Question... Ladies only. TMI

[coolshannie]

You've been warned.

Sometimes ( this isn't every time ) On random days of ' aunt flow's ' time my cramps get so horrible that I feel as if I am going to physically be sick. I have a really low tolerance to pain so I don't know if that's why... I talk to my mom a lot about so much in my life but Aunt flow isn't something we ever really talk about... I am really tired even just every once in a while of feeling so awful that I can't do anything and I feel like im going to be sick. I was just wondering if this is normal and I should stop complaining about it. This is after I've taken IB profen or Midol. Or if maybe I need to be put on something like birth control? I think if I mentioned the word birth control my mom would flip. Would that even help? Or is my occasional issue not horrible enough to even be considered for that? Are there other possible things that might help? I'm just curious what others have to say about it before I go talk to my mom or my doctor.

Thanks for reading.

 

[maelstrom]

Birth control could possibly help. Definitely bring it up with your doctor.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

I'm the same way and the only that touches them, for me, is Motrin. BC could help but I have never tried that.

 

[coolshannie]

I'm the same way and the only that touches them, for me, is Motrin. BC could help but I have never tried that.

I'll definitely try that I'd rather try other things before asking about BC. My mother didn't even agree about putting me on birth control when I was on accutane. I didn't need it we both knew that, but I know unless it was to the extreme she would be against me being on it and I'm not even sure that I would want to be on it but if It would make the extreme pain and sickness go away I think I'd try just about anything...

 

[maelstrom]

I'll definitely try that I'd rather try other things before asking about BC. My mother didn't even agree about putting me on birth control when I was on accutane. I didn't need it we both knew that, but I know unless it was to the extreme she would be against me being on it and I'm not even sure that I would want to be on it but if It would make the extreme pain and sickness go away I think I'd try just about anything...

You don't need your mother's permission to go on birth control. Your doctor also cannot tell your mother that you're on birth control.

 

[AshleyW]

How old are you? If you're 16 or older, you can go to Planned Parenthood to get birth control w/o your parents knowing. I was able to do that, and I got it free - my parents insurance didn't cover birth control. But, I would suggest trying to talk to your mom about it.. I went on birth control without telling my mom, and now she tells me how silly I was for sneaking around. Moms are generally more understanding than it seems sometimes.

 

[coolshannie]

You don't need your mother's permission to go on birth control. Your doctor also cannot tell your mother that you're on birth control.

How old are you? If you're 16 or older, you can go to Planned Parenthood to get birth control w/o your parents knowing. I was able to do that, and I got it free - my parents insurance didn't cover birth control. But, I would suggest trying to talk to your mom about it.. I went on birth control without telling my mom, and now she tells me how silly I was for sneaking around. Moms are generally more understanding than it seems sometimes.

I'm 18. I know I can go on it without my parent's consent. I do plan on talking to my mom, but like you were implying sometimes its difficult to discuss certain topics; birth control being one of them. I don't think I could ever sneak behind my parents back for it while living under their roof and as they pay for my college education, necessities, and all of the extras, because I love them to much to sneak around when being honest would get me a lot further then being sneaky, a lesson well learned for me, no matter how hard it might be for me to discuss it. I know they are always more understanding then we all seem to think... its just believing that sometimes is the problem...

 

[NMAmy]

You sound like a great young woman. Talk to your mom and explain what's going on. Also, go to your doctor. You need to be checked to make sure it's normal and they can also give you prescription strength ibuprofin. I have a medical issue that causes cramps like this and I can't take the pill. Prescription strength ibuprofin is the only thing that helps with the pain. Perhaps you could start with that and, if that doesn't work, then talk to your mom and your doctor about going on the pill.

There's a difference between going on the pill to stop acne and going on the pill to stop excruciating pain. You might be surprised by your mom.

 

[hucifer]

Before you try birth control, I HIGHLY recommend making sure you're getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA.

About a month after taking krill oil (cod liver oil also works), my painful monthly reminders stopped -- completely. I take this oil:http://shop.mercola.com/-New_and_Improved_Krill_Oil_for_Women__270_caps___One_Bottle-P1051.aspx, but any high-quality fish/krill oil will help.

Just something to consider. It worked for me!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The secret to ibuprofin working successfully for menstrual cramps is in how you take it. Prostaglandins are what cause swelling > pain and uterine contractions. Ibuprofin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis so this does not occur as much. So the key is to take it before it starts - just before your period starts and for the first few days of having it - around the clock to keep the inflammation and contractions away/down/in check.

I suffered from horrible cramps when I was younger and the only thing available was midol and that was useless for me. Ibuprofin was like a miracle, and thankfully my doctor taught me how to use it correctly. Try it. I generally take 600-800mg twice a day and that works great for me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

As for the BC, I agree with your seeking your parents' input on it. You sound like you have a great, respectful relationship with them and that's ideal. If I were your mother, I would prefer to try other methods of pain relief before jumping into something like birth control, because taking them are not without risks. In my work I've seen many cases of young women with serious, sometimes life threatening side effects (pulmonary embolus; stroke). Even though they're pretty rare, I would want to be sure the benefits far outweighed the risks.

