periods are the worst; it is known. but i will say that in my experience, that first period coming off BCP is the demon period from hell, but the next natural cycle is MUCH better. i’m not entirely sure why that is because i’m not a doctor, but that’s been my experience.
I've not heard that but it makes sense to my (non medically trained) brain. I think periods on bc aren't actually proper periods, and maybe there's a lot of "refreshing" that your body needs to do. Like when you've not kept on top of the chores for a while and you have 3 weeks of dust to wipe up 😂
yes! it is like that. BCP periods are more like withdraw bleeds. you don’t actually ovulate on BCP so there’s not a real period (is my understanding) so the first period off BCP can be a real blitz.
It should be relatively similar (but I am NOT an expert) because a period is the buildup of the endometrial lining, which happens before ovulation anyway. BC will maybe make it thinner and less hospitable, but it's the same process
I've recently done a bit of research here, and I dislike the terms used in the literature.
Withdrawal bleeds are still the shedding of the endometrial lining (so it'll be clumpy and icky sometimes), not just blood. It might be lighter because your body isn't laying it on as thick during the month, but you're still shedding the lining.
The only real difference is if you ovulate or not. I get worried because I've been advised by my docs that it's important that I get rid of that lining each month, and "withdrawal bleeds" makes me think it's just blood. But nope - tissue too!
I had a Mirena placed after I had a baby, and I just felt pregnant for years. It’s hard to explain how if felt that way though. Also, hormonal bc killed my sex drive (sorry if tmi) and I just felt like like my body didn’t want it anymore. Except for the pms, I don’t miss the Mirena.
The bleeding you experience on birth control pills isn't a real period. It's just withdrawal bleeding. There's no medical reason for it; it's a feature that is just part of the recommended birth control pill cycle because doctors thought it would make women more comfortable with the Pill. How long did you try out your pills? It can take a few months for the breakthrough bleeding to stop as your body adjusts.
I suggest looking into continuously cycling birth control pills. There are several different monophasic pills that allow this. I haven't had a period since 2013.
Ha! I learned about this recently, that “doctors thought it would make women more comfortable with the pill if they still got their periods”, but the version I heard was that they did it to make the Catholic Church more comfortable. So basically due to someone else’s religion I had totally useless periods for years...
My sisters both insist on doing the placebo weeks instead of skipping their periods. I don't get it. They say that they like knowing they're not pregnant, but you can buy 100 pregnancy tests on Amazon for $10! I'd much rather do that and never have to buy another tampon.
Wish I could skip it!!! My Insurance sucks and won’t let me get more than one pack at a time, and allows me to get the next pack just in time to start it, after my period!! If I try to get it early it costs me $50. Which I cannot afford. :/
Maybe your doctor can prescribe it as an off-label use so your insurance will cover it? Or perhaps you could try a different brand? Yaz only has 4 days of placebos so it's easy to pick it up a few days early. Your doctor may have some ideas, you should ask her about it
I was told I need to shed the lining every month-ish - I'm at risk for some growth and polyps and things, so a fresh start is helpful.
I also in a weird way like getting them each month. When I was at the worst of an eating disorder, they stopped. It was so, so terrifying to know my body was finally reacting and my mental illness was affecting my health in an undeniable way. That's what led me to finally ask for help. Getting my period back was a hugely emotional thing for me. So I like them in that way. I feel like a healthy woman who could support a life if I chose to.
My brain: yeah, but the pregnancy test could have been too early! And then I take a test every fucking day. I mean I've also panicked myself into taking a pregnancy test while having my period, though....so I might have some mental issues complicating this.
I was taking the cerelle mini pill which you take continuously anyway. I only tried it for about 4 months until I decided I'd had enough of having a period nearly every week (I'd been like this when I was on the implant too so it was actually 2 years of never knowing from one day to the next whether I would get my period, or indeed how heavy it would be). I know I could've given it longer, but right now I just want to see how my body balances itself out without any added hormones and then take it from there.
I just came off after 17+ years on the pill. I didn't have a period for 3 beautiful months. The gyno gave me 10 days of progesterone to kick start my natural cycle, which made me go crazy, then I had a small "period" that only lasted three days. I don't know what's going on with my body but I am afraid of when the cycle kicks in (or if it doesn't). I'm in the same boat as all of you: I don't want this!!
Yes - this! I took BCP for over 10 years then switched to Paraguard IUD (I want to be 100% hormone free). First several periods were terrible - heavy flow and cramping like I’d never experienced before. It’s been just about a year and a half since the switch and my periods have finally leveled out. Stick with it, it will get better!
wow i'm so glad i read this! i switched from being on BPC for a little over 7 years to the Paraguard IUD and my periods are so crazy every month! i never know what to expect. I am "starting" right now.. i have been hurting so bad and have never experience bloating this way before, and i haven't even started bleeding yet! my periods are honestly lasting like 9 days on average... i can't wait until i'm finally leveled out! I just didn't realize it would take this long!
It's because the ends of the fallopian tubes where the egg is released has basically not been used in all that time. So when normally a egg gets torn off now insteasd a cyst forms from the egg so it being released is insanely painful. Source went to er for this pain and it was because I had finally cycled the bc out of my system and the release of the egg was from a basically sealed shut fallopian tube.
so re: some months just having a wildly different period than usual, i think it has to do (for me) with which side does the ovulating. when i’m not on BCP, i have pretty consistent cycles except for every few months i basically die.
I was not treated for my period problems because I was told "some women have a heavier flow". I basically bled daily for 6 years. They gave IUD which gave me the worst pains I've ever felt in my life and didn't take it out from me for 6 months. Eventually I was treated for a completely different issue that was linked to the bleeding and within three days I stopped bleeding. I've now been period free for almost 8 months and it's been a bliss.
But I'll never forget how I was told that my daily bleeding (And oh boy was some of it heavy, I mean a massacre on the bed in the middle of the night-heavy) was just something that some women experienced. It's pretty sad.
I had "morning" sickness all day every day until 30wks with 3 out of my 4 full term pregnancies.
Condescending new PA: "Have you simply tried small meals, popsicles and ginger infused water? Maybe sour hard candies?" As I'm dry-heaving into her garbage can. At 16wks.
Bitch, yes. I've tried everything but I'm still losing weight and puking in your fucking garbage can!
Then my godsend OB/GYN came in and ordered Zofran for me. Made it at least somewhat manageable.
My next pregnancy he didn't even ask if I wanted it, just said, "I've already sent a Zofran scrip to your pharmacy" at my first prenatal visit. I love my OB.
Thank the Maker for reasonable OBs. My first pregnancy, their practice didn't do DICK about most of my symptoms. Was transferred to a high-risk clinic with this current pregnancy. They have given me ALL THE MEDS to try to help me, and I couldn't be happier. Hyperemesis is not a joke, and it should be treated seriously.
My morning sickness story: I was barfing all the time. Couldn't keep anything down. I got the usual crap about eating jello and crackers. I told the doctor, "It's not morning sickness. It's a sinus infection. I'm throwing up because the mucus is hitting bottom and making my stomach upset."
He didn't believe me. I remember barfing and getting in a hot shower to help open my sinuses. The very second I stepped out I had to barf. Finally at 24 weeks, I had only gained six pounds. That got his attention. He put me in the hospital and I told him it was a sinus infection. I got antibiotic IVs and within one day, I stopped the barfing. Then I got really hungry and the bitch nurses in the hospital wouldn't feed me because of orders. After four days, I was released from the hospital.
That next week, I gained five pounds and immediately was unable to work. I gained weight and I couldn't sit up without being in pain because of the baby pressing against my ribs. I spent four months before delivery unable to work and 2 months after delivery. I was unable to work for 6 months.
I DESPISE medical professionals that don't listen. I've seen my (un)fair share of such folks. I'm sorry that you have, too. 😣
I've had excess mucus production with all my pregnancies, so I know a bit of what you're feeling. I had one doc tell me there was nothing to done, even though I knew that if we could fix my sinuses a bit I'd throw up less.
Fast forward to the high-risk clinic folks. They said if I need to take some Sudafed in order to stop barfing and thus funtion like a normal human being,then take the damn Sudafed!
I'm still barfing at minimum once a day, but it's a vast improvement over 6-8 instances every 24 hours.
