RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Jan 26, 2023 20:45:05 GMT
My teen (almost 17) is going to go to the gyno because she has terrible periods. Vomiting, occasionally fainting, migraines, badly affected by PMS (already deals with anxiety and mood disorders) and a pretty heavy flow. It pretty much shuts down her life as much as she can afford during those few days. Obviously I think they will recommend birth control meds, and yes, I'm fine with that. (She is not sexually active, for the record, nor is she interested in becoming so anytime soon. And yes, I do think she would/will talk with me when that time comes.) However, as someone who has to take them 24/7 for control of endometriosis, I know personally they are not without risks and I am a bit concerned about the possible implications of yet another round-the-clock med for her. A friend vaguely recommended a med that had been prescribed for her that she only took during her periods that had helped her immensely with the same problems, but she couldn't remember at all what it was called. It was a prescription med, at least when she took it about 8 or 10 years ago. So...Pea-sourcing here...anyone know what that might be, or have any other good suggestions? We'll listen to the doctor, of course, but I wanted to ask about this if she (dr.) didn't mention it. It's the same doctor I've been to for a long time, and I think my daughter will be relatively comfortable with her, as well, so I'm fine with asking all kinds of questions. Edit - to spin off from another thread, she's 203 months old.  |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 26, 2023 21:13:21 GMT
I took Anaprox and it helped with the cramping and stuff. It’s a good Rx related to Naproxen and got rid of any pain I had. Seriously good!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 26, 2023 21:22:20 GMT
Many moons ago I had a prescription that helped tremendously with cramps - Naproxen. Then it went over the counter as Aleve. My ob/gyn told me at that point to use the Aleve, but take 3 tablets as that was the equivalent of my Rx dosage. I only took for severe cramps, so unsure it it will help with her other symptoms.
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
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Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on Jan 26, 2023 21:22:30 GMT
Tell your daughter I'm so sorry. I was her as a young person and my life became miserable once a month. I saw gynecologists, tried Anaprox when it first came out (didn't make a dent). I regularly vomited, passed out, and basically just endured until the pain passed. I was put on birth control at 15 and it was like a miracle. After I had babies (not a solution for her for now!) my pain was minimal.
Thinking that if men got craps, there would be a solution...
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Jan 26, 2023 21:35:24 GMT
There's a nice list of things that can be tried. The question is what has she done so far?
As someone who works in this field AND experienced similar symptoms as a kid, I can tell you that chasing the symptoms during the period itself with meds (NSAIDs, meds for the GI symptoms) is no where as good as relief from oral contraceptive pills. I did not start them until I was in my 20s and was a little pissed that no one told me how good life could be on them!
I suspect whatever your friend was referring to was something to help with heavy bleeding like either an NSAID or Lysteda. Those do not help as well with the other issues. I understand your concerns about a daily mediation but do understand that this can actually prevent endometriosis or treat any that might already be there.
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Post by chitchatgirl on Jan 26, 2023 22:11:28 GMT
I had really painful periods as a teenager that were heavy heavy for 7 days straight. The thing that really helped me was the extended 91 day cycle pill (Jolessa-only have a period every three months) and then 800 mg ibuprofen during the placebo pills. The typical monthly cycle pills did nothing for me. The extended cycle turned my heavy 7 days into a moderate 3-4 day flow. Much happier now.
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 26, 2023 22:40:09 GMT
Due to dd's medical needs (mainly hEDS, POTS, and Dyautonomia) she started BCPs at age 14 and a half. She had to have a years worth of periods before her gyn could start the BCP.
It was highly suggested by genetics, Cardiology, PCP, and Neurology that she start them.
They have been a huge help for dd. She is 3 months off then has a cycle. She is on Daisee aka Seasonique or something like that.
Anyways she no longer has 9 to 10 dsy period with super heavy bleeding, huge clots, nausea, and super bad tachycardia episodes that cause near failing.
She also doesn't need any Tylenol during her cycles.
