[Space-Traveller]

I have extremely painful periods and I have tried everything. I've been to the doctor, there is no underlying health condition. I take Ketonal (+anticonvulsant) and it doesn't work like I would want it to, it decreases the pain, but it's still there and I can't leave home during the first days of my period. Other painkillers don't help at all or just very little. Heat pads work a little. I can't take any hormones. I take vitamin supplements and they don't seem to help with that, but I take them for other reasons. I'm generally healthy, I don't have any addictions and I'm thin, I exercise. Is there anything else I can try or do?

[Wednesday L.F.]

While this isn't for everyone, I've had good luck with CBD both topically and consumed via vape pen. It's not psychoactive like smoking marijuana would be, and is available in edible forms like gummies or chocolate. Unless you are in Idaho, Nebraska, or South Dakota, I suggest giving that a try.

This suggestion presumes that you've spoken with your regular doctor about this already.

[Space-Traveller]

I have heard that painful periods improve with age. Is it true? My mom had uterine myomas (because of which she had her uterus removed last year) and her periods got worse the older she got. But she never had periods as painful as mine and didn't have to take prescription painkillers at all.

[Wednesday L.F.]

My periods became less painful, and less predictable, once I hit age 40. Less bloating, less cramping, shorter duration.

[Ronit Raj]

A painful period is often referred to as dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea comes in two types: primary and secondary.

1) People with primary dysmenorrhea feel pain both before and during their periods.
2) Secondary dysmenorrhea may be the cause of previously painless periods that subsequently become painful.
This can be brought on by a disorder like endometriosis or uterine fibroids that affects the uterus or other pelvic organs.

[Space-Traveller]

My periods became less painful, and less predictable, once I hit age 40. Less bloating, less cramping, shorter duration.

Oh my, that would be a long time before it.

[Space-Traveller]

You won't believe it - it probably was allergy to gluten.

So I went down the path of being careful with my diet - I excluded everything that causes my stomach to hurt even a little (mostly raw vegetables and beans) and it brought the pain down to a level managable with painkillers. I will have to wait and see how it affects the period pain, but I stopped eating gluten a week ago and the difference is mind-blowing, my stomach almost never hurts now and it stopped being bloated. I have a 100% flat stomach now. Because it hurt mildly very often. I also feel so much better without the digestive issues. It causes a feeling similar to low-grade flu.

I don't know what to do with my life now, lol. Maybe I can just use an IUD in the future if I tolerate hormones poorly. But I have no nerve for it right now. And I don't need birth control.

[jns]

You won't believe it - it probably was allergy to gluten.

So I went down the path of being careful with my diet - I excluded everything that causes my stomach to hurt even a little (mostly raw vegetables and beans) and it brought the pain down to a level managable with painkillers. I will have to wait and see how it affects the period pain, but I stopped eating gluten a week ago and the difference is mind-blowing, my stomach almost never hurts now and it stopped being bloated. I have a 100% flat stomach now. Because it hurt mildly very often. I also feel so much better without the digestive issues. It causes a feeling similar to low-grade flu.

I don't know what to do with my life now, lol. Maybe I can just use an IUD in the future if I tolerate hormones poorly. But I have no nerve for it right now. And I don't need birth control.

It's great that you have a path forward. I suppose you should be tested for other allergies. I say that since my older brother had multiple allergies.

[Space-Traveller]

It's great that you have a path forward. I suppose you should be tested for other allergies. I say that since my older brother had multiple allergies.

Oh, you're right, people often have multiple allergies. I'm aware that I have allergy to some kinds of nuts and seafood. I had some bloodwork done to determine allergies in the past, I need to check it.

[abbywarner]

Hello!
I am so sorry about your painful cramps. I know you mentioned that heat works a little bit. We created a portable heating pad. If you're interested check it out at [link removed by mod]. It has helped a lot of people with painful cramps! It may not take away the pain completely but it can help you to be able to go about your day.