Further (and it may be a moot point), I think the laws about teens obtaining birth control without parental consent were intended more to prevent unwanted pregnancy, not to treat a medical condition. Again, benefits and risks should be seriously weighed when considering types of BC. If you don't need the pregnancy prevention aspect of BC, and haven't tried using an analgesic to its fullest, then going straight to BC would seem like overkill to me. (Though I know most people think it's no big deal, and for most people, it probably isn't.) JMO

 

[RadioNate]

I too had horrid cramps when I was your age. I think it is pretty typical. I used to miss at least one day of school every month in HS. It was embarrassing because everyone knew why!

Ibuprofin helps (motrin, advil.) But I had to take a lot.

I agree that some sort of birth control would help. I had a VERY devout Catholic friend start for that very reason in HS. Her mom was completely on board.

 

[laurie31]

I feel your pain - literally. When I was a couple of years younger than you, it was so bad that I ended up talking to my mother and she took me to the doctor. I got a prescription for Aleve (this was way back before it was available OTC). You might try Aleve. Whether you use it or ibuprofen, take it like Pea-n-Me said. On a schedule - don't let it wear off!

And FWIW, I had natural (unmedicated) childbirth, and it was not as bad as my teenaged periods. Seriously.

 

[DWGal210]

Hey OP,

I think you should talk to your mom. Since it sounds like you two have a good relationship, she'll understand.

I would for sure see a doctor as well, if you haven't already. When I was a teenager, and up until a few years ago, I had terrible cramps, back pain, etc - sometimes so bad it was hard to get out of bed in the morning. I have been on various BC for about 5 years now, and for my own reasons, I am looking at alternate forms of treatment to control my pain. After talking to my OB GYN, he found that I do not ovulate and I most likely have endometerosis, which has been causing my pain (I am having a laproscopy next month to diagnose for sure).

I don't say this to concern you, and I am certainly not trying to diagnose you myself, but my point is - bring your doctor in on the discussion. You know your body, and if you are in terrible pain, get checked out. They may think BC is the best bet, they may have other suggestions. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Take care!

 

[cappygirl]

I was in the same boat when I was a teen and my mom actually took me to the gyn and talked to the doctor with me so we were all on board when the doc suggested birth control. It really did help!!
Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

I used to have bad cramps, my gyn prescribed 520mg Naproxen, which is Aleve over the counter. Works great!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

Hmm...well, for what it's worth, I've had excruciating "I-can't-move-at-all-for-three-days" cramps for over 20 years now. I also go through several hours of nausea, fatigue, extreme cold (to the point where I shiver, even when it's 90 degrees), and I get a burning, tearing feeling in my abdomen. BC never helped (I tried 6 different types). I do have endometriosis, so I chalk it up to that.

Honestly, what's helped me most is just changing my diet. I try to stay away from HFCS and excess sodium, caffeine, greasy fried food...although I still have the cramps, they're not quite as bad as they were when I did eat whatever I wanted. I do also need to take two Tylenol Extra Strength "Rapid Release" (because my cramps literally come on in the snap of your fingers). I don't know why that combination works for me, but it does...

 

[Christine]

When I was a teen I had cramps so bad that I would vomit. Fortunately they eased up. Naprosyn (Aleve) was not on the market then though I finally got some when I was about 16 (it was prescription). I never had another problem after that.

What you need is to take a prescription dose of Aleve. My doctor told me to start taking it *before* my period started (it reduces the prostaglandins). Take it for 3 days. This should help a lot.

I'm not advising you against BC but BC pills will probably help the pain but can also cause many other issues/side effects for some people. They aren't perfect. I think if you can tolerate the Aleve, that might be a good start.

Oh, and don't think you are weak or can't tolerate pain. Some people just get more prostaglandins during this time. These prostaglandins cause all sorts of issues. Not only did I get nausea, it would cause also sorts of lower intestinal issues (if you catch my meaning there). Another woman in my office has the same problems. The prostaglandins that make your uterus contract during your period also have an affect on your digestive system which includes your colon.

 

[Zandy595]

The secret to ibuprofin working successfully for menstrual cramps is in how you take it. Prostaglandins are what cause swelling > pain and uterine contractions. Ibuprofin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis so this does not occur as much. So the key is to take it before it starts - just before your period starts and for the first few days of having it - around the clock to keep the inflammation and contractions away/down/in check.

I suffered from horrible cramps when I was younger and the only thing available was midol and that was useless for me. Ibuprofin was like a miracle, and thankfully my doctor taught me how to use it correctly. Try it. I generally take 600-800mg twice a day and that works great for me.

Is it ok to take that much Ibuprofen? The bottle I have says not to take more than six 200mg tablets in 24 hours. I have horrible cramps also and I'm afraid I'm taking way too much Ibuprofen. I have to take two tablets every four hours just to dull the pain a little. BTW, I'm on BC pills to help with the cramps, but it hasn't worked. I'm planning on asking her to switch me to a different kind. My mom (a nurse) says I should get my thyroid checked because that could have something to do with the cramps.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Is it ok to take that much Ibuprofen? The bottle I have says not to take more than six 200mg tablets in 24 hours.

Six 200mg tablets is the same as two 600mg tablets twice a day. I can go up by prescription.