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Post by stingfan on Jan 26, 2023 22:44:03 GMT
My daughter who has those issues got the Nexplanon implant (the arm one). It lasts for 3 years. It has cured her  . I don't know if you're against all birth control as the solution or just the idea of her having to take something everyday. And at least where my dd went, they didn't make her go through a pelvic exam for it. I know that stresses teens out, too. |
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Jan 26, 2023 23:00:28 GMT
I recommended an IUD for my own DD when she was just a little older than your DD (she was terrified of going to the doctor by herself, but it was during Covid and she was 18). She was not even dating males at the time (though now she has had a boyfriend for 2 years, so it did turn out to ease my mind for birth control in the long run as well). There is a non-hormone version if that is a concern. I wouldn't have thought about it, but my doctor had mentioned that he recommended IUDs for his own daughters at college age because its just one less thing to worry about, and it stops or lessens the effects of periods in many women.
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Post by Gem Girl on Jan 26, 2023 23:27:59 GMT
Tell your daughter I'm so sorry. I was her as a young person and my life became miserable once a month. I saw gynecologists, tried Anaprox when it first came out (didn't make a dent). I regularly vomited, passed out, and basically just endured until the pain passed. I was put on birth control at 15 and it was like a miracle. After I had babies (not a solution for her for now!) my pain was minimal. Thinking that if men got craps, there would be a solution... Yeah, they would have put it ahead of space exploration. But, women should tolerate pain because, well, they're women, & that's just how it is, and it's probably mostly in their heads anyway. Makes me so angry! |
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Post by flanz on Jan 26, 2023 23:49:21 GMT
Many moons ago I had a prescription that helped tremendously with cramps - Naproxen. Then it went over the counter as Aleve. My ob/gyn told me at that point to use the Aleve, but take 3 tablets as that was the equivalent of my Rx dosage. I only took for severe cramps, so unsure it it will help with her other symptoms. Same. When I was a kid I was on an Rx called Naprosyn. Ever since my second period at age 12 until I gave birth for the first time at 27, I had ferocious periods. The first day was incapacitating with vomiting, chills, fever, pain from navel to my knees. I couldn't go to school or wherever I was supposed to be. Doc prescribed the Naprosyn which is a stronger form of Aleve. Back then, if I took it too soon (with first twinges of pain), it would halt the period and it would start a couple of days later. If I waited too long, it didn't work as well. I learned to time it. Once I hit peri-menopause I again had horrifically debilitating cramps. I scanned the internet for any tips and read several anecdotal stories of how greatly women had been helped by a magnet called Mn8. I bought one and it worked really well. Period cramps were noticeably lessened. I have zero affiliation with this company or product. I hope your dd finds the things that make her periods far more bearable. www.ladycareusa.com/shop/mn8/ |
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AmandaA
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Post by AmandaA on Jan 27, 2023 0:53:02 GMT
If I knew then what I know now (suffered two decades with endo with infertility), I would have gone on hormonal contraceptives in my teens. My PMS symptoms were never that bad as a teen, but I still remember going on BCP in my early twenties and feeling like it was life changing (before we even knew about the endo).
