Period Pain

I have never had a child physically (my daughter is adopted), but because I have endometriosis, I have many years of experience with painful periods. Here are some things that have helped me:

1)Get on the top of the pain. Take the advil/tylonal/aleve (whichever helps you the most) right when you first start feeling the pain before it gets bad. Once you take the pills, jump in a hot bath~ as hot as you can stand it~ for at least 20min (gives the meds time to kick in). Gently stretch in the tub. This keeps the muscles relaxed. Once the muscles cramp up, you are fighting a harder battle. If you are not in a place that you can take a bath (like work), there are heat release wrap around throw away things you can find in a Longs type store near the heating pads.
2) Starting about 24-48 hours before you expect the pain and continuing through your period, alter your diet a little. Cut out salt (retaining water makes your body more uncomfortable), and no caffeine (stimulates muscles, you are going for relaxation). Eat things that are easy on your tummy so that your body isn't spending energy in the digestive area and can spend energy working on relaxing your muscles. Think whole foods and stay away from processed foods.
3) When you are off your period, look into doing some yoga type excercises. You can find books about yoga for menstral health etc. The stretches both help strengthen and relax your pelvis and back so that the muscles are more prepared for what is coming.

Good Luck!

Hi S.,

Have you looked into the use of herbs and nutritional supplements yet? Female Balance is a very effective herbal product that has helped many women overcome all kinds of hormonal needs. You can check it out on my website (go to Local Business Reviews--Victorious Living with Symmetry Direct) and/or call me for more info. There is no need to suffer any longer.

Victorious Living to you,
D. Hendon
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Hi S.

I had the same problem and got tired of taking things like aleve or tylenol (I just don't like to keep using a medication) even if over the counter in the fear of the long term effects.
What I found is that a nice hot bath with epsom salts and then rub tiger balm on the area. in addition, I needed to more frequently stretch out my hamstring muscles because when I didn't they would contract and pull on my lower back. Sometimes although a problem manifest in one spot, it is really coming from another part of the body .
Have you ever tried yoga? maybe give that a try.. I found it also works.
I no longer have that burning sensation and lower backache I once had. mainly I attribute it to the stretching..

This might only take care of the immediate problem but I swear by Icy Hot. When my period pain is unbearable, I have an Icy Hot stick (looks like deoderant)that I put on my lower back and abdomen. I have gone from being doubled over on the floor looking for relief to being in little or no pain.
PS-it's worth a mention to the doctor to rule out anything more serious

My PMS, cramps and migraines have gotten worse with each pregnancy and as I get closer to menopause (I'm 41). My doctor has said it's most likely a result of hormone fluctuation. Right now I'm treating with Premesyn PMS for PMS and ibuprophen (advil, motrin) for cramps (and tiger balm or hot water bottles) and topamax to prevent migraines. My doctor is having me chart every twinge, cramp and headache for two months and then we're going to talk about low dose birth control pills to smooth out the hormones. I'd suggest making an appointment to talk with your doctor.

S.,

My periods weren't the same after having my daughter either (very heavy & very painful). The only thing that helped was going back on the pill. That might be a very simple solution for you as well.
Good luck!

Dear S., you should go and see a specialist. The pain may be a sign of a bigger problem. C

I have more lower back period pain after having my baby too (5 years ago now). I am guessing it has something to do with perimenopause --I am 40. A good book to check out is "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" which sounds cheesy and is, in parts, but also has good practical suggestions for things like this. From that book I learned to take 2 Naproxin Sodiums (like Aleve) BEFORE the pain starts (I know from the calendar and oh yeah, PMS that it's coming) and when I do that, I have no pain whatsoever.

Good luck!

J.

Hi S....

I am there with you girl. Back pain so bad that's all you can think about. It hurts to walk, sit, lay down. And if someone gets on y our nerve it makes the pain 10x worse....yup I get that.

Before the children I didn't so much as get a pimple. After the children, both pain and pimples. But an 800mg ibuprofen works wonders. You can ask your OB/GYN for a script; much cheaper than purchasing over the counter. I also use those Thermacare heat wraps; these help keep me sane throughout the day.

Good Luck!!
CM

Hi S.,I found great nutritional herbal formulas that work exelent for problems like that.If you won't find any help please call me. ###-###-#### A.

Hi S.,

I have awful periods, too. I recommend a menstrual cup to help alleviate those pains. I found that after switching to one, my periods became much more tolerable. I don't know what it is about it, but the cramping is way less than when I used tampons or pads....and my cycle is shorter, too! It may have to do with all the chemicals and dioxins that are in the disposable menstrual products.

I also recommend eating a low fat, plant based diet around the time your period is going to begin. There are studies out there where they had women eat a vegan diet and women eat typical american diet and the vegan diet group experienced far less cramping. Good luck to you!

-H.

Remember that americans are prone to have there babies lying flat which can really disrupte so many area's and cause conficts far after the birth. We are the only country that births this way, and in return take way too many pills for symptoms, rather than fixing the source of the problem. A chiropractic adjustment from a well-known chiropractor for pregnancy baby, and postpartum will help release the built tension your muscles have created out of the miss alignment from the birthing or pregnancy experience. I wish someone would have told me this with my first, now after my 3rd we all get adjusted just 1 a month as a regular bill of health. Your brain can not heal your bodie if the signals cannot travel clearly down the spine. Here is the local doctor I reccomend to all new mama's, I am a Doula in Monterey. His name is Shawn Lasko in Pacific Grove ###-###-#### I believe is his number off the top of my head.
M.
Twice The Love

If you're on the pill, talk to your doctor about taking them straight through. Skip periods altogether (at least most months ... you can decide when to have a fake period week and when you do, they're not as bad as before). My doctors have had me do that since 2001 and it's been wonderful! Didn't affect fertility, either, when I was ready to have kids.

Me too!! All of a sudden, too. I never used to get pain like this before my second child was born. AND like the other mom said, I get awful breakouts too! It's like being 13 again. Also now I get lots of fun bloating and tummy troubles. Ugh.

Anyhow, all I have found that makes a dent in it is lots of Tylenol for the back pain. I hope other moms have some fabulous advice on this subject because I could use it!