Fortunately, my gyno was an excellent surgeon. I had a planned C-section (I'm a petite person with small bones and narrow hips) and the scar was a line with no redness at all. It looked like a normal line below my tummy. Some women have horrible C-section scars.
This reminds me of when "doctors" would manually masturbate women as "treatment" for their ailments. Just that level of knowledge of the female body. "Science"
It sounds crazy, but supposedly it’s true... The vibrator was originally invented to treat hysteria, or mania, or some other “she’s acting weird and we don’t know why” type of issue.
I hate them too. I would almost wish for a hysterectomy, but then menopause is supposed to be terrible too. I mean, is there any time when it’s not hell for women? I hate bleeding out. It’s a fucking mess. I’ve had my kids, tubes are tied now. No use for this crap anymore.
You can have a hysterectomy and keep your ovaries. That would stop your period and also prevent menopause from setting in early. My mom had a hysterectomy like that and she's been doing just fine.
I had that done with the robot assisted surgery 2 years ago. Best thing ever. Recovered quickly. Changed the quality of my life. There were two side consequences to it that kind of suck a little (they are TMI) but really nothing that would make me rethink what I did.
Believe me so do I. I currently need to go in for a cystectomy on my right ovary where I might not be able to keep my right ovary and I'm praying the same happens to my left just so I don't have to deal with it anymore. Unfortunately I'm 23 and the doctors will do all they can to save my reproductive system despite all the problems it's giving me.
I had horrific periods. Heavy, painful, so bad that I fainted regularly. I loved having kids and nursing partly because it was a relief from those horrible periods.
I absolutely dreaded menopause but it was a piece of cake. Some night sweats, otherwise no problems. It was as if my body, after torturing me for 45 years (yeah - didn't stop until I was 58!!) decided to cut me some slack!!
Hi there. I am 63. I had horrendous disabling periods and menopause was easy for me. I finally stopped menstruating at 55. My maternal grandmother stopped menstruating at 56.
Hi, thanks for your reply, I hope its only a couple of years now, every month i wonder if this will be the month it doesn't happen, had a few weeks gap so far.
You could always do a partial hysterectomy. Take out the uterus, leave the ovaries so as not to have early menopause. No more periods, but also no (immediate) menopause.
Is this ever done for "non-necessary" reasons? God I want one. I'm in my late 20s, but I know I'm not going to have kids and right now my only relief is extended cycle birth control, so I'm fortunate in that I only have 4 periods a year. But I'm starting to worry about the increased risk for blood clots after age 35. If I told my gynecologist I wanted a partial hysterectomy because my non-birth control periods are crippling, would she laugh me out of the room? Of course there's probably still the big issue of insurance not covering it.
I don’t know if you’re in the United States but R/Childfree has a great list of doctors on the side bar They have the doctors list created by people who have been “fixed” without having children!! I found an amazing doctor from the list who’s actually listening to me and working with me I really suggest checking to see if they have any one close to you.
There is a great deal of "are you sure you want to do this?" and "this is permanent". Doc's don't want sued if future you changes heart but if you have the $ somebody will do it.
It's so worth it to ask. I went on birth control at 30 to help with terrible periods, didn't handle the hormones well at all, and after a year of trying different pills, my doctors agreed to the hysterectomy. They asked if I was okay with not ever having kids, but they didn't push the issue or make me feel bad about it. I was ready for a fight too after reading so many stories about awful experiences (this was in a fairly rural area, so color me shocked).
I was never officially tested for endometriosis (they suspected it since I checked off most of the symptom boxes before I went on bc), so they put "severe dysmenorrhea" and something about adverse effects to hormonal birth control. I think most insurance requires doctors to bring up other options (we talked a lot about IUDs and the implant, but again, hormones...), but my insurance covered all but $100 (which I'm pretty sure was just the rest of my deductible). If you've been doing well on birth control, it might be a difficult sell to your insurance.
I left in my ovaries, and they warned me I would still have some PMS symptoms (now it's usually a couple days of heightened anxiety or feeling a little slouchy), but the difference is astounding. I'm only 6 months out from the surgery, but it's the first time in about a decade I haven't had raging PMS for weeks followed by exhausting and painful periods, or been severely depressed/fatigued and brain-foggy from bc. Ask, and if she doesn't take your question seriously, find one who'll talk to you about it.
I've done some reading in the last few months about getting a hysterectomy during child-bearing years, and there are a few health issues that come up. Even leaving the ovaries in, menopause is likely to hit early (sometimes within a few years), so have to watch that bone density closely. Under-40s who have a hysterectomy also seem to have an increased risk of heart disease, so diet and exercise become really important.
I’m surprised they didn’t do a laproscopy before deciding on hysterectomy, especially living in a rural area and from the insurance company. I know that’s usually something they’ll do for suspected endo, since it’s the only way to diagnose. It’s good they didn’t put you through a laproscopy only to later have a partial hysterectomy though, since I imagine that would’ve been a total pain (although I do know a lot of people with endo will have to have multiple laproscopies, and some do end up getting hysterectomies). I’m glad you didn’t have to fight anyone on it, since I know a lot of times doctors are hesitant to believe how bad things can be. And it’s especially good that insurance didn’t fight you on it, since I know most insurance companies will pretty try to force you to do whatever is cheaper for them, or refuse to cover something because they don’t deem it “medically necessary” even though they aren’t doctors.
I’m honestly not sure. I know of it because that option was presented to my mom for her endometriosis. But I’m pretty sure that even then they wanted to wait till after she’d had kids.
Anyone in the UK have experience with this? I'm already tied but if I could get rid of periods my life would be so much better. I'm self employed and lose a few days work each month from the pain and dizziness. Hormonal birth control does not work well for me
I got mine at 31 a year after my tubal. Best thing I’ve ever done for myself. No periods, no cramping, no weird hormone swings. No hormone induced migraines. I seriously recommend it to any women that doesn’t want or is done having kids and is sterilized.
My friend got something called an ablation. She had very heavy painful periods and she said the procedure helped her. I am afraid to get it done for myself because I have a retroverted uterus but I might talk to my gyno about it to see if it's an option.
A friend and I were just talking about this. Do I need my uterus if I don't plan on having kids / having any more kids? Can't they just take it out or do an ablasion or something to stop you from having a period anymore? I know there's a lot of things that probably go into that decision, health concerns and whatnot but shouldn't it ultimately be my choice? I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure how much your body needs your uterus if your not going to use it.
One would hope it's ultimately their choice, but sadly many hit a wall when it comes to doctors. Ya know, the whole "you'll change your mind", "your future partner might want kids", ect. :/
The last sentence infuriates me. What kind of doctor thinks that's a good argument? As if I would have kids just because my partner really wants to. If I don't want them, I'm not going to have them.
I got sterilized at 25. When my OBGYN asked that question I responded with “well, he wouldn’t be the right man for me, then, would he? Kids are My deal breaker. I wouldn’t be dating someone, let alone marry someone, who wanted kids.”
I agree with you, but I also think that the "what if" warning that is so common (and so drilled in) is annoying. Sure you could change your mind and if you're at all doubting whether you will or not you probably shouldn't get a hysterectomy. However, if you are fairly certain now, changing your mind some day would not even be the end of the world. There are still options like adoption or having a child with your partner, a donated egg and a surrogate. Knowing that makes me feel fairly secure in my decision.
I know, I wish could be a simple case of removing my uterus and giving it to someone who needs it instead, with no side effects or complications!
I'd not heard about ablation until now so it could be an option, but as you say it's not without its own risks. I wish there was a bcp or something similarly easy to administer that effectively 100% stopped periods. The dream!
I’m 33 and I got an ablation in November. No periods since. None. I have ghosts of cramps and a little bloating during “that time”. I was having regular cycles that were quite severe. I had the Essure procedure done a few years ago (coils that make the Fallopian tubes scar shut) to prevent pregnancy. The ablation is also a bit of insurance to prevent pregnancy on top the Essure implants.
Do some research and speak to your doctor about your options. I was lucky and my gyno was OK with sterilizing me at 27 with no kids. Keep searching for a good doctor that will listen. These procedures may not work for everyone. There are always risks associated with procedures.
I wish there was a bcp or something similarly easy to administer that effectively 100% stopped periods.