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jan 27, 2023 0:56:09 GMT
My teen (almost 17) is going to go to the gyno because she has terrible periods. Vomiting, occasionally fainting, migraines, badly affected by PMS (already deals with anxiety and mood disorders) and a pretty heavy flow. It pretty much shuts down her life as much as she can afford during those few days. Obviously I think they will recommend birth control meds, and yes, I'm fine with that. (She is not sexually active, for the record, nor is she interested in becoming so anytime soon. And yes, I do think she would/will talk with me when that time comes.) However, as someone who has to take them 24/7 for control of endometriosis, I know personally they are not without risks and I am a bit concerned about the possible implications of yet another round-the-clock med for her. A friend vaguely recommended a med that had been prescribed for her that she only took during her periods that had helped her immensely with the same problems, but she couldn't remember at all what it was called. It was a prescription med, at least when she took it about 8 or 10 years ago. So...Pea-sourcing here...anyone know what that might be, or have any other good suggestions? We'll listen to the doctor, of course, but I wanted to ask about this if she (dr.) didn't mention it. It's the same doctor I've been to for a long time, and I think my daughter will be relatively comfortable with her, as well, so I'm fine with asking all kinds of questions. Edit - to spin off from another thread, she's 203 months old. OK your 203 month old comment made me LOL. I too put my DD on BC bc her periods when she was 18 were just as you were describing. Except she refused to shut down, she would throw up and go to school miserable  The straw that broke the camel's back is when we realized her period was going to start during her beach week vacation - and that meant it would knock her out for a good 4 days of the trip. With COVID, she was heartbroken. So I took her to the dr and they put her on BC AND an anti-naeasuea medicine. That helped TREMENDOUSLY. They did not require an internal exam, which surprised me. I was older when I went on the pill. When she has her periods now, they seem more controlled and not as bad, plus she has the other meds. And when she knows she has something important (like that beach vacation) she skipped the placebo week (as far as I know, that is the only time she has done that). Looking back I am not sure I would have done it much earlier, but I kind of wish we had since her symptoms were so severe. I take the 24/7 pill for menstral migranes. It has helped with that too. I've asked my dr how I am supposed to go thru menopause if I am on it, and she said it will just happen? I havent really asked much. I'm only 551 months old tho... LMAO. |
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
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Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on Jan 27, 2023 1:02:44 GMT
Tell your daughter I'm so sorry. I was her as a young person and my life became miserable once a month. I saw gynecologists, tried Anaprox when it first came out (didn't make a dent). I regularly vomited, passed out, and basically just endured until the pain passed. I was put on birth control at 15 and it was like a miracle. After I had babies (not a solution for her for now!) my pain was minimal. Thinking that if men got craps, there would be a solution... Yeah, they would have put it ahead of space exploration. But, women should tolerate pain because, well, they're women, & that's just how it is, and it's probably mostly in their heads anyway. Makes me so angry! I guess I wrote craps there instead of cramps. Oh well...cramps are crappy anyhow! I've been thinking about the OP's daughter and what disgusts me most is she's going through the same things I did (as did millions before us) and what, 46 years later we still don't have a solution other than birth control? RosiKat is doing the same thing my mom did...searching for answers for a daughter in miserable pain and finding very few solutions. |
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bethany102399
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Post by bethany102399 on Jan 27, 2023 1:12:14 GMT
I had similar periods from early teens straight through having kids. Got told to suck it up and take an advil. I was not allowed to stay home, or stop my life in any way. I didn't learn until years later that the doctor had offered to put me on BC but my mom refused. I'm still bitter about it. Years later, in college I did try it but did not know enough to advocate for myself when I had terrible mood swings and bled right through the dosage. Posts like this make me so happy to know that there are solutions out there and others won't have to go through what I did.
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Post by pjaye on Jan 27, 2023 2:04:05 GMT
It might have been Mefenamic acid (ponstan/ponstel) which is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine.
It's used for PMS (especially headaches/migraine symptoms) the catch is for best effect it needs to be started about 2 days before the bleeding starts, which can be hard for some women to predict. It's started before the period starts and then taken every 6 hours for 3-4 days.
She could ask her doctor about that to see if it's an option for her to try (like all medicines, there are potential side effects) before trying hormonal medicines.
