Struggling with period

[Monopolydread]

I regularly get headaches right before my period and then feel awful when it arrives. Eg, last week when it started I woke up and struggled to get up. My head felt really fuzzy. This lasted about an hour, feeling like I might faint. It eased off after that but still felt wobbly for that day and the next and I couldn't go to work the first day Obviously I can't be off sick every month.

Is it worth talking to a GP. I went a couple of years ago when period started being every 3 weeks and heavy and was told I was too old/overweight for birth control to manage that.

You sound like I used to be, for me it was my lifestyle and vestibular migraines that made me feel like that during different parts of my cycle and especially early days of period.

It is worth investigating. If you can keep a daily diary of how you feel (tired, nauseous etc) it will help identify hormonal irregularities, also note what you consume in terms of food, drinks etc. when your period starts describe the symptoms. This is handy when going to the GP as often the first they’ll say is keep a diary and come back.

Personally I would get to the root cause of what’s happening and manage that and not mask it with birth control as it can create other problems.

It could be lifestyle factors effecting you. Since I made changes I actually have no pain or discomfort and feel consistently normal throughout the month. I personally can’t tolerate too much sugar or soy based products especially 7-10 days before my period as I’ll feel horrendous if I do have them.

You could be low in mineral and vitamins, which we often require more of during certain parts of our cycles. You could ask for a blood test but bear in mind that hormones vary on the day and time so may not be accurate. Things I take to help me include magnesium, iron and b vitamins.

You can sort this out, may take some time and making adjustments but I can tell You it is great when period starts and your body feels the same, don’t feel you’ll be like this forever!

Thanks. Wouldn't surprise me if diet/vitamins etc play a role. I thought maybe i just need to accept that it was down to age but I will start with diet and diary. Might try some all in one Wellwoman tablets.