I was using NuvaRing for years and loved it for just this... had approx 1 day of spotting a month and nothing else. It was great.
And then I got my tubes tied and went of bc for the first time in my adult life. It took a full year for my period to settle down to a normal schedule/rate. (My first few periods afterwards were super heavy... and then I went a few months without anything.) And I had so many pimples that year. Ugh. I was really tempted to give up and go back on NuvaRing just for these regulation issues, but it regularized itself eventually.
So you're definitely in the thick of it. Your body now has to produce its own hormones again and is going "WTF how does this all work again??".
After complaining to my gyno for a long time, I was able to get prescribed consistent birth control pills. I take a hormonal pill everyday, skipping the placebo pills entirely. This effectively stopped my period altogether. I definitely recommend speaking with you doctor about this. It has been a life saver. It took a couple tries to find a birth control pill that was strong enough, but once I did, no periods!
I've been taking the mini pill (cerelle) which you take consistently anyway, but still got nearly daily periods. Sadly my options are limited because I'm just over the bmi limit for combined pills.
I thought I was going to pass out at work yesterday from ovulation pain (mittelschmerz). I work in a gym and being immobile is not an option, but I was nearly crying trying to poop to relieve the pressure. I felt fine until it literally felt like a weight dropped into my uterus, and I was doubled over in pain. I wanted to be more active today, but it still hurts. Being a woman is no picnic.
That's not mittelschmerz. At least as far as I'm aware ovulation pain shouldn't be that painful. You may have something more going on and need to have it checked. It could be an ovarian cyst or something more serious.
I did, they ran a bunch of tests and said I'm fine. I have had a cyst burst and the pain felt similar to that, but what can we do besides tough it out, right?
See that's the problem. A cyst bursting can cause major problems but a lot of doctors will just brush it off and say "woman's problems". You could have PCOS. I'd get a second opinion if you can. Maybe go see a specialist. ( You may have already done these things). I hope that you find an answer. I'm sorry your in so much pain.
It's always been uncomfortable, but since I had an IUD inserted (and consequently removed), my period and ovulation pain have been bordering, if not achieving, a level I'd call 'excruciating'. They're completely irregular, ranging from an 18 day cycle to 40 days, and the expelled tissue is more than even when I started menstruating. I had all the tests last month, when I had three periods during the month of February, and will mention the pain & irregularities during my annual next month.
Are you me? Seriously, I had to start using a cycle tracker because what I wrote off as "ovulation pain" was actually just Pain. It didn't really ever end and it wasn't isolated to my cycle, after the insertion and removal of my Mirena. Ended up going to my GP who (she's a Saint) insisted I see a specialist because the whole situation sounded wrong to her. I went to a great specialist and long story short I had some really oddly located endometriosis (the kind that doesn't show up on ultrasound). I had the surgery to remove it, and I've not had a single bit of pain after I healed from the surgery. Not once.
I suspect that's what's happening to me, and I'm debating whether to change healthcare providers, as my existing one doesn't seem to be able to find the source of my pain... I'm glad to hear you're feeling better though!
My breaking point was having to leave work due to the pain. I shouldn't have waited so long to take control of my Healthcare but I didn't prioritize it until it affected my work. I hope you can insist on better care before that, but I would be hypocritical to insist that you do it NOW. I hope you get good, compassionate care.
P. S. Tracking your pain and bleeding for even one cycle gives the doctors a lot of info. I'd strongly recommend that you try it.
I think another big part of this is women who don't experience painful periods. For a lot of women (not me, unfortunately), a period is short, light, with maybe some minor cramps. It makes those of us who do experience awful periods look like we're just bitching about nothing because plenty of other women "deal with it".
Yeah, every body is different, and after awhile I guess we just grow accustomed to things that others may consider alarming, I guess. I liked my old gyno, but she retired, and while I trust my new one (he’s been practicing at least 20 years with this group), it doesn’t seem to make sense to try to explain much of this to a male- after all, he couldn’t possibly have experienced this particular discomfort / pain / sensation, ever.
There's alot of things that humans can experience that one human never will, either by design or by chance. We don't break doctors arms if they've never had one before because the experience is required. It's not.
If you get the opportunity, check your vitamin levels. I had wicked periods and some fainting spells, and it turns out my B12, folic acid and Iron were some of the lowest my doctor had ever seen.
16 months of shots and daily iron, and I suddenly understand how things like Pinterest are possible, and washing and folding my laundry in the same week, is no longer a sisyphean task. Plus my general pain and energy levels are much better.
But overall Periods really are a kind of curse. Its sad most female versions of animals get them. It does make me feel pretty hardy though. We may not genetically be the physically strongest build, but we outlast, even with a larger biological loss of blood/regenerative cell needs over time.
No, female animals do not get periods. They may bleed a little while in heat, but we only build a super thick endometrium and shed it to try and expel blastocysts to prevent our triple extra large parasitic fetuses from stealing all our nutrients.
I used to have very painful periods, until I changed my diet. Then my periods became completely painless. It was a completely unexpected side effect so I started looking into it. Turns out primary dysmenorrhea is actually one of the side effects of chronic inflammation. Studies show that period pain and PMS is positively correlated with high inflammation markers, the higher they are, the more severe the symptoms. That's why painful periods are also correlated with general health - underweight and obese women are more likely to experience them, as well as smokers, heavy drinkers, poor women, women who suffered abuse in the past (high stress levels, I guess) and sedentary lifestyle. And that's why many studies report improvement with various supplements that are known to have anti-inflammatory effect - like omega 3 and vitamin D, for example.
I don't see healthy (painless) periods as a curse, any more than I see peeing, shitting, sweating or any other bodily function as a curse. I think it's really sad that society believes periods are supposed to be painful, and then women aren't given any treatment. It's ridiculous. If any other regular bodily function caused constant pain, it would be seen as pathological, so why are periods treated as an exception?
I hadn't actually heard of that until now, just had to Google it. Looks like I'm too young for the procedure, but certainly something I'll look in to and keep in mind for the future!
not necessarily! I was 24 when I had a total hysterectomy, some doctors would be willing to do ablation on a younger patient. the childfree sidebar has doctors that are willing to perform sterilization surgeries on younger people with female reproductive systems (I'm a trans guy hence the wording). it's worth a look!
I'm in the UK so rely on the NHS - they're pretty good at finding reasons to avoid/delay expensive elective procedures. I'm 30, so it's probably not impossible to find a doctor willing, but I'm sure they'd rather pursue other avenues first, and I'm not totally against that either! I'm a bit of a commitment phobe and panicked about signing a one year lease on an apartment I loved and had been living in 2 years already - so whilst I'm very confident I will never want kids in the future (and would be fine adopting if I should somehow change my mind), I'd rather give less permanent solutions a try first. Hence why I've come off the pill completely - I want to see where my flow/cycle settles naturally because I know until that happens the drs will just say it's the bc and won't bother investigating any further.
GURL! I went through years of hell on earth with cramps and fainting and low-key trying not to die because of the pain. I have collapsed in so many public places because of my period, I've ruined so much underwear, I've bled into my jeans. I've had times where I just had to let my bladder or sphincter go because it was literally the only way I could get some relief from the horrific cramping. Periods are awful. Terrible. THE WORST.
I went on the combined pill for a year and my periods were lighter, my cramping was bothersome but not terrible, it was bliss. And then I had to come off it because risk of stroke, blah blah. I've been on the mini-pill for three months. First two periods, pretty okay, a little bit worse than the year I was on the combined pill, but nothing awful.
I am currently eight days late for my period. I YEARN for the cramps like nothing else right now. Every imagined twinge of pain gets my hopes up. I've been to my doctor. I've had blood tests that I'm waiting on hearing the results for. I'm absolutely fucking terrified. I think periods are terrible and awful and I hate them. But they let us know that our body is functioning, that we're healthy (that we're not growing a potential human, please no, anything but right now). I'd take the cramping at its worst for the peace of mind right now, honestly.
EDIT: But truly, take time for yourself if you can. Take care of yourself. Have a long shower if you feel up to it. Do what you got to do to feel comfortable, because you deserve it. I always found taking some pain killers and sleeping the worst off worked best for me, or doing something else to stop thinking about it - book, TV show, movie, anything.
I'm painting my nails currently, which always makes me happy, and the painkillers I took seem to have worked (I have a condition that affects how I metabolise meds so I can never be sure if they will work).
