To ask if anyone knows how I can deal with painful periods without going on the pill?

[665jf]

I'm in my late 20s, and have been suffering with painful periods since I was 12. I spend 2-3 days every month in lots of pain, feeling nauseous and tired and having to take the maximum amount of mefenamic acid and paracetamol round the clock.

My BMI is 31 and so I'm quite conscious about the risks of the combined pill. I'm also worried about hearing reports of spotting and breakthrough bleeding on the mini pill. I have a huge amount of shame about my weight and really don't want the doctors to weigh me.

Is there anything suitable or do I just carry on with the painkillers?

That level of pain is often an indicator of a bigger issue.

Would you consider asking for a referral to a gynaecologist?

I used to hate people saying it to me but loosing weight really helped me. I also have endo and many people experience less severe pain for a few months/years after having a baby- that was true for me. I would absolutely look into endometriosis the symptoms you described could easily be that.

I would guess you have tried hot baths hot water bottles and exercise. I found exercise never helped stop the pain but it made it last only a couple days instead of 3-4

For home help, magnesium is supposed to help, look at the elemental amount, not just the ‘headline’ amount.
Acupuncture helped me too

Also track your diet. What food have you eaten on the really bad months. No idea if it's true for others but I found cutting out processed food and dairy really can help (but I can't stick to that!)

Reducing caffeine the week before helps me but I would also question if you have endometriosis if your pain is to that level.

Huge sympathies, I had horrible periods for years and years and no one really ever believed me how bad they were. They just got worse with age. I did have lots of invasive tests and nothing could be found! The best thing that helped me was the pill, and then after I stopped that, having the Mirena coil.
Speak to your GP and see what they can recommend, they are much more aware now that we shouldn’t suffer in silence! Just do it, and if they are not sympathetic, find someone who is

My daughter's GP prescribed Fentenamic acid tablets, which seem to help her.

Have you tried taking fish oil supplements? I started taking them a few years ago for joint pain and noticed that they took away period pain for me as well.

I know I need to lose weight, but the pain has been consistent since I started my periods at 12 when I was a normal, healthy weight so I don't think it will make much difference.

I've tried cutting out dairy and gluten. I exercise, use hot water bottles/hot showers but they don't make much difference

I could have literally written this myself. I'm currently under investigation for PMDD alongside endometriosis. I was on mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid.
I'm now trying the mini pill to help. I've had some spotting on and off but no full blown periods, nausea etc. I'm trying to sort my fitness out lose some weight and eat better to help me.

These have been unbelievable for me
I have endo and am waiting for a first gynae appointment, usually on max painkillers and still in pain
Last couple of periods I've managed with these alone. I smell like vicks with them on and I dunno how they work but I don't care

https://amzn.eu/d/0OdmnKL

Have you tried tranexamic acid as well as the mefanemic acid @665jf. I take both at the same time (on prescription) and it's life-changing! I used to not be able to leave the house on day 1 of my period and would have to set any alarm to change during the night (mooncup and period pants) bit now with both medications together I can swim on day one and sleep through the night!

I have finally given in and started cerazette after persevering for years with horrendous pain, dizziness, feeling sick, headaches etc.

On my second packet. I had a lighter period halfway through my first. Bit of spotting halfway through my second. If this keeps up it will be a miracle and I'll be annoyed at myself for not trying it sooner. No notable side effects either so far.

If u want to try something else a friend informed my cryll oil is supposed to be food if taken constantly for reducing period pains but I've not tried it so can't vouch for it.

Also my BMI is higher than yours. I can't remember whether I got weighed or not but it's not such a huge concern with the progesterone only pill. I'm sure you could opt out of being weighed if you preferred.

I'm here to recommend mefenamic acid as someone did above. I couldn't go to work unless I took it, but it was brilliant and I didn't have side effects. You have to take it the instant you feel even a twinge of pain.

OP says she's already on it

Have you considered the mirena coil?

Thank you - I think I'll go to the GP and ask about tranexamic acid and the mini pill. It's definitely worth a shot.

The only reason I've not asked about tranexamic acid before is because my period isn't particularly heavy so I'm not sure if I'd still benefit from it? My period is probably average - I can go several hours without changing, and I never really leak at night.

I don't want the Mirena coil, but does anyone know if the contraceptive injection or arm implant could be suitable for me?

I have painful periods (with no underlying reason) and I have found that Reducing caffeine intake ( esp right right before period) and high strength omega 3 or vitamin E work well.
also exercise makes a big difference.

I went through this and would now make
sure I got fully investigated for endometriosis etc. Have you been?

You can add in Cocodamol for 2-3
days per month, meanwhile.

Plus check your vitamin D. If your GP won't, you can get relatively cheap pinprick at home test. Various vitamins can lessen pain. Will have a look for a summary.

I was reading up about tens machines for this for my dd painful periods. £50 in Boots.

Exercise and calcium for me.

I sympathise. Mine were horrendous; painful and lasted for up to two weeks. Sadly the only thing that has ever helped me is the pill. I tried to come off it after I had my children. (The pain went after childbirth but they were still 10 day affairs and very heavy). I run all my packs together and never have a period.

that level of pain isn't normal and you shouldn't have to put up with it. what to do depends on the underlying cause. Have you ever been referred to have investigations for conditions like endometriosis?

I did see a GP very recently over suspected endometriosis myself and the advice I got was it's a surgical procedure and doesn't always diagnose it even if you do have it, I didn't know this.