to ask everyone to describe what their period is like

[Thurlow]

Not exactly a TAAT, but inspired by one. And nosiness too But also thought it might be interesting for people to see whether theirs are worse than others and so might need a visit to the GP, as you can't really tell how bad yours are until you know what others are like.

(Nosiness because the heaviness makes me wonder occasionally whether I ought to get checked for fibroids)

Right. Apologies in advance for the TMI..

Mine last 3-4 days. Sometimes cramping a night or two before it starts is bad enough to wake me in the middle of the night and stay awake for an hour or so to have a cuppa and wait for tablets to work. First 2 nights I get through a super extra plus tampon and a nighttime towel, first 2-3 days I get through a super extra plus tampon with 3-4 hours. Haven't tried just using a towel on those days as I suspect it would be disastrous! But not too painful during a period (no need for tablets) and it ends quite abruptly. Not on any contraceptives.

Last between 2 and 3 days. I use Lilet mini tampons as these are the only ones I can comfortably fit in. My periods are also very light but I have dreadful PMS a week before and some cramping. As soon as period starts the cramping stops.

Mild cramps day before it starts.
Day 1-2, super plus tampon every hour and a half. Night time I set an alarm for 3 hours in (horizontal helps!) so I can change.
3-4, super tampon every 4 hours.
5-6, Light tampon for 8 hours.

Day 1-3 are really bad for cramps but tablets help a bit. 4-6 a bit of cramps but bearable.
I wear a pad the first few days as I don't work in an office so not always near a toilet when needed!

I'm shocked so many people have such awful periods.

Mine rarely hurt and I use a reguLar tampon even on day one and only change it every 6-8 hours. After 2 days I don't need it at night and after 3 days I just use a panty liner.

This thread is really interesting, relieved to see others suffer from leg cramps too. I have some spotting then a day off then really heavy for 2 days when it starts to tail off. About 9 days in total. Mine were always really irregular before dc, could go months without one and worried about ttc, now they are pretty much clockwork - so unfair, I don't need them now dammit! I normally use a moon cup hut slightly worringly I seem to have lost it in our recent move! hope its not rolling around a removal van somewhere