Anyone got a good remedy for extremely painful periods, and do you think this sounds normal?

[rookiemater]

Came off the pill 6 mths ago as we are ttc.

Since then my periods seem to be getting progressively more painful culminating in last night getting no sleep at all despite dosing myself up on Ibuprofen. I ended up taking the day off work which I am so embarassed about because its just blinkin period pain, but my DH who had slept in the spare room to give me some space to roll around said I looked to tired and drawn to go in and I was still finding it hard to move around.

The bit that worried me was that rather than having all over soreness I had particular shooting pains in one side.

I have been to the doctors and she has prescribed stronger pain killers and I am off to get an ultrascan as I have had cysts in the past.

Maybe I just have a low pain threshold and this is what everyones periods are like ? Anyone any helpful advice.

I took ponstan - generic name - mefanamic acid for years and then had acupuncture and it cleared up and got much better.
Think you're wise to get it checked out if you've had cysts though

Don't be embarrassed about taking time off work for it - it doesn't matter what the cause is, if you're not well enough to go in, youre not well enough.

Hot water bottle and baths can help too if you don't get too hot like I used to.
HTH and good luck with TTC (one OLD doctor I saw for a repeat prescription of the ponstan did tell me that the best cure for period pain is having a baby Not due for another 3 weeks so can't confirm or deny that one)

my best friend has just had an awful time with gynae things so please do not take this as 'normal' - get your scans done and get referred to a specialist gynae so you dont put up with this for months/years

CS, I've heard that old wives' tale about periods being less painful after a baby. Sadly in my case it hasn't been true; my periods were trouble-free pre-baby but are painful now, plus I have raging PMT. Sorry to go off-topic, Rookie. No, I don't think this sounds normal, and I hope that you get some answers.

do you have any children already? having dd cured my hideous period pain. before that the only thing that worked was taking the pill continuously, obviously not an option if you're ttc.

Thanks for your replies.Should have explained we do have one DS and the doctor said that normally periods became less painful after having a baby. Thats another reason why I'm a bit concerned, we have only been ttc for 7mths but wondering if these vicious periods could be an indicator of something needing checked out.

My boss was really understanding when I explained what was wrong with me, don't think she would be if I ended up having a day off every month. Also was really impressed with the doctor taking me seriously.

Champagne, how long did you have acupuncture for and do you think this is why it got much better ?

Had about three treatments of acupuncture I think and do think it's amazingly powerful stuff. I was having it for being generally run down and asked her to help out with my periods. (she was very against taking prescription drugs for the pain, she's a bit of a lentil weaver )

but you need to find a practitioner you're happy with. I"m moving out of London later in the year but would come back to London to see my lady if I needed to.

Thanks ChampagneSupernova I have heard its great for ttc as well so will give it a go as I am not keen on taking heavy dose prescription drugs long term as well.

Oh good luck for the birth, hope it all goes well for you.

Hi CSupernova - Where in London is your accupuncturist? We'd like to find a good one. Cheers.

Could you be short of calcium?
If you google calcium and menstrual cramps that should give you some interesting info.

I am in the same situation. The only thing that cures it for me is going on the pill, we are also trying to ttc number 2 but I am thinking of giving up as I can't bear these periods any longer.

My period opain is so painful that I end up on the floor in a crying heap several times a day for a week.

Ruddynorah - Can I ask, were you told to take the pill continuously ?? I have been doing just that but my this was not on my gp's advice, I just can't stand being in that much pain anymore each month.
I keep meaning to tell my gp, but am worried she will refuse to prescribe it at all then.
I am working on the basis that it can't be doing me that much harm, as you can have the pill injection, and not have any periods.