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Post by khaleesi on Jan 27, 2023 15:12:07 GMT
Not sure if this is the med you were thinking but I was just given a prescription for Lysteda (generic name I believe is tranexamic acid) to try to see if it will give me period relief. I am to take it 3x/day for the duration of my period. I haven't tried it yet since I'm between cycles but I'm willing to give it a try. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the price, it's about $75 at my local pharmacy. I'm hoping it's a miracle cure for me  I feel for your daughter, I have an extremely heavy flow and have since I first started. |
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,408
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Post by RosieKat on Jan 27, 2023 17:24:00 GMT
Thank you all for your input! melissa, nice to see you! I wasn't sure if you were still around! To answer some of the questions and comments - she has not yet tried anything formally. We have done all the home remedy things but they just definitely don't help sufficiently. She does refuse to shut down - will vomit at school and just keep going, because her school is so damn intense that taking time off is just not an option (yeah, a whole other issue). But she shuts down on all the fun stuff - like, she has a very sweet boyfriend who tries but doesn't quite understand why she just hides for about 4 days each month and you can always see he's wondering if it's him. We're fine with BC if needed, just wanted to be more informed going into things. She is a large framed girl (like officially medically, lol) and I've gotten her used to the idea of an exam, so that's not a problem if it's needed. I mean, of course no one loves them, but she's very medically aware and understands that sometimes this stuff is just necessary. And my gyno is very down to earth and the style of doctor she generally relates to pretty well, as opposed to the GP who decided I was doing one without warning at my pre college checkup. (And whom I'd never met before then, but that's another story...) She is very regular so predicting the timing of a PRN med is pretty feasible, though she doesn't track any more since she used to do it online and doesn't trust those apps now. And she's been having them for 4 or 5 years, so that's good (in the history sense). I'm not too concerned about her remembering a daily med because she already has other meds she has to take daily. In fact, since she sometimes forgets her night time meds, maybe this is a good way to get her to remember them, to remind her that BC won't do crap unless she takes it every night! Most importantly, I need her to know that I believe her and that this is not OK. I used to get severe cramping and some other issues, and everyone just blew me off. It wasn't like what she deals with, but it was pretty awful. Fast forward to the age of 24 or so, when I ended up in the ER, ultimately having to have surgery that discovered stage 4 endometriosis, taking all kinds of meds and as I mentioned, have been on 24/7 BC ever since. Oh, and while I have no regrets about it, I adopted my kids. So obviously that whole time, something wasn't right within me. But even so, when I finally discovered that anything on a regular basis that was much more than some mild cramps and some period poops wasn't normal, I was so angry. |
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Post by birdy on Jan 27, 2023 21:52:26 GMT
Not sure if this is the med you were thinking but I was just given a prescription for Lysteda (generic name I believe is tranexamic acid) to try to see if it will give me period relief. I am to take it 3x/day for the duration of my period. I haven't tried it yet since I'm between cycles but I'm willing to give it a try. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the price, it's about $75 at my local pharmacy. I'm hoping it's a miracle cure for me I feel for your daughter, I have an extremely heavy flow and have since I first started. I was using the tranexamic acid for about 2 years. I only took it on very heavy days, which were usually day 2-4 for me (that helped each prescription to last longer since it was a bit expensive! Plus, my dr. said I could only take it for 5 days at a time and sometimes my period lasted 8 or so days. It helped with the heavy flow and made me worry less about going out of the house during that time! Didn't help with cramps though, but my gyn said to take 800 mg. Advil as needed and that helped. She finally talked me into an IUD (even though I'm in my 50's and DH had the V so I don't need it for BC, but just the hormone to help with the cramps and heavy flow). |
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Post by sabrinae on Jan 27, 2023 22:04:31 GMT
Due to dd's medical needs (mainly hEDS, POTS, and Dyautonomia) she started BCPs at age 14 and a half. She had to have a years worth of periods before her gyn could start the BCP. It was highly suggested by genetics, Cardiology, PCP, and Neurology that she start them. They have been a huge help for dd. She is 3 months off then has a cycle. She is on Daisee aka Seasonique or something like that. Anyways she no longer has 9 to 10 dsy period with super heavy bleeding, huge clots, nausea, and super bad tachycardia episodes that cause near failing. She also doesn't need any Tylenol during her cycles. Can I ask a few questions? I understand if your not comfortable answering. You’ve been very helpful when I’ve asked about my daughter before. While we don’t have an official diagnosis yet —- it’s looking more and more like she’s going to end up with same trifecta you referenced above — hEDS, POTS, Dysautonomia— the Dysautonomia/POTS symptoms have been getting progress worse and the last two weeks have been awful. Her period definitely seems to trigger more intense symptoms. Did your daughter have to have consistent monthly periods before birth control? My daughter started very early — at 10 but she still occasionally skips periods but then will have 2 in the same month. She’s 15. I don’t think it should impact her ability to get in birth control but who knows. Did you go straight to the 3 month cycle or did she try the monthly ones? We have an appointment Tuesday with a cardiologist who specializes in POTS/Dysautonomia so I’m hopeful we’ll finally get some help controlling her symptoms |
