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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do all women experience discomfort

45 replies

Bacchus23 · 28/07/2023 07:46

before their period or with hormones?
just that really, I’m in a relatively new relationship and my partner asked me. I can’t speak for everyone else and just thought my own experience varies each cycle.
Do any of you get away without any discomfort of some sort?

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 28/07/2023 07:54

No, I never did. I used to get discomfort either side of my period when my cervix was moving up and down.

MissesMorkan · 28/07/2023 07:57

No.

Stickmansmum · 28/07/2023 07:58

I have the coil so no periods for 4 years. No discomfort. Nothing. It’s nice!

AP5Diva · 28/07/2023 08:01

I get achey boobs a few days before my period.

FatCatBum · 28/07/2023 08:03

I have adenomyosis so have pain and heaviness in my abdomen 24/7. It just gets worse around my period

Wondeyr · 28/07/2023 08:04

I have endometriosis and PMDD.

I'd give anything to not have any pain or mood swings. Actively looking forward to menopause, it can't be worse than this.

CrunchyCarrot · 28/07/2023 08:04

When I was young I didn't have discomfort before, no. Later on (30s) I began getting PMT symptoms, sore boobs, moody, that sort of thing.

dertirt · 28/07/2023 08:06

No, I've never had cramps or sore boots or anything physically uncomfortable. Mood swings however!

MrsToothyBitch · 28/07/2023 08:09

The pre menstrual swollen sore boobs arrived bang on cue for my 30s. Before that no, not really. The most painful it got was the odd hormonal spot proving very painful & hard to budge.

RampantIvy · 28/07/2023 08:09

No, I was lucky and had no mood swings or discomfort beforehand. I used to get cramps during my period but nothing else.

All this is behind me now as I am old.

lljkk · 28/07/2023 08:12

When i was young, yes, emotional symptoms only before age ~22, physical symptoms only age 22-31, not after having babies nor in peri, phew.

Destinedforfakeness · 28/07/2023 08:12

I've never got away without pain and emotional symptoms.

BibbleandSqwauk · 28/07/2023 08:13

No not really. Mine are always v light and only last about 2 days. I was on the pill for years but came off about three years ago as that was affecting my mood. Late 40s now and no signs of Meno yet.

Aprilx · 28/07/2023 08:14

I am 53 now and my periods stopped when I was about 48. I always had a lot of discomfort when I had them. I found menopause a breeze.

HRTQueen · 28/07/2023 08:14

I have always felt emotional and from around 35 I started getting pains around ovulation that were worse than my period pains from which I never really suffered

I have adenomyosis this developed in the last few years and my periods have been extremely heavy and painful and I was left totally exhausted. Had coil fitted earlier this year and it’s helped

my mum says she never suffered or through her menopause and she hardly noticed it, that wasn’t the experience of those around her

INeedAnotherName · 28/07/2023 08:17

Yes. My cycle ruled my life. Couldn't believe the difference hitting menopause was, I could "forget" my body.

Original poster
Bacchus23 · 28/07/2023 08:21

Thanks everyone who has commented, this is so fascinating and I’d love to know what causes the variation! I think I’d be rich if I did 😀

OP posts:
10storeylovesong · 28/07/2023 08:23

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request

Original poster
Bacchus23 · 28/07/2023 08:32

@10storeylovesong I’m so sorry you’ve suffered so much, that must impact your life immensely 💐

OP posts:
Sunshineboo · 28/07/2023 08:34

mine has got worst the older i have got. 43 now and am in agony just before and during. and am v moody and tearful

MoonLion · 28/07/2023 08:37

I'm lucky and have never really suffered either physically or hormonally. My 15yo DD gets really bad tummy pains before her period - I'm hoping it may get better as she gets older.

Piglet89 · 28/07/2023 08:37

Yes: very severe pain these days. I have degenerating discs in my lower back and flare ups of severe back pain are much worse
just before my period. I also have endometriosis. The whole thing is a complete nightmare.

Early 40s.

ActDottie · 28/07/2023 08:50

Achey boobs, sometimes very light cramps, but nothing too bad. I feel quite lucky.

Changeychang · 28/07/2023 08:54

Stabbing pains during ovulation.

Five days before period: don't f* with me I will take you down.

Three days before: Insomnia, Boiling Hot and feelings of hopelessness/doom

Day before: I'm dog tired.

Day one of period: first few hours curled up in pain and really hot.

After that not so bad.

It feels so unfair to have the menstrual cycle have such a large impact on our lives as women.

RampantIvy · 28/07/2023 09:02

Bacchus23 · 28/07/2023 08:21

Thanks everyone who has commented, this is so fascinating and I’d love to know what causes the variation! I think I’d be rich if I did 😀

I would like to know as well. My hormones didn't seem to fluctuate the way most women's do. I was also not at all broody, and when I was told that I was very unlikely to get pregnant after infertility investigations it was "oh, OK. I'll book that long haul holiday then" as I was ambivalent about having children in the first place.