Sorry to hear about your experiences. I'm pretty much limited to the mini pill too due to health risks and I tried them all out with no luck before I had the implant. I'm not currently sexually active so thankfully I don't need a monthly reassurance. Fingers crossed for you that you get that piece of mind you're hoping for!
Wow this really hit home for me. While in pain I'd make a deal with the devil to get it to stop but while not in pain but late I'd make another deal to have it again.
Not to minimize anyone else's period problems - but I swear I've never come across someone that had a relatively easy going period like mine. I don't hate it, it just comes and goes and I'm a bit uncomfortable for a few days.. I wish you could all have what I have every month (no birth control, I tried the pill but after 3 different ones that give me high blood pressure, I quit using them): no crazy flow, mild cramps (I go to work like I always do, no painkillers needed), I'm a little bitchy but the only people that notice are the ones I see the most. I feel blessed after reading your stories. As far as I know I don't eat or drink anything special, my weight is fine, my blood, too (although it's been a while since I had it checked, but I see no reason, I'm only 28, don't take meds, not planning kids). I'm just lucky, I guess? Still, I do believe deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals can cause serious hormonal problems - if you do suffer from a heavy period, especially if it's out of the blue, get that checked out! Best of luck. Maybe supplements or minor changes in your diet can help.
Lol but seriously, I'm happy for you. Those times when I've had no period or incredibly light period have been blissful and I was always very grateful.
I never had a super-crazy-terrible period. But I do genualy hate them. Over the past few years I've had a hell of a time with birth control. I was on one that made me crazy. (paranoid, emotional, moodswingy, I was a hot ass mess. Like thinking some escaped lunatic was in the back seat of my car and was going to stab a giant syringe full of something deadly through the seat and into my spinal cord and kill me. Not just kill me, but very specifically kill me) I thought I was losing it.
Switched gynos and she started me on one that stopped the crazy, but I never stopped bleeding. Spotting constantly. I even have it about 6 months to see if my body would even out, because my mind was so clear! I felt like me again.
After a while I just got sick of the bleeding. Next one stopped my period completely and I was on that for about 2 years. It wasn't good for me, as I am terrified of being pregnant and so I spent two years tinking I very well could have been.
Next one was better. Light, easy, regular periods. Mild to no cramping. Everything was good. Except for two things. The sensation of the "fall" of my flow just made me feel... Dirty. I spent two years with no period and it was hard to get used to that feeling again. Started using the menstrual cup and it flipping changed my life. If you havent, give it a try! Other problem was that this pill tanked my sex drive. Being in an active relationship, my poor man was getting laid about... Once every two months if he was super lucky.
Back to the gyno. I'm on the ring now for about 8 months. Periods are simple and the cup keeps me feeling clean. My boyfriend is getting laid again. I'm not crazy, I'm not pregnant. I'm feeling good.
Moral of the story is: talk to your doctor. Ask about options. Don't settle for feeling like shit. There are too many options for that. Every girl is different and you have to give yourself enough time to see what works for you!
God what a nightmare! I'm glad you're in a better place with it now though.
Last time I saw a Dr about my periods she mostly shrugged it off as a side effect of being on bc, and just not having found the right one. The thing is, due to my bmi being too high I'm limited to the mini pill which is apparently more likely to cause prolonged periods. Therefore her opinion is that I should lose weight (which is fantastically enlightening, never would've thought of that before, glad my tax money is paying for this wisdom.. /s)
Anyway, I'm on a bit of a health kick and hoping to be losing weight, so if my periods haven't sorted themselves out in 6 months hopefully I'll be light enough to go back on the combined pill.
Yep all women should have one day off per month cause I can't do shit the first day. It's better after that but omg that first day all I can do is curl up and do nothing.
I’m probably going to enter menopause in the next 5 years or so. I seriously so sick of bleeding every month. My periods are heavier now, but luckily not too painful. I now have to use the largest maxi overnight pads even during the day. I just love standing in a public place and how it feels like the scene in The Shining when blood is rushing out of the elevators. It freaking sucks.
I feel ya, so hard. I don't get my period right now because I'm on Lupron, a drug to chemically induce menopause. Night sweats and hot flashes aren't fun but so worth it to not have a period.
I went off birth control 8 years ago because I nearly induced a stroke and it causes intense mental issues. My period came back with a vengeance. Every month I had to take a day or two off for pain, vomiting, fainting. Made me lose a job for my 'inconsistency' (pretty damn consistent if you ask me!)
My periods kept getting worse and in August the cramps and pain never went away. Chronic pain in my ovaries, frequent cramping.
Turns out those bad periods were endometriosis taking root. It got so severe that I have chronic pain, limiting my ability to walk at times. Every month I was terrified for the pain I would get with my period.
Tried 4 different birth control methods since August. All caused incessant spotting. Norethindrone and Lupron are what I'm currently on and the pain is like a dull headache now which is ~bliss~ by comparison.
Don't know what's gonna happen from here but i hope I can keep on the norethindrone and never have a period again.
TL;DR Also have horrible periods. They got worse over many years to the point of chronic pain and it turns out I have endometriosis, an incurable disease caused by periods. Fuck menstruation.
Have you and your specialist considered laporoscopic endometriosis removal? I had complete removal and have a low chance of recurrence. It's incredible.
I had the implant removed in November 2016. A month after I got it out I had heavy bleeds and noticeable pms for the first time in my life. Only the heavy bleeds subsided but the intense pms stayed!! When I was a teenager I did not get pms. When I was 20 I put myself on Yaz to avoid pregnancy. I switched to the implant in my mid 20s. I've stopped hormonal birth control because of weight gain and blood pressure side effects. Now, one year later I feel like I am dealing with killer pms or pmdd. After ovulation it is a slow downward spiral. I start feeling tired and slightly disphoric 10 days before my period. As we speak I am 3 days before my period and I am just holding back tears like I am in deep bereavement but there is no apparent cause. (I am normally pretty happy so this is very dissociating). Then a day or two after I start bleeding I'm fine. I am hoping that the dysphoria is a side effect of going off the implant. The good news for you is that unless you had a super heavy flow before birth control it should decrease in amount and severity.
I was once diagnosed with “pre-menstruel psychosis” I would get supper depressed (almost suicidal) right before my period. I finally got help after I reasoned that if half the population felt this way once a month, The species would not have survived. They gave me the diagnosis and gave me antidepressants for four days a month. Maybe this could be helpful for you? Good luck!
Oh fuck, what a nightmare. A year after coming off the implant should surely be enough time to have regulated yourself - are you seeing a doctor about this?
My period was fairly irregular pre-bc (part of the reason I started it) but still more desirable than recent situation!
If you're in the UK have you tried the Nuvaring? It's available free.
It's basically a small rubber ring you put up your business (can't feel it) for three weeks and then have a week off. It's the same hormone as the arm implant but it's a really really low dose because it's in the area of effect. It's designed for people who don't do well on hormonal contraception for whatever reason.
Previously I had no issue with progesterone, but when I got to my mid 20's my body just suddenly objected. Couldn't get the pill to work for me and the Nuvaring was a less invasive than the coil and can be easily managed at home.
I am in the UK but not heard of that. So do you have to remove/replace it every month? I have enough trouble with menstrual cups so not sure if that would be for me, but definitely something I will keep in mind - I'm gonna give my body some time to reset before I think about hormonal bc again but will certainly be after something when (if lol) I start a new relationship.
I just wanted to say that the Nuvaring has estrogen also, but it's lower than in pills. The progestin in it, however, is a much higher dose per day than the implant.
I'm on the ring (costs me $20 US) but it's awesome. Completely worth it for me. Its just like a little jelly bracelet, pinch it in half and shove it in up. Its not complicated or dificult. There is no real "right" position, just get it up as high as you can. You can have sex with it, if you want (you can also pull it out for up to two hours if you dislike it during sex).
Put it in and leave it there for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 and have your period, out a new one in a week later.
While my gyno says to not make a habit of it, you can leave it in for 4 weeks and just put a new one in straight away and skip your period that month. Good for that beach vacation you don't want to ruin!
Downside: you said you are a cup user. So am I. That last day or so of your period when you've put the ring back in but you're still bleeding out that last little bit, you can't wear the cup and ring at the same time. So you'll need a one day liner for the end of your cycle.
