To think my menstrual cycle ruins half of my life?

[Karlafarla]

Does anyone else feel like this?

These are a list of the symptoms I get. They can begin up to 10 days before my period starts and usually end within 2-3 days of it starting.

Physical symptoms are; headaches, nausea, diarrhoea (IBS) often severe, bloating, trapped wind, aching legs, aching arms, very greasy hair and skin, acne, frequent urination, general weakness, shooting pains in my arse (strange one).

Non physical are; extreme clumsiness (affects my life and work), anxiety, extreme sensitivity to noise, extreme irritability, lack of coordination, tiredness even exhaustion, bad dreams, tearfulness, being 'jumpy', very sensitive to smells, food cravings or loss of appetite. Lack of motivation to do anything. Feeling low and bad about myself for example not wanting to go out because I'm 'ugly' even though I'm not usually like that.

These are only the ones I can think of. I get most of them, most months, I'm on today and I look absolutely terrible, I'm white as a sheet and look ill.

I have been to the doctors over the years but have never really had any help. My pregnancies have been the best times and I've felt amazing with no menstrual cycle to contend with.

The pill did help some of some of the symptoms a bit, but as I've taken it for many years I'd decided to stop two years ago. I'm not sure whether I should start taking it again.

Does anyone else suffer this badly or has anyone found a solution?

[shouldnthavesaid1]

Have you seen a gynaecologist? I've landed up in hospital last few periods on morphine so I do sympathise, they think I probably have endometriosis. Have had severe pain with D&V, hallucinations , fevers and fainting. I do feel my uterus ruins my life and would happily get rid of it if I could have a baby first, as silly as that sounds.

[lampshady]

I suffer that badly too. Been medicated, told I have a severe mental illness (not hormone related), sometimes can't get out of bed. In agony two weeks of the month, one in the build up then one recovering.

I haven't cured it but have eased it with diet and exercise. Lots of sleep helps before, during and after and also pacing my activities so I'm not doing too much. I'm a single parent so put my son into as many activities as possible so he's not missing out when I can't look after him. Luckily he's very active and loves it.

My standards for cleaning are very low but hygienic, I don't iron etc and dinners are very quick and easy to make (chicken and veg most nights), school knows sometimes homework won't get done and are supportive.

It's shit, you have my sympathies. Often I think I can't go on like this but do have two weeks where I'm absolutely fine.

[HumphreyCobblers]

I too think my periods ruin half my life. Although I don't have your physical symptoms, I do have some (terrible back pain after ovulation and severe bloating) but the worst for me is the emotional cost. I am getting worse. Paranoid, unable to sleep, angry, anxious...the list goes on.

I try to stick to a HCLF diet as that seems to work best in controlling my symptoms. I have tried anti-depressants but they stopped working. I think if I exercised I would be better.

It really is shit.

[PaintingByNumbers]

I was like this for years. Then diagnosed hypothyroid (suddenly got a lot more symptoms), treated, all of a sudden no more two weeks of hell. so I wonder if it was a first sign of a failing thyroid.

[HumphreyCobblers]

HFLC diet...not high carb low fat bfs

[Neglectedbythesun]

Yes I do. 10 days (7 pre and 2/3 after). It's shit. Better on the months my diet is better.

[Badhairday1001]

Yes I feel like my periods take over my life.
I get lots of similar symptoms to you, including the fucking horrendous shooting pains. I also get a lot of pain during ovulation. I think it's endometriosis, I'm not sure how to get the doctor to consider it though.

[PingaPenguin]

Oh my gosh, yes. I am so sorry you are suffering like this but I'm also kind of glad to read this.
I am going to the doctors on Friday about this exact thing. I get aching all over my body, like I'm about to start with the flu or something, I alternate between sweating or shivering, get extreme anxiety (which has now started to be around constantly but not as extremely as running up to my period)
I get a funny, woozy head, I'm angry, I despise myself (ugly, fat, worst mother in the world, everyone must hate me etc)

It sometimes skips a month but more often than not I am suffering from ovulation time until a day or two after I come on.

[rachyconks]

I thought I was alone! I am the same. I could have written your OP word for word! It's so shit. I feel my GP doesn't take it seriously. I can't take the pill because the hormones make me crazy. I don't know what the solution is... if there even is one!!!