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 27, 2023 22:21:34 GMT
Due to dd's medical needs (mainly hEDS, POTS, and Dyautonomia) she started BCPs at age 14 and a half. She had to have a years worth of periods before her gyn could start the BCP. It was highly suggested by genetics, Cardiology, PCP, and Neurology that she start them. They have been a huge help for dd. She is 3 months off then has a cycle. She is on Daisee aka Seasonique or something like that. Anyways she no longer has 9 to 10 dsy period with super heavy bleeding, huge clots, nausea, and super bad tachycardia episodes that cause near failing. She also doesn't need any Tylenol during her cycles. Can I ask a few questions? I understand if your not comfortable answering. You’ve been very helpful when I’ve asked about my daughter before. While we don’t have an official diagnosis yet —- it’s looking more and more like she’s going to end up with same trifecta you referenced above — hEDS, POTS, Dysautonomia— the Dysautonomia/POTS symptoms have been getting progress worse and the last two weeks have been awful. Her period definitely seems to trigger more intense symptoms. Did your daughter have to have consistent monthly periods before birth control? My daughter started very early — at 10 but she still occasionally skips periods but then will have 2 in the same month. She’s 15. I don’t think it should impact her ability to get in birth control but who knows. Did you go straight to the 3 month cycle or did she try the monthly ones? We have an appointment Tuesday with a cardiologist who specializes in POTS/Dysautonomia so I’m hopeful we’ll finally get some help controlling her symptoms Always welcome to help! Not a lot of people have those things. Dd's gynecologist just required that she have 1 full year of cycles. Hers were all over the place but because of her medical needs, the need was greater than having regular cycles. Her gynecologist knew a lot about POTS and Dyautonomia (at the time she had not been diagnosed with hEDS yet) and said because of her body's reaction to her cycles, it was best to be off of them as much as possible. Cardiology and her other teams 100% agreed. It also helped with seizures. So she immediately started the 3 months off, 1 cycle BCP, rinse, repeat. While her cycles weren't as long in the beginning, I would say it took about 1.5 years to be in a good spot. Light, short cycles, regular, no pain, no cysts, etc. She still gets bad gastric symptoms but that is due to her hEDS and GI conditions. |
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Post by sabrinae on Jan 28, 2023 1:10:50 GMT
Can I ask a few questions? I understand if your not comfortable answering. You’ve been very helpful when I’ve asked about my daughter before. While we don’t have an official diagnosis yet —- it’s looking more and more like she’s going to end up with same trifecta you referenced above — hEDS, POTS, Dysautonomia— the Dysautonomia/POTS symptoms have been getting progress worse and the last two weeks have been awful. Her period definitely seems to trigger more intense symptoms. Did your daughter have to have consistent monthly periods before birth control? My daughter started very early — at 10 but she still occasionally skips periods but then will have 2 in the same month. She’s 15. I don’t think it should impact her ability to get in birth control but who knows. Did you go straight to the 3 month cycle or did she try the monthly ones? We have an appointment Tuesday with a cardiologist who specializes in POTS/Dysautonomia so I’m hopeful we’ll finally get some help controlling her symptoms Always welcome to help! Not a lot of people have those things. Dd's gynecologist just required that she have 1 full year of cycles. Hers were all over the place but because of her medical needs, the need was greater than having regular cycles. Her gynecologist knew a lot about POTS and Dyautonomia (at the time she had not been diagnosed with hEDS yet) and said because of her body's reaction to her cycles, it was best to be off of them as much as possible. Cardiology and her other teams 100% agreed. It also helped with seizures. So she immediately started the 3 months off, 1 cycle BCP, rinse, repeat. While her cycles weren't as long in the beginning, I would say it took about 1.5 years to be in a good spot. Light, short cycles, regular, no pain, no cysts, etc. She still gets bad gastric symptoms but that is due to her hEDS and GI conditions. Thank you. I really appreciate your willingness to share. These past two and a half years have been pretty awful for my daughter. We’ve had a hard time finding Drs willing to take her and her symptoms seriously - not to mention the gossip about her not really being sick and it’s just us pushing stuff that’s not there. She just wants to feel better and be able to function as a teenager again. It’s been reassuring to me to read your replies here and know we’re not alone with these issues and we can eventually figure out what works to keep her functional and able to live life. |
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Post by librarylady on Jan 28, 2023 2:11:25 GMT
FWIW, I had terrible cramps and vomiting and often missed some school and used a heating pad to try to relieve my pain. When I went on birth control pills, I finally had a life without all of that. After I had a baby, then I had periods that were pain free.