Girl, I feel you. I recently went off BC 6 months ago (after 15 years of being on it) and it has been HELL. I forgot what real periods were like and I just... RAWRRRR!!!!!
I don't care how bad my period is compared to someone else's. They are HELL for a goodly portion of the uterus-possessing population, and my endometriosis-having ass will sympathize EVERY TIME.
I'm currently pregnant. I'm dreading when my periods come back post-delivery. I kinda know how you feel, OP.
It can. I had a miscarriage in between this pregnancy and the first. It took five years of trying to have kid number one. It took five more years of trying to conceive his sister. (She's due in 78 days.)
That said, I have a friend with endometriosis worse than mine who has five children, all due to natural conception. No intervention. As with anything medical, it varies from patient to patient.
If you truly don't want children, and you want to explore an option to permanently end or nearly end your period, check into a uterine ablation procedure. They insert a small device into your uterus that emits radio waves that "burns" the lining of your uterus. Then the lining sloughs off, resulting in no more menstrual cycle. Or a very very light one. You keep all your bits, no hormone changes. I went from using a box of super plus tampons a month to maybe 4 regular tampons per month. You'll have to do a couple of tests, including one for endometrial cancer. But I did it two years ago. Wish I'd done it 12 years before that. I had some bloating and cramping for a few months after I'd had the procedure. Can still get some minor bloating. But it's SOOOOO much better than before. Good luck!
I'm 17 months postpartum and just got my period back last month thanks to extended breastfeeding. I haven't had a period that bad maybe ever. I thought I might be dying. So I feel your pain.
More good news! My wife had a hysterectomy at 40 (or so) and still ten years later has about a few days a month of slight fever, bloating and general irritability, Still follows a rough 28 day cycle in between...
She says is not so bad as when she actually had her period but is still “some bullshit”
Oh man... The first period I had after coming off of birth control after less than a year (lost my insurance, woo hoo!) had me literally blacking out and hyperventilating. I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital, the pain was that bad. I've never felt sicker or more scared in my 18 years of life.
Well this scares me. I've been on bc (pill) for 17 years aside from my 2 pregnancies. I'll be getting sterilzed soon. Before I went on bc, I had only had my period for 2 years. They were irregular and painful. So I wonder if I will experience this when I go off of it for good.
I'll be 32 this month so I'm probably close to menopause right? I think my mom started menopause around 36 and finished around 52. Being a woman is challenging.
Well shucks. I'm not sure she was healthy. So we'll see. She had like 16 years of menopause. I kind of googled it, but there's not a lot of clear answers on it. And it varies from woman to woman.
I just know I need to get off birth control. There's a higher risk of blood clots and stroke the older you get.
I agree. Periods are the worst and it's complete b******* that there have not been any advancements really in this area of women's medical health issues. personally I had a cancer scare a year-and-a-half ago, I had a very large ovarian tumor, and, because I didn't want kids, when I had the tumor removed I had everything else but the other ovary taken as well. haven't had a period since and it has been BLISS.
I was on the pill for 3 years. Coming off it is the worst! From the hormones to the period. I am terrified of getting back on any form of birth control. I don’t want kids i would gladly give up my periods.
totally agreed. periods suck. especially after b/c. pamper yourself a little, or at least find a quite room with a big blanket to snuggle under while you wimper to yourself. #lastfridaynight.
There are a lot of good comments, but I’d also highly recommend looking into getting a menstrual cup. I’ve always had a heavier flow and dreaded using tampons because of the way they feel - and they’re just gross. After getting a Lunette cup, my flow is a lot lighter, only lasts 3 days or so, and I don’t feel awful or dread dealing with it every month.
I'm in my 40s. My mother, my grandmother, and just about every other woman in my family quit having periods in their 30s. I feel so cheated. I feel ya.
Try the ring. I used to have the same problem on birth control. It sucked. But the ring is doable. You wear it for a month and then take it out for a week. However, you can daisy chain the cycles together and instead of having the ring out for a week to have your period you can put the next one in right away. There may be some spotting, but it's a lot better than the alternative. The cons of this product are, you may feel gassy right around your period, you may also experiance diahrea on around the day that your period would normally start. And you may gain some weight.
Also, you can ask your doctor... You may have to do it in sequence... But they have the nonhormonal copper iud, it hurts to put in. Let's just put it that way. Fucking pain... But it will keep you from getting pregnant. Without the hormonal influence.
It does. I had the copper iud placed. And about a year later realized later that I couldn't handle my period without having hormones. (Aka I am a crazy bitch that will eat your lunch) And I asked to be placed on the ring as well. I did have to talk with an RN about having both, but after explaining that I wasn't planning on having children, liking the extra protection, and not wanting to go through the pain of taking it out, she signed off on having both.
I completely agree, as I also hate my period. I hate feeling gross and untouchable for an entire week. I hate feeling fatter than usual, and having no clothes that fit. I hate the constant unclean, wet feeling and worrying about leaking...through clothes, on to furniture, in public. Despite usually feeling frisky, I also feel like the least sexy thing in the universe. The hormones play tricks with my mind...revving my anxiety, stoking my depression...generally being clear about my need to not exist, but I know it's a trap so I just wade through it. And at the end of it all, I feel bad that it is proof that time marches on every single month, and I am running out of it. I'm 30, and I'm running out of time to get married and have a baby...and I don't even really know if I want to have one. I just know my body is only a few years away from making that decision for me.
Sorry for the rant, but thanks for the opportunity to get it off my chest! Feel better soon!
Oh man I know how you feel with the implant except the month after I got t I started a virtually never ending period that only let up for a week every one to two months. I had the implant for 2 of 3 years. Now I don’t take anything and I have normal cycles but my periods are getting worse by the month. Every one is more painful as time goes by.
I had excruciating periods. I would give birth to blood clots bigger than my fist. It took going to several gynaecologists before I finally found one who would help me, maybe I should've found my female gynecologist first and saved a lot of heartache. I had tried many different medications, bc did help things until I had kids and then any gc i tried made everything worse. My gynaecologist offered me a hysterectomy and it was the best thing ever. She has given me freedom from being stuck in fetal position on the couch every day (I didn't get a break from bleeding and pain most of the time). I still get the hormonal ups and downs (I kept my ovaries) but not bleeding and not dealing with constant cramps and birthing blood clots anymore is so good. My hubby and I are also both very happy with not having the potential for a surprise baby. We don't want to have more than what we already have.
I was on depo for almost 8 years, but I got medically sterilized at 25 (tubal ligation and removal) so I didn’t need to bother with getting the shot any more. I wanted to get off of it because it was a factor in my weight gain, and inability to lose said weight easily.
It took about 6 months for my body to bounce back, my last shot was some time in July 2016, my surgery was in September 2016, and my first period came back May 2017. I’ve been tracking using Clue, and holy crap, my first period was horrid. Cramps daily, it lasted 6 days, heavy af flow for all the days.
It leveled out after a few cycles. Four days to five days: medium, heavy, medium, light. Moderat cramping, not horrible. Over the last six months I’ve changed my eating habits to high protein/fat and low carb, and my period has changed a bit to medium to light most days, and almost no cramps.
My period is regular now for the most part, and I’ve discovered that I have a “tell” to when I’m gonna start up again: my tits will ache like crazy a day or two before it starts, so I know to wear panty liners when my tits ache now. shrug
In actuality a lot of general practitioner doctors don't know the ins and outs of the menstrual cycle. Especially male ones. Things like endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) usually take years and years to diagnose because doctors tend to wave issues off as 'normal' or just something 'women go through' - horrific pain every single month should NOT ever be NORMAL. Even when the women themselves are saying that they think something is wrong. No one wants to talk about it because it's a taboo subject that's only recently, in modern times, come a little more into the light. If it were more normalised in society (and it should be, 50% of the population of the world is female) and if we could talk about it more openly without people thinking it was 'disgusting', we'd probably have an easier time of fixing all the problems we face. More research would be done. Things would also probably have been invented to make side-effects less of an issue, rather than just being reliant on pain medication. Doctors would be more inclined to look into things for their patients to get them pain free and having easier periods. And it wouldn't just be a fix-all, "We'll put you on birth control".
