Horrendous period, any tips?

[Intothelight123]

Im 34, my periods have been getting more irregular, PMS has gotten worse and my periods are so much more painful.

Other than ibuprofen, paracetamol, hot water bottles. What do you do to help your painful periods? Willing to try even unhinged tips like standing on my head if it helps!

You can take stronger painkillers (Codeine).

Warm bath.

Tens machine.

Slow, deep breaths.

Go and see your GP if you haven't already.

It's awful.

What dose ibuprofen are you taking?

I have found tranexamic acid a game changer for reducing the heaviness of the first few days. But you don't mention heaviness so perhaps not relavent, although tranexamic acid will help reduce inflammation and potentially also pain. Worth a try perhaps.

Warm baths and staying off my feet (curled up in a ball in bed to be precise!) when not dosed up on ibuprofen is a big part of coping for me.

I take co-codemol or neurofen plus on my first 2 days for awful cramps. Thankfully that does the trick and the rest is manageable.
both are available in the pharmacy over the counter.
I have a eucalyptus patch things that I sometimes wear but only if I’m in the house because it’s a really strong smell

A tens machine is a good idea, ill look into that. I get period pain in lower belly but also in my lower back.

Nights like last night i just curl up in so much pain I actually couldn't reply.

I just take the normal dose, although I do have codeine too.

Oh ive not heard of a eucalyptus patch, ill look for some too.

Its the type of pain too, all around the front and lower back. Ill probably curl up in a ball today

CBD tampons really help me and several people I know

Definitely go to GP, there are all sorts of things you can try. Also maybe wise to have some investigations done to check for issues like fibroids.

PP has mentioned tranexamic acid which you take for the first four days of your period. There's also mefenamic acid or naproxen NSAIDS (although ibuprofen was more effective for me).

In the meantime, overnight i liked cocodamol rather than paracetamol as it knocked me out a bit so helped me sleep through the pain more.

Have you tried magnesium glycinate supplements? I always thing the cramping is due to the body's higher requirement for vitamins and minerals in the run up.

Magnesium, b6 and zinc I tend to take.

This could go on for another 20 years. Go to the GP. Start trying the options now. Tranexamic acid, Coil if you aren’t hoping to conceive.

Don’t put it off. I wish I’d been more persistent and consistent. Get organised.

Where do you get these from please?

No sugar 5 days before period and omega 3. maybe also magnesium?

Thank you for all the replies, I've had investigations and tried lots of things medically but it's been put down to another condition I have. And I've been on so many different medications and strong painkillers. There's some brilliant ideas here, and ill try them. Thank you all

Transexamic acid

Might be controversial and not for during the day, but a sherry, small brandy or whisky might help.

My nan always told me to eat raw carrots and I'm not sure if it's the placedo effect but that seems to help. I have a my oovie tens machine that works great but is expensive. I got a cheaper one off Amazon that works but doesn't stay on as well when I'm moving about. (I loose things a lot)
I have gummy vitamins that I take called Endo Gummies and they help. Sometimes the pain is so bad I can't move as my muscles all lock up. A heated throw is a life saver and a water bottle belt though it made another school mum think I was pregnant when I had it on under my hoody once 😂