[Hopless]

hi. i have some some what new occurring symptoms around my period. it seems my cycles have been becoming worse every month. i was never one to get cramps but now im getting horrible pains! i usually know im getting my period because my legs begin to hurt and feel tired along with a few cramps that some tylenol could fix. but now i have cramps for pretty much my full cycle and they are horrid. so bad that i dont feel like i can function through the day. they also feel like that travel up into my rib cage area and my abdomen feels tight and knotted for days..im wondering if im the only one who experiences this or if there is something underlying that i cant figure out. some one please help.

[taraleigh]

This is something that comes with age, when I first got my period I had no pains and didn't understand what anyone was talking about. A few years later I started getting pains so bad I couldn't get out of bed. Its normal don't worry. If your really concerned go to the doctor as strong birth controls help to conceal the pain surrounding your period.

[Hopless]

thankyou, i was hoping this wasnt something with age! i see some people just breeze on my with their cycles and then i just sit there and dont move for atleast a day..and then the rest of the cycle i just move slowly..LOL i think i will check with my doctor and see what she has to say

[Bug_Lady]

I have noticed mine getting worse over time, too. However, mine turned out to be ovarian cysts and I also had a polyp in my uterine lining. My body took care of it on its own but **** was it painful. I might talk to your OBGYN about it and ask for an ultrasound. They should be able to tell you if anything looks suspicious. If you're all clear I'm afraid you may just be one of the unlucky ones :-/

One thing I would think about is an IUD. They are supposed to help with cramps and, over time, you just stop having your period. There are many forms of BC that can help with these pains.

[Hopless]

thank you! ive not yet had probs with cysts or anything. my exams have always turned out normal but i know that doesnt mean things dont change. I will def ask my obgyn about dif options now since the pain is progressively getting worse!! I will have to consider BC again most likely..i hadnt been on it because i had been TTC, but that it just another problem that isnt working in my favor =0(

[angelap99]

I used to think that it was something that women had to suffer with or with age too..but it's not true! There is hope for you. Here are some tips to help with cramps that do not involve medicine or birth control (Which I am strongly against as a method of helping PMS pain):

Through many years of experimentation and research, I have found that certain foods will exaggerate cramps while others will eliminate them. And rather quickly! The key is to apply these tips at least a day before your expected cycle and while you are on it. Below are three simple secrets for keeping cramping at bay. It is best to follow these simple tips a day before your expected cycle and at least through the first 3 days of the onset of it for maximum results.

1. NO DAIRY!

This is a MUST! Cow-based dairy is a HUGE no no. Dairy will induce intense cramping. Say no to cheese, milk, ice-cream (that’s a hard one to resist I know), etc. If you really have a craving, try almond milk substitutes.


2. GINGER ROOT

Get it in its raw form, but if you have a sweet craving during this time of the month, you can also get some ginger candy pieces and chew on those. You can chew on the root in its raw form (preferably), or boil it in hot water to make a tea. This root is amazing and will keep your cramps at bay. The downside is that it will make your period come on a bit heavier.


3. NO CHOCOLATE

I know this is a tough one to resist, but have you noticed how you feel after eating a lot of chocolate? Maybe a super high, followed by a devastating crash. It gets even worse during your menstrual cycle. Try to substitute it for ginger candies, but if you REALLY have an irresistible craving for chocolate, then eat only a very SMALL amount of it. It is best to avoid it, but sometimes the craving just overpowers what you know you should avoid.

[Kiwicherry]

I have really HORRIBLE cramps during the first and second day of my period, too. When I was 14 to 16, it was so bad that I even fainted from pain or weakness. I figured out that pain meds like paracetamol did not help and aspirin makes it even worse because it thins your blood. But I luckily found one medication that helps me: Ibuprofen. I have to take up to 800 mg on the first day. Something that I'd never do when I do not have my period. But that works.
And do you know that warmth works wonder? Of course, taking a hot bath is not really good because this amplifies the bleeding but a simple hot water bottle upon your belly is great. It relaxes the cramped areas in your body and this really helps. You can also put it on your legs or your back (these parts are hurting badly during my period, too)
And I figured out that it is absolutely unhealthy to do gymnastics or soft sports, even walks. My teacher kept telling me this would make the cramps go away but that only made the pain worse everytime. So, my recipe is: lying in bed with a hot water bottle and as a medical support: Ibuprofen.

[Kait424]

I used to have terrible cramps as a teen. After researching more, I found there are some nutrients that can help if you take them daily - not just during the week of your period. This way they can support your body before the cramps occur.

1. calcium
2. magnesium
3. high quality fish oil/omega 3
4. reduce your stress!