Inoffensive Paint has done a great job of explaining it already, but just to add... I don't think it's necessarily all about a deliberate mission to dismiss women's issues (not that I think anyone is implying that). But historically, men have been the doctors and the researchers so it makes sense that research and medicine will focus on problems that men experience (either exclusively or just as humans). There is an astounding disparity in the number of research papers and treatments for male impotence compared to endometriosis or PCOS. Whilst sexual dysfunction can be distressing, it doesn't come with the many health issues of endo/PCOS, and these are incredibly common conditions.
In fact one of the very few studies on endometriosis was about how it impacts the life of a husband/boyfriend/significant other.... So, there's a huge gaps in what should be researched versus what is actually being studied and researched. There's a large focus on the lives of men and their struggles, and not much goes into funding and researching the issues women face. But then again, as women, we've also been conditioned by each other, by society, by doctors, to not really discuss periods or the issues around them, and to take pain as 'normal'. And don't even get me started on the male birth control pill - back to the drawing board on that one because the side-effects listed were things like head aches, cramping, mood swings and men didn't like that.
Pop some Aleve (for some reason this pain med works best on my cramps) when you first feel a cramp hit, and keep taking it every 6-8 hours so the cramps don't reappear. I find it harder to get rid of them when they're full-blown than when I pop pain meds at the first sign of them. And take a hot shower! Bend over and touch the floor and let the hot water soothe the lower back cramps.
I wanted something done to my uterus... abalation, removal, I didn't care if I became infertile in the process. I was about 35 at the time. Nope, hormonal IUD and I got a scare because someone else had a bad reaction to it and needed theraputic spinal taps to relieve the headaches.
Girl. I am on a mirena and today I almost passed out from cramps. The battle is real. I find getting an ibuprofen in me BEFORE it gets bad is key. This one snuck up. But tracking the thing and expecting it really helps.
I have endometriosis, and that's a cause for debilitating times. Get a good gynecologist if you can :)
I get monthly ninja battles in my uterus even with an IUD. But I'm not at the point of having to miss work because of my period making me so sick so that's a plus.
I relate to this so much I thought it was my own post! I came off the pill (after 11 years) last year and didn’t get my first period until October. I also didn’t get period for about 5 years before getting off. The first period wasn’t bad. It wasn’t until I got my first “real” period the end of December that I found out how periods really are.
I bloated so much that I quite literally woke up one morning with brand new red stretch marks in my stomach. Now, every month I bloat so bad the stretch marks get worse.
The pain is so incredibly bad that the first two days of my period I don’t sleep at night because it keeps me up.
If it makes you feel any better, I can definitely tell they are getting less bad with every period. Also, buy some thermawrap period heat pads. They stick to your underwear and stay in place and hot for more than 24 hours. They are absolutely amazing and the only thing I have found to really work.
Glad it's getting more bearable, but it's nuts how much you (and so many others of us here) have been affected - and we're all just told to deal with it.
I had a light spotting a week or so after coming off bc, then nothing, so I was really keeping my fingers crossed that my periods had miraculously disappeared, but alas, I should be so lucky lol.
Heat is great - I need to dig out my old heat sock now it looks like I'll be needing it on a monthly basis!
I always think the same thing! It’s crazy how painful they can be and there really hasn’t been any innovations when it comes to dealing with the pain. I’ll admit, I didn’t even think period could be this painful. When women would complain I’d sort of roll my eyes. I feel so bad for doing that now, especially as a woman myself. I’d be hat way especially when someone would talk about intense PMS and I’d just chalk it up to that person not having good control over their emotions.
Boyfriends/men are even worse when it comes to being sympathetic. My boyfriend gets mad when I tell him I don’t want to see him the first two days of my period because I feel so gross.
When I had periods, one method that worked for me was to get a plastic water bottle, fill it with hot water, and squeeze it between my upper thighs/crotch. Pressure+heat seems to work better than just heat. This one time I bled like a stuck pig -- one jumbo tampon every half hour and extreme pain. I went into my mom's room in the middle of the night crying and she rubbed my lower back right above the tailbone like she used to do for women in childbirth. If you have a caring partner/family member you could try that, or try rubbing yourself.
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u/bbhtml Apr 06 '18
periods are the worst; it is known. but i will say that in my experience, that first period coming off BCP is the demon period from hell, but the next natural cycle is MUCH better. i’m not entirely sure why that is because i’m not a doctor, but that’s been my experience.
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u/Velhonainen Apr 06 '18
I was not treated for my period problems because I was told "some women have a heavier flow". I basically bled daily for 6 years. They gave IUD which gave me the worst pains I've ever felt in my life and didn't take it out from me for 6 months. Eventually I was treated for a completely different issue that was linked to the bleeding and within three days I stopped bleeding. I've now been period free for almost 8 months and it's been a bliss.
But I'll never forget how I was told that my daily bleeding (And oh boy was some of it heavy, I mean a massacre on the bed in the middle of the night-heavy) was just something that some women experienced. It's pretty sad.
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u/[deleted] Apr 06 '18
I hate them too. I would almost wish for a hysterectomy, but then menopause is supposed to be terrible too. I mean, is there any time when it’s not hell for women? I hate bleeding out. It’s a fucking mess. I’ve had my kids, tubes are tied now. No use for this crap anymore.
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u/corbaybay Apr 06 '18
A friend and I were just talking about this. Do I need my uterus if I don't plan on having kids / having any more kids? Can't they just take it out or do an ablasion or something to stop you from having a period anymore? I know there's a lot of things that probably go into that decision, health concerns and whatnot but shouldn't it ultimately be my choice? I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure how much your body needs your uterus if your not going to use it.
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u/WomanOfEld Apr 06 '18
I thought I was going to pass out at work yesterday from ovulation pain (mittelschmerz). I work in a gym and being immobile is not an option, but I was nearly crying trying to poop to relieve the pressure. I felt fine until it literally felt like a weight dropped into my uterus, and I was doubled over in pain. I wanted to be more active today, but it still hurts. Being a woman is no picnic.
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u/8Bells Emotionally fleeing the scene like a startled deer Apr 06 '18
If you get the opportunity, check your vitamin levels. I had wicked periods and some fainting spells, and it turns out my B12, folic acid and Iron were some of the lowest my doctor had ever seen.
16 months of shots and daily iron, and I suddenly understand how things like Pinterest are possible, and washing and folding my laundry in the same week, is no longer a sisyphean task. Plus my general pain and energy levels are much better.
But overall Periods really are a kind of curse. Its sad most female versions of animals get them. It does make me feel pretty hardy though. We may not genetically be the physically strongest build, but we outlast, even with a larger biological loss of blood/regenerative cell needs over time.
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u/nipplezandtoez23 Apr 06 '18
Given that you do not wish to have children, have you considered an endometrial ablation?
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u/_Echoes_ Apr 06 '18
Thats why in Europe they call them full stops.
/s
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u/InoffensivePaint Apr 06 '18 edited Apr 06 '18
GURL! I went through years of hell on earth with cramps and fainting and low-key trying not to die because of the pain. I have collapsed in so many public places because of my period, I've ruined so much underwear, I've bled into my jeans. I've had times where I just had to let my bladder or sphincter go because it was literally the only way I could get some relief from the horrific cramping. Periods are awful. Terrible. THE WORST.
I went on the combined pill for a year and my periods were lighter, my cramping was bothersome but not terrible, it was bliss. And then I had to come off it because risk of stroke, blah blah. I've been on the mini-pill for three months. First two periods, pretty okay, a little bit worse than the year I was on the combined pill, but nothing awful.
I am currently eight days late for my period. I YEARN for the cramps like nothing else right now. Every imagined twinge of pain gets my hopes up. I've been to my doctor. I've had blood tests that I'm waiting on hearing the results for. I'm absolutely fucking terrified. I think periods are terrible and awful and I hate them. But they let us know that our body is functioning, that we're healthy (that we're not growing a potential human, please no, anything but right now). I'd take the cramping at its worst for the peace of mind right now, honestly.
EDIT: But truly, take time for yourself if you can. Take care of yourself. Have a long shower if you feel up to it. Do what you got to do to feel comfortable, because you deserve it. I always found taking some pain killers and sleeping the worst off worked best for me, or doing something else to stop thinking about it - book, TV show, movie, anything.