[LadyGlitterSparklesSeriously]

Could have written this. Period due next Monday, head feels full of cotton wool, body made of lead. Dizzy, shitty appetite, livid at the slightest unecessary noise.

I'm a fucking joy to live with

[sticklebrix]

Yes. I lose 10 day a month and it's awful. Cannot wait for the menopause. My sympathies, OP.

[lampshady]

How can this happen to so many of us in this day and age? It's so debilitating and ruins work and relationships. It makes me so angry women are cut adrift like this and are seen as not coping or weak. But then I am due on my period.... ;)

[userinterface34]

Me too. after being sterilised. The night before last my boobs hurt so much I cried took codine with alcohol (I know) they didn't hurt this much with breast feeding. That and the sweats and the feeling of such weekbess for 2 days of the month I could cry at the thought of getting out of bed and what's worse my cycle seems to be shortening... 3 weeks off one week on and so heavy :(

[wooster16]

I get those arse shooting pains too! Usually paired with violent period diarrhoea periods really are debilitating! I'm ridiculously bloated, drained, greasy, aching back pain and hungry for half the month.

[userofthiswebsite]

This won't solve all problems but when younger I was prescribed transexamic acid (may not be spelt correctly) which was good at reducing how much you bleed.

[mrbob]

Mirena? Not had a period for 6 years with it. Your symptoms sound utterly horrible so I have huge sympathy but there should be options for you. And agree if GP can't help they really need to refer you on (but a GP should be able to offer you something!)

[Karlafarla]

Thank you all for replying. Sorry to hear you're all suffering too but glad to know I'm not alone.

I'm not too sure about endometriosis, I've never seen a gynaecologist, but looking at the symptoms on NHS they don't all add up. I suppose it might be worth mentioning to my GP. Have been tested for thyroid years ago and it was fine, although I was low on iron during pregnancy might be worth getting bloods checked.

I do often think if men had to endure it they'd have found a cure.

I know it can be a bit of a joke pms but I really do feel dreadful most months. My dad who is quite tuned in can actually tell when it's my time of the month just by looking at me and definitely by the time I've spoken. I look pale and drained, my speech is slurry and I seem anxious.

[AmateurSwami]

Yes yes yes, couldn't agree more. Had a scan last week, nothing physically wrong, but since using a moon cup and therefore realising I lose 250-300+ml let period i at least feel I can go to the doctors and beg for help somehow.

[Karlafarla]

Oh and the shooting pains are just weird. They are like stabbing pains almost, they're not the worst symptom but aren't something I can easily explain if I say ouch.

[dangermouseisace]

I'd second trying the Minera coil- if it doesn't suit you they can take it out pretty quickly. I didn't have the symptoms you had- just completely debilitating bleeding and the Minera thing has transformed my life- after getting used to it basically no periods. I want to keep it until I've gone through the menopause!

[Turbinaria]

It's called javelin arse

[Pariswhenitdrizzles]

Karla I'm so sorry - it sounds horrific.

I get the weird shooting/stabbing pains too, it's sooo painful!! And also really hard to explain - I was in a café a couple of months ago, and felt the most uncomfortable shooting pain. Two women were sitting near me and I was so worried in case they'd seen my horrible grimace/wince when I tried to adjust my position. Thankfully they didn't seem to have noticed anything!!

I find it helps sometimes if I grip something solid and heavy really hard (say, if I'm sitting down near a heavy table, I'll grab the side of the table or something) and sort of take a couple of huffing breaths. (This probably makes me sound bonkers I'm sure, but I find it so incredibly painful!!) Anyone with any suggestions on how to deal with the pain?

[mrspringle101]

I have endometriosis and a few of your symptoms match mine. Including the shooting pains in my bum. The only way to be diagnosed though is through a laparoscopy.
I've also found that changing my diet has helped relieve symptoms.

[Ktown]

Yes and I am pissed off it isn't discussed more because I really feel that teen girls are feeling mentally ill when it is a hormonal issue. Or teen girls with mental health problems and hormonal issues - this makes life ten times worse.
My GP sorted me out as a teenager. I doubt many would now.

[bootygirl]

Me too. But I have endometriosis since the age of 14. I now have fibroids & ovarian cyst.
It's f*cking horrible.