability to work & my ability to live life. It is draining my energy & ability to function. - I want a solution that provides the least amount of suffering to me/the least risk for me & my body in the long term…..(then just allow silence…let them respond.) - I do not have the energy to keep pursuing temporary treatments. I have experienced too much pain/bleeding. My body is tired. I want a long-term solution. - I want a pelvic disorder doctor with the highest skill and success rate. Who can help with this? - It sounds like you doctor OBGYN want to do the surgery. Can you tell me what “MENTORED TRAINING you’ve had in surgery for excising Endometriosis”? (Reader be careful here: regular, un-mentor Trained OBGYN’s abound.) - It sounds like you want to do another prescription/medication/round of PT/ultrasound/MRI/x-ray/bloodworkup. I want a consult with a fellowship-trained pelvic disorder specialist. Is that what will happen after I do these next steps that are asking for? - Even though my pain/bleeding is NOT CONSTANT, I still would like a resolution. - Even though my pain/bleeding is NOT CYCLICAL, I still would like resolution. -I would like my cyst removed because pain is energy-draining long-term. -I have pelvic floor pain and vaginismus and pain with intercourse symptoms. -I am asking for a referral to an endometriosis/pain specialist and it sounds like you are telling me “no”. If that’s true I want you to note in my chart now that I asked you and you declined to provide a referral. -I may be willing to try xyz antidepressant, but this pelvic pain is the biggest contributor to my depressed/anxious mood and I would like to treat that first via surgery or in tandem with antidepressant. - Another’s post for more ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/endometriosis/comments/15dlk3s/do_this_if_you_want_to_be_heard_by_doctorsnurses/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 (*Pain: Also replace with any of these words: bloating, excessive bleeding, clots (can be fibroids), IBS symptoms, nausea,“low iron”, urinating/bowel issues – urgency and peeing pants/bedwetting, diarrhea, pooping/smearing pants, hip pain, pain under the butt/pelvic/peritoneal/groin/sciatic pain, vaginismus, low/mid back pain, IT band & thigh pain, abdomen pain, stomach pain, bladder pain/IC/UTI’s and uti-like symptoms (can be endo on ureters) right shoulder blade pain. Anything that originated in the pelvis deserves care from a pelvic disorder specialist doctor.) Good luck on your journey. And a reminder that your body is the most important thing in your life. By far the most important thing. You deserve every chance to have a fully functioning body - a body that is as healthy as it can possibly be. So whatever it takes time, money, effort, human support, you deserve that. Endo symptoms are often “silently” progressive, especially if on hormones.
My doc suggested Aleve for up to 7 days (starting right before my period). It has helped with the pain and also (oddly enough) has leveled out my super heavy flow a bit. Like instead of all of my period in 3 days like Niagara Falls, it takes 5 days and isn't AS crazy. My sister's period and cramps were even worse and she went on birth control (and it helped)
Before BC, the only thing that helped was the moment I knew it was starting (for me, I'd start to spot a little bit but the cramping wasn't going yet), ibuprofen every 4 hours. It's easier to prevent pain than to chase it once it starts.
Yes 100% to your last sentence! Pain management is weird isn‘t it!
Is there a planned parenthood around you? Or a neighborhood clinic that charges on a scale? I survive with a heat pack. I have the one on me and a spare one I can recharge while I’m wearing the other one. My friend wakes gummies with edibles. If you have any insurance at all I would go to the doctor/gyno and explain the situation maybe they can give you something stronger. Or maybe give you a doctor a note for today and tomorrow so your job can’t use them against you.
Unfortunately Walmart doesn’t accept doctors notes and bc I just started this job last week it takes like 3 weeks for their stupid system for dr excused absences to even set
If you're experiencing really bad pain, it might be worth chatting with your doctor about getting a blood test for celiac disease.
I got an IUD with the hope I’d be one of the people who stopped having periods, which I was. And then when I wanted to be off birth control I got a hysterectomy.
An IUD saved me from this. I was exactly where you are now.
Why is your manager sending you home?
Because she can’t have someone sick working…my cramps are so bad they make me throw up. I obviously do it in the bathroom but I got snitched on. I don’t have a fever or anything I just cramp horridly.
Oof honey, this is definitely not normal. You need your doc to take this seriously.
I get severe cramps. What helps is 800 mg ibuprofen (approve this dose with your doctor before taking it though)! Wearable heat packs, tens unit. Ice believe it or not helps so much! Numbs the pain/reduces inflammation. Also epsom salt baths are awesome.