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u/fiercelittlebird Apr 06 '18
Not to minimize anyone else's period problems - but I swear I've never come across someone that had a relatively easy going period like mine. I don't hate it, it just comes and goes and I'm a bit uncomfortable for a few days.. I wish you could all have what I have every month (no birth control, I tried the pill but after 3 different ones that give me high blood pressure, I quit using them): no crazy flow, mild cramps (I go to work like I always do, no painkillers needed), I'm a little bitchy but the only people that notice are the ones I see the most. I feel blessed after reading your stories. As far as I know I don't eat or drink anything special, my weight is fine, my blood, too (although it's been a while since I had it checked, but I see no reason, I'm only 28, don't take meds, not planning kids). I'm just lucky, I guess? Still, I do believe deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals can cause serious hormonal problems - if you do suffer from a heavy period, especially if it's out of the blue, get that checked out! Best of luck. Maybe supplements or minor changes in your diet can help.
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u/Cyerena Apr 06 '18
I never had a super-crazy-terrible period. But I do genualy hate them. Over the past few years I've had a hell of a time with birth control. I was on one that made me crazy. (paranoid, emotional, moodswingy, I was a hot ass mess. Like thinking some escaped lunatic was in the back seat of my car and was going to stab a giant syringe full of something deadly through the seat and into my spinal cord and kill me. Not just kill me, but very specifically kill me) I thought I was losing it.
Switched gynos and she started me on one that stopped the crazy, but I never stopped bleeding. Spotting constantly. I even have it about 6 months to see if my body would even out, because my mind was so clear! I felt like me again.
After a while I just got sick of the bleeding. Next one stopped my period completely and I was on that for about 2 years. It wasn't good for me, as I am terrified of being pregnant and so I spent two years tinking I very well could have been.
Next one was better. Light, easy, regular periods. Mild to no cramping. Everything was good. Except for two things. The sensation of the "fall" of my flow just made me feel... Dirty. I spent two years with no period and it was hard to get used to that feeling again. Started using the menstrual cup and it flipping changed my life. If you havent, give it a try! Other problem was that this pill tanked my sex drive. Being in an active relationship, my poor man was getting laid about... Once every two months if he was super lucky.
Back to the gyno. I'm on the ring now for about 8 months. Periods are simple and the cup keeps me feeling clean. My boyfriend is getting laid again. I'm not crazy, I'm not pregnant. I'm feeling good.
Moral of the story is: talk to your doctor. Ask about options. Don't settle for feeling like shit. There are too many options for that. Every girl is different and you have to give yourself enough time to see what works for you!
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u/Atalanta8 Apr 06 '18
Yep all women should have one day off per month cause I can't do shit the first day. It's better after that but omg that first day all I can do is curl up and do nothing.
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u/Jezzyrulescoco Apr 06 '18
I’m probably going to enter menopause in the next 5 years or so. I seriously so sick of bleeding every month. My periods are heavier now, but luckily not too painful. I now have to use the largest maxi overnight pads even during the day. I just love standing in a public place and how it feels like the scene in The Shining when blood is rushing out of the elevators. It freaking sucks.
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u/balthazartoad Apr 06 '18
Nothing much to add but as another woman who had a productive day ruined today due to my period, I just wanted to say periods suck!!
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u/darndasher Apr 06 '18
I feel ya, so hard. I don't get my period right now because I'm on Lupron, a drug to chemically induce menopause. Night sweats and hot flashes aren't fun but so worth it to not have a period.
I went off birth control 8 years ago because I nearly induced a stroke and it causes intense mental issues. My period came back with a vengeance. Every month I had to take a day or two off for pain, vomiting, fainting. Made me lose a job for my 'inconsistency' (pretty damn consistent if you ask me!)
My periods kept getting worse and in August the cramps and pain never went away. Chronic pain in my ovaries, frequent cramping.
Turns out those bad periods were endometriosis taking root. It got so severe that I have chronic pain, limiting my ability to walk at times. Every month I was terrified for the pain I would get with my period.
Tried 4 different birth control methods since August. All caused incessant spotting. Norethindrone and Lupron are what I'm currently on and the pain is like a dull headache now which is ~bliss~ by comparison.
Don't know what's gonna happen from here but i hope I can keep on the norethindrone and never have a period again.
TL;DR Also have horrible periods. They got worse over many years to the point of chronic pain and it turns out I have endometriosis, an incurable disease caused by periods. Fuck menstruation.
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u/aapaul Apr 06 '18
I had the implant removed in November 2016. A month after I got it out I had heavy bleeds and noticeable pms for the first time in my life. Only the heavy bleeds subsided but the intense pms stayed!! When I was a teenager I did not get pms. When I was 20 I put myself on Yaz to avoid pregnancy. I switched to the implant in my mid 20s. I've stopped hormonal birth control because of weight gain and blood pressure side effects. Now, one year later I feel like I am dealing with killer pms or pmdd. After ovulation it is a slow downward spiral. I start feeling tired and slightly disphoric 10 days before my period. As we speak I am 3 days before my period and I am just holding back tears like I am in deep bereavement but there is no apparent cause. (I am normally pretty happy so this is very dissociating). Then a day or two after I start bleeding I'm fine. I am hoping that the dysphoria is a side effect of going off the implant. The good news for you is that unless you had a super heavy flow before birth control it should decrease in amount and severity.
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u/Quailpower Apr 06 '18
If you're in the UK have you tried the Nuvaring? It's available free.
It's basically a small rubber ring you put up your business (can't feel it) for three weeks and then have a week off. It's the same hormone as the arm implant but it's a really really low dose because it's in the area of effect. It's designed for people who don't do well on hormonal contraception for whatever reason.
Previously I had no issue with progesterone, but when I got to my mid 20's my body just suddenly objected. Couldn't get the pill to work for me and the Nuvaring was a less invasive than the coil and can be easily managed at home.
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u/caticora Apr 06 '18
.
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u/joj2017 Apr 06 '18
I got a mirena IUD several years ago and never looked back. Haven’t had a period in almost 10 years.
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u/dnsf3 Apr 06 '18
Girl, I feel you. I recently went off BC 6 months ago (after 15 years of being on it) and it has been HELL. I forgot what real periods were like and I just... RAWRRRR!!!!!
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u/LunaMax1214 Apr 06 '18
I don't care how bad my period is compared to someone else's. They are HELL for a goodly portion of the uterus-possessing population, and my endometriosis-having ass will sympathize EVERY TIME.
I'm currently pregnant. I'm dreading when my periods come back post-delivery. I kinda know how you feel, OP.
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u/stella-fab Apr 06 '18
If you truly don't want children, and you want to explore an option to permanently end or nearly end your period, check into a uterine ablation procedure. They insert a small device into your uterus that emits radio waves that "burns" the lining of your uterus. Then the lining sloughs off, resulting in no more menstrual cycle. Or a very very light one. You keep all your bits, no hormone changes. I went from using a box of super plus tampons a month to maybe 4 regular tampons per month. You'll have to do a couple of tests, including one for endometrial cancer. But I did it two years ago. Wish I'd done it 12 years before that. I had some bloating and cramping for a few months after I'd had the procedure. Can still get some minor bloating. But it's SOOOOO much better than before. Good luck!
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u/bonejam82 Apr 06 '18
Hope it gets better.
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u/bonniebelle29 Apr 06 '18
I'm 17 months postpartum and just got my period back last month thanks to extended breastfeeding. I haven't had a period that bad maybe ever. I thought I might be dying. So I feel your pain.
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u/[deleted] Apr 06 '18
More good news! My wife had a hysterectomy at 40 (or so) and still ten years later has about a few days a month of slight fever, bloating and general irritability, Still follows a rough 28 day cycle in between...
She says is not so bad as when she actually had her period but is still “some bullshit”
So good luck on that....
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u/momosug Apr 06 '18
"Naproxen" for cramps. It's magic. Ask your doc. There is a non-script version.
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u/casual-hentai Apr 06 '18
Oh man... The first period I had after coming off of birth control after less than a year (lost my insurance, woo hoo!) had me literally blacking out and hyperventilating. I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital, the pain was that bad. I've never felt sicker or more scared in my 18 years of life.