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Post by khaleesi on Jan 30, 2023 16:01:06 GMT
Not sure if this is the med you were thinking but I was just given a prescription for Lysteda (generic name I believe is tranexamic acid) to try to see if it will give me period relief. I am to take it 3x/day for the duration of my period. I haven't tried it yet since I'm between cycles but I'm willing to give it a try. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the price, it's about $75 at my local pharmacy. I'm hoping it's a miracle cure for me I feel for your daughter, I have an extremely heavy flow and have since I first started. I was using the tranexamic acid for about 2 years. I only took it on very heavy days, which were usually day 2-4 for me (that helped each prescription to last longer since it was a bit expensive! Plus, my dr. said I could only take it for 5 days at a time and sometimes my period lasted 8 or so days. It helped with the heavy flow and made me worry less about going out of the house during that time! Didn't help with cramps though, but my gyn said to take 800 mg. Advil as needed and that helped. She finally talked me into an IUD (even though I'm in my 50's and DH had the V so I don't need it for BC, but just the hormone to help with the cramps and heavy flow). Good idea about stretching the script only using it on the heavy days! I may try that, thank you! Not to totally hijack the OP's thread but my Dr. is also trying to talk me into an IUD for help with cramps and periods. I don't need it for BC and am almost 45. I'm really torn about it as I had to stop BCP years ago because the hormones were causing me to have breakthrough periods. I was lucky if I had 2 or 3 days a month without bleeding even on the lowest dose of BCP that was available. That issue plus worries about once the IUD is removed going back to the way things were are giving me pause. Has your IUD helped with cramps and flow? |
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Post by twistedscissors on Jan 30, 2023 18:41:28 GMT
I was using the tranexamic acid for about 2 years. I only took it on very heavy days, which were usually day 2-4 for me (that helped each prescription to last longer since it was a bit expensive! Plus, my dr. said I could only take it for 5 days at a time and sometimes my period lasted 8 or so days. It helped with the heavy flow and made me worry less about going out of the house during that time! Didn't help with cramps though, but my gyn said to take 800 mg. Advil as needed and that helped. She finally talked me into an IUD (even though I'm in my 50's and DH had the V so I don't need it for BC, but just the hormone to help with the cramps and heavy flow). Good idea about stretching the script only using it on the heavy days! I may try that, thank you! Not to totally hijack the OP's thread but my Dr. is also trying to talk me into an IUD for help with cramps and periods. I don't need it for BC and am almost 45. I'm really torn about it as I had to stop BCP years ago because the hormones were causing me to have breakthrough periods. I was lucky if I had 2 or 3 days a month without bleeding even on the lowest dose of BCP that was available. That issue plus worries about once the IUD is removed going back to the way things were are giving me pause. Has your IUD helped with cramps and flow? I got an IUD last Feb for horrible cramping and heavy bleeding. My blood work showed I should be in menopause but my uterus wasn’t getting the message. The first three months were awful, not gonna lie. Very painful insertion, still heavy bleeding and bad cramps. My dr put me on three pack cycle of birth control pills and bleeding stopped. I have only had spotting a few times since then. |
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cynthia1218
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by cynthia1218 on Jan 30, 2023 20:11:32 GMT
My daughter is 16 now. I think she has been on the pill for almost 3-4 years now. Her period meant one day a month (or more since sometimes her period was every two weeks or whatever it felt like) she was curled up on a ball on couch crying in pain. Missing school because of it. The not having a regular schedule period did not effect her getting on the birth control. She also started early having her period - i think 11 years old. Birth Control was such a miracle worker. lo loestrin was what they first put her on. It was the best ever very light period, no cramps ever but our insurance changed and no longer covered it - $184 a month with no generic. We are on other generic bc pills still works wonders. Sometimes she has minor cramping but two tylenol and she is fine. She also loves it because now her periods are on a schedule - no surprise visitors.
