Painful periods and painkillers not helping much

[Dreamerinme]

I’m 50 and possibly in perimenopause, although the only changes are to my periods and I have no other symptoms (yet).

I’ve always had painful periods which ibuprofen alone sorted out, but I’m increasingly finding that standard painkillers - ibuprofen & paracetamol alternated - are just not blocking out the pain. Sometimes they work but some months they absolutely don’t and I feel absolutely dreadful for 2-4 days per month. I also try hot water bottles and baths.

Is it worth mentioning to the GP or should I try Co-Cocodamol instead? I’ve just heard too many tales of GP’s just saying it’s like perimenopause that it causing the increased pain.

I also take Transexamic Acid 500mg for heavy bleeding when needed which works (for the past 2 years, as the GP said this could happen and it as).

I’m 44 and am exactly the same. The pain has been getting progressively worse over the past year or so, it’s awful. A couple of nights ago I didn’t get any sleep as I was in so much agony, the pain was so bad I was feeling nauseous and nothing helped. I have been taking both Brufen and Co-Codamol, but these often don’t work anymore. So I hear you!
I have finally phoned my GP practice on Friday and had a telephone consultation with the practice nurse. She was lovely and prescribed Mefenamic Acid, but told me
to get back to her in a couple of months if it’s not helping. She said perimenopause or not, I shouldn’t be in this much pain and they would refer to gynae for some investigations if it continued. So it’s definitely worth contacting the GP, even just to get the ball rolling!

I would push the GP for a gynae referral.

I am 51 and have had years (decades) of heavy periods and digestive issues. I’ve been under the same gynae department for the last 10 years, I’ve had 4 hysteroscopies and endless polyp removals.

Last December I asked for a mri scan because my periods are so painful, turns out I have endometriosis. Same thing happened to my sister, years of pain and only diagnosed at the age of 44.

Not saying this could be the cause of your pain but endo is such an under diagnosed condition and I am convinced peri has exacerbated my issues.

Get some cocodamol definately, but do ask gp for scan, ive had terrible pain and turned out cyst, since theyve removed it its not like that anymore , still painful but yea not like that where nothing helps