My period makes me want to kill myself

[KevinTheDinosaur]

Hello
I realise I'm not exactly your average MN poster, but here we go.
I'm a 14 year old girl who's been having my period since I was 12. It started off alright, but soon after my cycle settled down I started getting period pains, mood swings, the standard. Soon after I turned 13, I had a period where I started TMI alert projectile vomitting and suffering from diarrhoea, culminating in me fainting and having to go to hospital, where I was diagnosed with dysmenorrhea.

Since then, I've been having tranexemic acid for the blood loss, mefenamic acid for the pain, and cyclizene for the nausea. Luckily, I haven't experienced a period that bad since then, apart from fainting in school a few times from blood loss and pain.

My problem is that now, my period seems to be having an effect on my mental health, as well as my physical.

The seven days I have my period, despite the medication and the aid of Buscopan, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, I am always in intense pain. On days two and three I cannot get out of bed without collapsing on my bedroom floor, even though my bleeding is about average, I get through a pack of pads per period. After my period finishes, I get a couple of days pain free, then I start getting pain above my hips, on either side, for about 5 days. Then for about another 5 days I get cramps, shaking hands, headaches, etc. Then, for 2 or 3 days, I'll get crippling pain, where I'll have to get by on paracetamol and buscopan. My eczema also flares up horrendously these days, resulting in bleeding and weeping. My mental health also becomes less than ideal. I cry at the smallest of things, and begin contemplating suicide. It's not even big things which set me off, just little things, and I end up sitting in lessons thinking that if I jumped out of the classroom window, my classmates would probably have a party. I haven't actually tried to commit suicide, I've only got as far as finding out how many pills of my other medicines I would need to take to kill myself. Then, the next day, 2 weeks after the first period, I'll start again.

I suppose I'm asking, what techniques do you have for dealing with the effect of your period on your health, and would you mind sharing them with me, so I can take back control of my life from my period?

Thank you for reading this, and I'm really sorry for the essay.

Hello again!
I've just been seen by the GP, and she's referred me to a gynaecologist. She said my symptoms sound like PMS, and that I shouldn't go on the combined pill anyway, as I get migraines with aura. Additionally, she's said that while the referral goes through, I should just carry on dealing with my period as normal

Thank you for the help!

That's fantastic news Kevin I have been thinking of you

Sometimes the combined pill can really help in cases like yours. But other times it can really exacerbate your symptoms (especially the low moods etc). I went on the combined pill at university, and within 3 weeks had sunk into a deep depression, for absolutely no reason. I struggled with it for a few months, but then my GP advised a different brand of pill. Within a couple of weeks I was back to my usual self.

So when you're older it's worth while experimenting with different brands, if you want to go on the Pill. Several different types of progesterone are used in various brands of the Pill, some have more adverse effects than others.

Good luck for seeing the gynaecologist, and it would be lovely if you could come back and update us

Hi, Kevin. Just read this whole thread and totally sympathise. I have always had terrible periods (though not quite as severe as yours) and my eldest daughter just started hers this year too.

It's great that you have a referral but I can't help thinking that doesn't help you RIGHT NOW. How can your GP expect you to just "carry on dealing with your period as normal" while you wait? I think "normal" doesn't apply in this situation! I'm quite on your behalf.

Any chance you can get to see someone else? I know it's not easy to be pushy with GPs but they really can't just fob you off like this. What are you supposed to do, practically, day-to-day, while you wait to see the gynaecologist? If being in severe pain weren't enough, you mention that your school attendance is (inevitably) being affected.

Honestly the lack of compassion and common sense sometimes in GPs amazes me. (I know there are loads of good ones out there too and it's a very tough job - but really!)

Start taking magnesium, iron and b vit complex, you have nothing to lose and it could make a big difference in time.

Hi OP, I was very like you at your age, used to get sent home from school etc.

I'd book a fresh appointment with your GP and ask about the coil or the pill.

Hi again!
I've been sent a letter from the hospital summoning me for a 'transvaginal and pelvic scan' next week, but then at the back of the letter it says I cannot have the scan if I haven't have sex.

I'm 14, I haven't had sex, so I'll have to cancel this appointment, but then what will I have to do? It's taken so long to get an appointment that I don't want to have to wait such a long time for another one, but I can't really get this scan done .

