Hello! I had no idea that ultrasounds can't find endo, maybe that's how my GYNO overlooked it if I end up getting that diagnosis. So sorry she had to end up with the side effects of birth control, I have many friends in high school who would tell me all their horror stories of it as well. I have been watching my diet more closely just incase it might have some effect this time around too.
Hi! The more I do my research, the more I find that fact of GYNOS slapping the band-aid of birth control on the bullet hole sized wounds of period symptoms. It's crazy how long this has gone on for so long and I hope there will be better solutions available for our situations soon. I read something about that book as well and will consider finding a version of it online! I'll for sure be careful with the big pharma drugs too, it can be too easy to overdo.
Hello! Thank you so much for understanding my situation! I do fear the possibility of making the wrong decisions when it comes to my menstrual cycle and overall health, but making this post has helped me a lot to not only cope with my symptoms but work to find a way to control them. It is better to try than to give up, even if I'm a little scared. Thanks for the recommendation of the Facebook group, I'll be sure to check it out. I hope it will help as much as the forum has helped me!
Hello!
Thank you so much for leaving these replies. I appreciate you sharing your story and your personal experience with our similar situation.
I can relate completely to your entire first comment where you describe your side of the symptoms. All I can do besides MIDOL is a heated pad or blanket with pillows. I agree with your opinion on my current solution too. My current medication is just a band-aid on a bullet hole; it won't fix and could further damage what is already not right. Not being able to stand and the intense sickness is an indescribable experience too, but I am glad no one else but my grandma who passed had to go through this as well.
I learned in high school anatomy that iodine deficiency can help with an underactive thyroid, but applying it to our situation seems like a really great try. It seems by research iodine is easy to overdo however, so if I try it I will probably have a parent help me with the dosage and will for sure seek medical advice before doing so. I know it's very important for us though, so maybe I can find some vitamins that could supplement me in a slower dosage and see how I feel afterwards.
Thank you again for sharing so much of your own experiences. I will do my best to be careful and do enough searching before I try anything serious too.
Hello!
Thanks for your input! This is another one I've never heard of! What kind of black cohosh did you take? When I look it up, it looks like a plant/flower but can come in liquids, gummies, or powdered form. The black cohosh looks like a good start in terms of a supplement solution online.
Hello!
Let me start by saying thank you so so much for the detailed explanation of each of the recommendations and tips! I am so grateful for your suggestions.
I will seriously start considering starting magnesium soon, since not only is it a main ingredient in my current medication MIDOL, but it seems to be the leading tip out of all the comments with your explanation being the most detailed so far. I had no idea that this supplement could help with more than just the cramps and period in general, but with the other symptoms too. Additionally, I will consider investing in a wedge pillow as when I experience cramping, it is so hard to feel comfortable and stable in a normal bed. I use normal pillows for support but never considered using one of those for my back pain.
To add on, I bought some castor oil in the past via a family recommendation for a different health issue but was told to consume it rather than apply it bodily. I'll dig it up and look at the instructions soon since it's one of the solutions I actually have on hand.
Thank you so much for your tips again! I appreciate it greatly and hope to let you know what works in the future.
Hello!
I've seen that tip a lot and now I do think I might have that as well. I heard it was common, and I'm not sure why my GYNO didn't consider looking into it after I asked about a possible diagnosis via my symptoms. I think I might consider changing my diet to more whole foods and less processed to see if it helps. Thank you for the advice!
Hello!
I received the same medication recommendation from my GYNO as well, except she only stated 800 or more could be prescribed to me for no explanation known. I have heard stories about after having a child, the body can kind of do a "factory reset" and the severe cramping/ other symptoms disappear. From my research, it seems to do with the hormones possibly residing at normal levels after the intensity of hormone changes during childbirth.
I agree with the opinion against Big Pharma, and naturally, I think Ibuprofen is my next option since MIDOL seems to be failing.
Thank you for your advice and for sharing your personal experience!
Hi!