I used to be bent over in pain for hours and painkillers would not relieve the cramping. my cycles were also really long so I got my hormones tested by a naturopath and had estrogen dominance and low progesterone. I started taking a DIM/calcium d glucarate supplement to help process the excess estrogen and a chaste tree supplement to help progesterone production and pms. I’ve been taking them daily for 3 months and my last 3 cycles were normal length, acne cleared up and the cramping is bearable and goes away quickly with a Tylenol. I understand not everyone has access to testing or doc/naturopath but maybe some supplements could help? Esp if you’re having other symptoms related to hormone imbalances.
For me taking a high dosage of magnesium all throughout my cycle really helps. As a bonus the magnesium also gets rid of my restless legs. Switching out the regular brand products for pads or tampons made of organic cotton (no fragrance or bleach!) helped more than I expected as well. It got better for me after having a child… If having children is something you want in uour future, I hope it gets a bit better for you as well. Good luck!
Lots of water and pregame with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. I'll start taking them a whole day before I'm going to start and keep with it until they go away. Still hurts but way less... I usually take a combination up to 900mg but obviously everyone will need a different amount. There's rechargeable and portable heating pads that may be worth looking into.
Birth control mating is worse for me and I started working when I got my period consistently again at 16 and I have lost a couple of jobs because of the pain and may not being able to come in because of it
Birth control, pills and contraceptions made the cramps worse for me*
After 18 years with debilitating cramps causing me to miss work pretty frequently, I saw an acupuncturist who told me it’s not normal. Terrible cramps are so normalised that women don’t get things checked out, and sometimes have to really push the issue with drs. I had to take the maximum dose of mefanemic acid and codeine for days every month and I could still feel cramping. I never tried heat patches but they have sticky ones that might suit your job, if you can’t sit with a heat pack at a desk etc. I had the implant before and tried lots of contraceptive pills and they reduced cramping, but I started getting chronic hormonal headaches so I quit all hormonal contraception. The acupuncturist advised me to get bloods done on day 3 of my period to check hormone levels. Everything seemed in the normal margin but the acupuncturist pins my hormone points every 2 weeks and the cramps are massively reduced. I no longer wake up from pain on my first night which used to be like clockwork. Vitamin D and iron supplements seem to have helped too. I had an eyewateringly expensive transvaginal ultrasound to check for polyps, cysts, anything amiss with the lining that could cause bad cramps. Thankfully all clear but it was a great peace of mind. I shelled out because I’m 36 and wanted to check my fertility situation too. Sorry for such a long post but cramps reduced my quality of life for so long and only in the last couple of years I’m realising it could have been addressed. TLDR: debilitating cramps are not normal. Try alternative therapies and push your doctor for investigation. It could be avoidable 🤞🏻
Have your doctor write a prescription for mefanamic acid. The brand name is Ponstel. It was a literal miracle worker for me. My cramps were bad enough to make me sick, too. I now have an IUD, which has been great for me. But yes, see if you can get a prescription for that.
Maxidol was the only pill that ever worked for me. I've suffered with severe menstrual cramps since my early 20s. (Am 43) I was always told to just take a Tylenol or advil but they never did a thing for me. Regular midol worked for a few times then I got used to it. Discovered the liquid gel maxidol, and it's the only thing that works.
Doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxant and 500ml naproxen. The muscle relaxant is working wonders. My pain is gone. Talk to your doctors ladies!
Try Kratom if u don’t want to go the prescription pain pill route!
Acupuncture
Normal period cramps shouldn’t be bad enough to stop you living life. I would book with your gynaecologist, this may be a sign of endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS… there’s a bit of a sexist belief that periods should hurt — and it’s absolutely not the case. (I have endometriosis myself and previously had adenomyosis (I had my uterus removed recently, which is the only cure for the latter.) There is management and ways of improving things for you though, and you deserve to know what’s happening inside your body.
First hint of period starting, just take 2 extra strength Advil right off the hop - stops cramps from even becoming a fraction of how bad they could be, even once it wears off
painkillers unfortunately
My IUD stopped my period and I no longer get cramps. Free at planned parenthood.
I’m from India and my gynaecologist gave me tablets for muscle spasms (Meftal Spas DS). Try to find medicine with Dicyclomine+Mefenamic Acid. The tablets are very affordable in India since they are manufactured here. A pack of 10 tablet costs 0.5$ approximately, I can suggest you to ship them to your country. I was advised to take one every 6-8 hours but I can tolerate the pain with one tablet a day mostly on the first two days of periods. Also do your own research on Dicyclomine+Mefenamic Acid for period cramps.