What should I do now? Does anyone know/have any experience of what the other options are for me?

They can still do the pelvic scan. Don't cancel, just phone up or get you mum to and discuss the situation. Most letters are designed for the entirety of womankind, most radiographers are very human.

Hi everyone. Just to let you know, we've agreed with the OP to move this one over to General Health so that she can continue to receive advice and support beyond 90 days .

Hello
It's been a while since I last posted, sorry! It turns out they had booked me for a transabdominal scan, so I had that done and it came out fine.

Now I have a hospital appointment on the 9th, and I'm really worried about it. I just feel as though this is my only chance to get someone to actually listen to what I'm saying, and give me a solution, rather than just telling me it's normal and I have nothing to be worried about.

I don't really know how to tell them what's the issue, and I'm scared I might well end up bursting into tears at the hospital

Additionally, recently I've been feeling really, really down. I had a bit of a breakdown in school on the last day, but luckily they didn't send me home. I'm not sure whether that's related to my period issues, but I just feel as though my period is affecting literally every aspect of my life; my health, my education, my social life, and I just feel there's nothing I can do about it. Also, I'm kind of scared that it's all in my head, and in reality my pain's just the normal pain everyone suffers on their period, and I'm just making a big deal out of it- sort of like a hypochondriac. And whenever I try to talk to mum about it, she just says that everyone gets the pain, and that she gets it worse than I do on her period (I don't understand how she's putting a measurement on pain, but anyway) and she just deals with it.

If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can get everything across at the hospital appointment, please give me your advice!

Thank you!

My periods were very much like you describe from the onset of menses and it turned out that I have endometriosis. It took just under 20 years for me to get diagnosed so I feel strongly this should not happen to anyone else.

I would think that endometriosis is the root cause of your periods being as they are now. I had PMS as well but the root cause of the pain and other symptoms was endometriosis. I would also push for gynae investigations if you have not already had these; you will need to be persistent with them because it is all too easily to be fobbed off with pills and the like (these are really a short term measure).

Am not surprised the transabdominal scan showed nothing untoward; I have also had these and more internal scans than I care to mention and it never showed anything. The problem is the endo deposits are too small to show up clearly on these types of scan. It was only upon the surgeon performing laparoscopic surgery that endometriosis was found and then removed.

I am sorry that your mother is not as supportive as she should be; my mother also had no idea what was wrong with me but it was not all in my head and its not all in your head either.

If you have not already started to keep a daily pain and symptom diary please do this; it will give them clues. Note pain on a scale from one to ten. Also show them your posts on this thread, this will also assist.
them.

Do also read this website:-

www.endometriosis-uk.org/

Kevin write everything down you want to say before you go to your appointment. Start the list now and keep adding to it before your appointment. Work through the list with the consultant.

You know yourself that it doesn't feel right or normal (whatever that is). The specialist at the hospital should hopefully come up with a plan for you.

I'm at the hospital now, and I'm quite anxious!

Good luck. Is your mum with you? I hope you can get some answers today.

Hope you made progress yesterday

Oops I forgot to update this!

Well, I went to the hospital, and the lady said I could have endometriosis, but she wouldn't do a laparoscopy yet, as I'm too young (and anyway, I have GCSEs in less than a year). She's said my only option is to take hormones, so she's going to give me the pill for two months, and if that doesn't work, she'll give me the injection. I will visit her again in six months.

I have to admit I'm not very happy about having to take contraception, but I don't really have a choice. And apparently the pill makes you nauseous and gain weight and a vast variety of other symptoms, which I really don't want to happen (though that's mainly vanity if I'm honest).

I also feel as though I'm compromising my principles. When they were trialling male contraception, and the trials were cancelled due to the side effects men faced, I thought the side effects were only a tiny amount of the side effects women face on the pill. That made me think I wouldn't go on the pill, as if the side effects werent suitable for men, they weren't suitable for me.

Now it seems I have no choice .

Hello

I don't suppose anyone is still here? I could really do with some advice.

After a whole hullabaloo involving the gynaecologist, my GP and the surgery, I was finally prescribed the mini pill. However, I was reading the leaflet it came with before I began taking it, and it said you can't take it if you have a peanut allergy.