I have seen this once before but didn't know what kinds of chronic pain it was used for. I haven't seen many kinds of pain relievers besides MIDOL and Ibuprofen so I think I'll note this as an option! I will also add these links to my research notes. Thanks for the suggestions!
Hi!
I will check this out now! Detoxing and cleansing is a solution I'm now looking into, so I appreciate this! The more research the better, and you are very right about the medication not curing, just a short-term solution to my problem.
I'll use these links in my research soon, thanks for the advice!
Hello!
I for sure want to be familiar with the norms around here and want to be as polite as possible while receiving suggestions. I'll do my best to acknowledge all of the comments like so.
I'll take the time in the future to give an update and provide my own experiences with what worked, what didn't, and what I discovered on my own after I seek personal care.
Thanks for the advice and for welcoming me so nicely!
Hello!
Thank you so much! I think I will add my post to that forum, it seems like a good spot to get different kinds of tips too.
I completely agree, nope with the removal of organs or big surgeries and life-changing drugs.
A life goal I have is to start a family, so I truly hope nothing I experience now will impact my fertility; removal of an organ would run this as impossible but unless it's something like cancer, I would never consider it.
A close family member just started treatment with a naturopath nearby, so I think that's where I'm heading first, and soon.
Thank you for your encouragement and advice!
Hi!
I saw magnesium mentioned in an earlier comment, so I think after seeing more recommendations I will try it soon!
I like grounding as well and try to whenever I go outside, but I've heard about how it can help more if you do it in the sun.
Thanks for your advice!
Hello!
I know a family member who also takes that! They have talked to me about how it has helped them so I think even if I don't get my hormones tested, I'll consider taking them anyway.
A parasite cleanse is something I've heard about, but I never knew it could help with period pains. I will for sure look into it and do more research.
Thanks for sharing your tips and experience!
Hi!
I knew I wasn't alone when my doctor only recommended big pharma and birth control as the only solution to my problems. I've heard so many from school who have had horrible symptoms from strong, hormonal medications such as 'the pill' that give acne, weight gain, and life-altering symptoms. I'm so sorry that you didn't get the care you needed as well.
I considered going back to a GYNO with that in mind to try to sway away from birth control but still get some kind of care or diagnosis. I will see at my next doctor visit if an ultrasound is an option as well.
I'll try with the Ibuprofen over MIDOL next time and hope for the best. A big thanks for your advice!
Hello! So sorry your daughter has similar symptoms as well. I have iron supplements at home but was scared off as I heard it can be easy to receive too much and not know how much my body needs. I think I will get hormone-tested and try it though, in addition to magnesium as it seems to be the two highest recommended supplements to help.
Thank you for the advice and good luck!
Hi!
I do agree my situation seems super complex, and it was clear my gynecologist was hesitant to diagnose me with an actual disease.
Reading your comment, it sounds like you had a tough time with yours as well and I'll take your recommendations to heart. I can see why putting a pause on your periods is your best option as well, but I haven't found any non-hormonal BC in my research yet. I'm honestly nervous to start BC as I've heard horror stories about women never getting their period back after usage, but if my symptoms worsen that may be the route I must take.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with me, and I hope you continue to get the care you need as well!
Hi!
I really appreciate this recommendation. I completely forgot about how much hormones can make an impact on your body, especially since it's naturally what causes periods in the first place!
I've never had mine tested, but I've learned about them in school to know that they can mess up your cycle and lead to bigger problems down the road. I'll also look into that website and ensure I have the right info before I do any huge medications too.
Thank you for your input! It means a lot and I'll consider it greatly.
Hello!
I forgot to include in my OP that my GYNO had included extreme doses of Ibuprofen as a counter to the cramping and other symptoms I experience, and though I considered it I just wanted a diagnosis more than anything else.
I will start doing more research on diseases that target menstrual cycles and such too, endometriosis seems like a viable option but I won't know for sure until I see a doctor.
It's so sad you had to go through that as well, and I hope you see doctors who can give you more information! Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience.
No worries! Sounds like a long process back then, but it also seems to be the best quality you could get too. I'll try my best to find some with that in mind. Thank you!