[kygirl]

I am on BC and I have been for over 8 years. I just started my period last night and I am having severe cramps. I started cramping actually pretty bad on Tuesday afternoon which never starts that early. I seem to be having a lot of large clots and just intense cramps, even when taking meds... Am I doing something?? What would cause the sudden change? I haven't had cramps like this in YEARS and these are honestly even a bit worse than I remember those being (that was pre-BC).

Thoughts? any good at home remedies??

[Ashlee T.]

Hmmmmmm.......well normally I'd say "check your diet" (for things like lots of caffeine), but I know you've been working on maintaining a healthy diet. And then next I'd say, "Exercise more", but I know you've been exercising too. :\

I know sometimes it happens to me and I never really know why. Ibuprofen usually subsides my cramping which usually only lasts a couple days at the most.

Hopefully someone with some expertise in this field can better answer you. I feel your pain, but don't quite know the answer (though I'm interested to find out!).

[Goodgirl93]

You may be lounging around more because of the cramps are so painful.Try getting up and moving around,going on short walks,or just atleast do some movement.Lying around will actually make the bleeding much worse.As much as it hurts,ide just try it.As far as the cramps? Hmm...Do you have regular periods?? Maybe your period last month was lighter than usual and you are paying for it this month? Or you had little to no cramps last month and they caught up to you? I know that happens to me when I have irregular periods here and there.Avoid any Aspirin or blood thinning pain relievers as well.Thats enough to make you anemic.

A way to relieve cramps is to put a heating pad onto your stomach or take long warm baths.Tampons can actually make the cramps worse for some women,although for me,its vise versa...

But as far as heavy bleeding,just move around as much as possible. Good luck and i hope you feel better soon!

[want2live]

I've never been able to explain why bad cramps sometimes and not others. I do feel my period is much less painfull if I'm getting some exercise every day in the week leading into my period and then continue with exercise during the period. I've found the best remedy for the cramps is a heat pack - it seems to soothe the pain and I think makes the cramps go faster.

Another thing to check - are you getting enough sleep and keeping stress in check? Lack of sleep and stress can make my body go haywire.

If this occurrence is a one off or only occasional I wouldn't worry too much about it. However, if a new pattern emerges where this becomes normality for you I'd strongly advise checking in with a doctor.

[jenzthename]

cyst?

I have a (water-filled) cyst that my doctor is monitoring. But as it has grown the past few months, so has the amount of my bleeding and the severity of my cramps. Talk to your doctor about it.