Please don't let our daughters suffer with period issues. I have suffered for so long during my teenage years - cramps, horrible bleeding. my mom just told me it was normal so i never really asked anyone what is considered a normal period. I went on birth control at 19 and discovered it helped my issues. I didn't learn until I went off the pill after my child was five and my period tried to kill me.
feel free to ask me anything. I have no problem discussing anything no matter how sensitive.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,872
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Post by tracylynn on Jan 30, 2023 20:42:44 GMT
I started BCPs at 12. My periods were horrific. Besides being painful, they would last 2 weeks and then come every 2 weeks.
The BCPs completely solved the problems.
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Post by birdy on Jan 30, 2023 21:26:33 GMT
I was using the tranexamic acid for about 2 years. I only took it on very heavy days, which were usually day 2-4 for me (that helped each prescription to last longer since it was a bit expensive! Plus, my dr. said I could only take it for 5 days at a time and sometimes my period lasted 8 or so days. It helped with the heavy flow and made me worry less about going out of the house during that time! Didn't help with cramps though, but my gyn said to take 800 mg. Advil as needed and that helped. She finally talked me into an IUD (even though I'm in my 50's and DH had the V so I don't need it for BC, but just the hormone to help with the cramps and heavy flow). Good idea about stretching the script only using it on the heavy days! I may try that, thank you! Not to totally hijack the OP's thread but my Dr. is also trying to talk me into an IUD for help with cramps and periods. I don't need it for BC and am almost 45. I'm really torn about it as I had to stop BCP years ago because the hormones were causing me to have breakthrough periods. I was lucky if I had 2 or 3 days a month without bleeding even on the lowest dose of BCP that was available. That issue plus worries about once the IUD is removed going back to the way things were are giving me pause. Has your IUD helped with cramps and flow? Yes, the IUD has helped with cramps and flow. Despite having 2 big babies, my cramps were worse after having kids than before. I used to have to take 800 mg. ibuprofen every 4 hours for the first 3 days, now I can manage with either no cramps or cramps so mild that I don't bother to take anything. The flow has greatly improved. The first 3 months, no period at all. Months 4 and 5 I had a very light flow for a few days and since then, nothing!!! I forget how long you keep it in (maybe 6 years??) so by the time I'm due to have it out, I'll be in my later 50's and hopefully through menopause by then. I didn't want it for the reasons you stated but it is working for me and I wish I had done it sooner! |
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froggyscraps
Full Member
Posts: 171
Jun 26, 2014 0:43:39 GMT
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Post by froggyscraps on Jan 31, 2023 4:01:14 GMT
Depo shot changed my life. I hope your daughter doesn't continue to suffer and finds an answer quickly. I wish I would've followed through much sooner than I did. I also have POTS/dysautonomia/nerve stuff as mentioned above and it helps so much not having to deal with extra flare up symptoms monthly.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 31, 2023 15:46:30 GMT
I have heard that the Jovi patch works really, really well!
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The straw that broke the camel's back is when we realized her period was going to start during her beach week vacation - and that meant it would knock her out for a good 4 days of the trip. With COVID, she was heartbroken. So I took her to the dr and they put her on BC AND an anti-naeasuea medicine. That helped TREMENDOUSLY. They did not require an internal exam, which surprised me. I was older when I went on the pill. When she has her periods now, they seem more controlled and not as bad, plus she has the other meds. And when she knows she has something important (like that beach vacation) she skipped the placebo week (as far as I know, that is the only time she has done that). Looking back I am not sure I would have done it much earlier, but I kind of wish we had since her symptoms were so severe._on_the_beach.jpg)