I have a peanut allergy.

The GP then contacted the gynaecologist and an immunologist, and apparently no type of the mini pill is suitable for people with a peanut allergy. I've now been given a self referral.

What can I do now? My period is still affecting me, my health, my life and my education. I spent half of my friends birthday party on Sunday curled up on the floor of the toilets, trying not to faint, and I missed school today, because of the pain and the ridiculously heavy flow. I'm genuinely considering buying shares in Lilets when I turn 18

So I suppose I'm asking, what do I do now? Any advice? My mum just tells me it's my fault that the pill is not suitable for me.

Thanks!

Hi I sympathise having heavy periods myself due to endometriosis. I would recommend a book called the period repair manuel by Lara briden. It is very interesting to understand exactly what is going on with your hormones relating to specific period problems.
Some of her suggestions have really helped me, 2 things in particular leap out reading your post which could possibly help you. I now take ibuprofen the day before my period is coming ( I get pain 2days before so have warning) it reduces the prostaglandins that cause pain and also halves flow. I carry on taking it regularly for two days of period. I also gave up dairy on her suggestion and I believe this has helped make my periods lighter.
There is a section on teenagers, she says it can take a couple of years for your hormone river to settle and problems are mostly temporary. Obviously you still need checking out though in case you have a medical problem.
Definitely take iron supplements, ironically anaemia can cause heavy periods, not just be the result of heavy flow . Magnesium will calm cramps. I wish you well xx

Re: the effect of your periods on your mood.

I've had terrible PMS my entire life, and have always felt fobbed off by health professionals when I've mentioned the effect my cycle has on my mental health.

Finally, at the ripe old age of 38 and after a particularly bleak month, I saw a different GP and sobbed my heart out about how desperate I was finding the whole thing. He prescribed a low dose of fluoxetine (Prozac).

It has changed my life.

I don't exactly feel fabulous when I get my period now, but I no longer feel darkly depressed. I don't sob uncontrollably or lie in bed wondering how I will face the day.

If you're feeling this awful, it is worth discussing this with your GP and enlisting a parent/adult relative etc to push for you if they're dismissive (which I often find health professionals can be with this issue).

I think the really important thing for you to know is that this is not normal. The symptoms you described in your original post are not normal. Don't let anyone try to tell you that they are!
I know you don't feel great about contraception, I've felt that way before too. But honestly when you are suffering with your own hormones so badly, contraception is a million times better and often a huge relief! Don't let yourself feel bad about it, your hormones are doing a number on you and need to be kept in check.
Push and push for a different type of help. Don't let it go. You still need help x

Why does your mum think it is your fault you have a peanut allergy? 😳 You must feel at the end of your tether. Can you get another type of pill?

Ie. Why does it have to be mini pill?

I think you need to go back to the gynaecologist and ask if a Mirena would be suitable. I have previously worked in obs and gynae (not clinical). I have no idea whether the Mirena is suitable for those with a peanut allergy. Mirena's can be fitted under a quick GA for minors. If you find your gynae unhelpful I would ask for a second opinion with someone else. Where are you in the UK? Pm me if you would rather not state on the thread. I hope things improve for you. MaQueen was right - you should not be suffering like this

I am guessing mini pill Cake as the OP has migraine with aura. The combined pill is not recommended for those who have migraine with aura.

There are loads of hormone treatments and versions of the pill. See another doctor. If you can get a good endocrinologist or even a half decent GP they will try different ones with you. They can be surprisingly different, experientially. It is true that migraine with aura and estrogen supplementation correlates with raised stroke risk. But it's not true about the peanut - they can prescribe by brand instead of generic for nut allergy (Cerelle, and Gederel are peanut and soya safe, for example) and they should know this and so should the pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist - they are actually rather good on this stuff.

Try a mooncup or generic silicone cup in the meantime for the flow. There are cheap ones on Amazon for 90p. You'll need a small size. Good luck and I'm sorry this is so rotten. It's probably fixable but it will be hard to push for - people don't take it seriously and are happy to let women suffer for years. But you don't have to!

You poor thing.
It just seems like one thing after another when all you want is a solution. Unfortunately I don’t have any advice as I haven’t had the experience that you’re going through but I wanted to let you know that I’m holding your hand op x