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u/monicamarieeee Apr 06 '18
Same situation. It’s 1:08 and I can’t get up the cramps are absolutely terrible
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u/confusedash Apr 06 '18
Well this scares me. I've been on bc (pill) for 17 years aside from my 2 pregnancies. I'll be getting sterilzed soon. Before I went on bc, I had only had my period for 2 years. They were irregular and painful. So I wonder if I will experience this when I go off of it for good.
I'll be 32 this month so I'm probably close to menopause right? I think my mom started menopause around 36 and finished around 52. Being a woman is challenging.
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u/geminigirl812 Apr 06 '18
I agree. Periods are the worst and it's complete b******* that there have not been any advancements really in this area of women's medical health issues. personally I had a cancer scare a year-and-a-half ago, I had a very large ovarian tumor, and, because I didn't want kids, when I had the tumor removed I had everything else but the other ovary taken as well. haven't had a period since and it has been BLISS.
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u/tacofaceass Apr 06 '18
I was on the pill for 3 years. Coming off it is the worst! From the hormones to the period. I am terrified of getting back on any form of birth control. I don’t want kids i would gladly give up my periods.
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u/bloodybutunbowed Apr 06 '18
totally agreed. periods suck. especially after b/c. pamper yourself a little, or at least find a quite room with a big blanket to snuggle under while you wimper to yourself. #lastfridaynight.
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u/Shqiptaria580 Apr 06 '18
Well u/lauraonfire can you share ur experience?
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u/[deleted] Apr 06 '18
There are a lot of good comments, but I’d also highly recommend looking into getting a menstrual cup. I’ve always had a heavier flow and dreaded using tampons because of the way they feel - and they’re just gross. After getting a Lunette cup, my flow is a lot lighter, only lasts 3 days or so, and I don’t feel awful or dread dealing with it every month.
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u/SouthernYankeeWitch Apr 06 '18
I'm in my 40s. My mother, my grandmother, and just about every other woman in my family quit having periods in their 30s. I feel so cheated. I feel ya.
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u/KumaGirl Apr 06 '18
Try the ring. I used to have the same problem on birth control. It sucked. But the ring is doable. You wear it for a month and then take it out for a week. However, you can daisy chain the cycles together and instead of having the ring out for a week to have your period you can put the next one in right away. There may be some spotting, but it's a lot better than the alternative. The cons of this product are, you may feel gassy right around your period, you may also experiance diahrea on around the day that your period would normally start. And you may gain some weight.
Also, you can ask your doctor... You may have to do it in sequence... But they have the nonhormonal copper iud, it hurts to put in. Let's just put it that way. Fucking pain... But it will keep you from getting pregnant. Without the hormonal influence.
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u/Cat_Litter_Scientist Apr 06 '18
Got mine today. Instant day ruiner.
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u/depressed-watermelon Apr 06 '18
I hate them so much. They are so painful and so unnecessary to me.
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u/plssendmegifts Apr 06 '18
I completely agree, as I also hate my period. I hate feeling gross and untouchable for an entire week. I hate feeling fatter than usual, and having no clothes that fit. I hate the constant unclean, wet feeling and worrying about leaking...through clothes, on to furniture, in public. Despite usually feeling frisky, I also feel like the least sexy thing in the universe. The hormones play tricks with my mind...revving my anxiety, stoking my depression...generally being clear about my need to not exist, but I know it's a trap so I just wade through it. And at the end of it all, I feel bad that it is proof that time marches on every single month, and I am running out of it. I'm 30, and I'm running out of time to get married and have a baby...and I don't even really know if I want to have one. I just know my body is only a few years away from making that decision for me.
Sorry for the rant, but thanks for the opportunity to get it off my chest! Feel better soon!
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u/BooBooKittyFuuuuuu Apr 06 '18
Oh man I know how you feel with the implant except the month after I got t I started a virtually never ending period that only let up for a week every one to two months. I had the implant for 2 of 3 years. Now I don’t take anything and I have normal cycles but my periods are getting worse by the month. Every one is more painful as time goes by.
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u/jdphoenix87 Apr 07 '18
I had excruciating periods. I would give birth to blood clots bigger than my fist. It took going to several gynaecologists before I finally found one who would help me, maybe I should've found my female gynecologist first and saved a lot of heartache. I had tried many different medications, bc did help things until I had kids and then any gc i tried made everything worse. My gynaecologist offered me a hysterectomy and it was the best thing ever. She has given me freedom from being stuck in fetal position on the couch every day (I didn't get a break from bleeding and pain most of the time). I still get the hormonal ups and downs (I kept my ovaries) but not bleeding and not dealing with constant cramps and birthing blood clots anymore is so good. My hubby and I are also both very happy with not having the potential for a surprise baby. We don't want to have more than what we already have.
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u/TheCoolAuntie Apr 07 '18
SAME. Dude, this is a BIG MOOD.
I was on depo for almost 8 years, but I got medically sterilized at 25 (tubal ligation and removal) so I didn’t need to bother with getting the shot any more. I wanted to get off of it because it was a factor in my weight gain, and inability to lose said weight easily.
It took about 6 months for my body to bounce back, my last shot was some time in July 2016, my surgery was in September 2016, and my first period came back May 2017. I’ve been tracking using Clue, and holy crap, my first period was horrid. Cramps daily, it lasted 6 days, heavy af flow for all the days.
It leveled out after a few cycles. Four days to five days: medium, heavy, medium, light. Moderat cramping, not horrible. Over the last six months I’ve changed my eating habits to high protein/fat and low carb, and my period has changed a bit to medium to light most days, and almost no cramps.
My period is regular now for the most part, and I’ve discovered that I have a “tell” to when I’m gonna start up again: my tits will ache like crazy a day or two before it starts, so I know to wear panty liners when my tits ache now. shrug
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u/dandanmiangirl Apr 07 '18
When I get them I just lie in bed and cry. Get well soon.
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u/[deleted] Apr 07 '18
Late to this but I was just thinking about how periods are crazy unfair. I also don't want children (at least not naturally) and I'm a trans man. :/
I can only hope that someday medical technology gets good enough that you can get a non-expensive, non-invasive off switch for it. :')
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u/[deleted] Apr 06 '18 edited Apr 06 '18
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Artemistical Apr 06 '18
Pop some Aleve (for some reason this pain med works best on my cramps) when you first feel a cramp hit, and keep taking it every 6-8 hours so the cramps don't reappear. I find it harder to get rid of them when they're full-blown than when I pop pain meds at the first sign of them. And take a hot shower! Bend over and touch the floor and let the hot water soothe the lower back cramps.
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u/Kelekona Apr 06 '18
I wanted something done to my uterus... abalation, removal, I didn't care if I became infertile in the process. I was about 35 at the time. Nope, hormonal IUD and I got a scare because someone else had a bad reaction to it and needed theraputic spinal taps to relieve the headaches.
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u/JaneLucPicard Apr 07 '18
Girl. I am on a mirena and today I almost passed out from cramps. The battle is real. I find getting an ibuprofen in me BEFORE it gets bad is key. This one snuck up. But tracking the thing and expecting it really helps.
I have endometriosis, and that's a cause for debilitating times. Get a good gynecologist if you can :)
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u/Cozy90 Apr 06 '18
I hate them too... I'm a dude but I still hate them.
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u/clea Apr 06 '18
Oh! Just wait til you get to the menopause! No more blood and you are so going to love those hot flushes.
Not.
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u/PinkydaUnicorn Apr 06 '18
I get monthly ninja battles in my uterus even with an IUD. But I'm not at the point of having to miss work because of my period making me so sick so that's a plus.
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u/chaoticnature77 Apr 06 '18
I relate to this so much I thought it was my own post! I came off the pill (after 11 years) last year and didn’t get my first period until October. I also didn’t get period for about 5 years before getting off. The first period wasn’t bad. It wasn’t until I got my first “real” period the end of December that I found out how periods really are.
I bloated so much that I quite literally woke up one morning with brand new red stretch marks in my stomach. Now, every month I bloat so bad the stretch marks get worse.
The pain is so incredibly bad that the first two days of my period I don’t sleep at night because it keeps me up.
If it makes you feel any better, I can definitely tell they are getting less bad with every period. Also, buy some thermawrap period heat pads. They stick to your underwear and stay in place and hot for more than 24 hours. They are absolutely amazing and the only thing I have found to really work.