Hi girls,
Well I finally got my period (2 1/2 weeks late) since being on PM. My periods have been better these last 8 months or so, (still a lot of pain, but controllable with medication) but this last period was unbearable. The pain was so intense - I fet as though I was going into labour. Everything from my waist to my toes is in a constant state of contraction. My legs thrash around constantly and uncontrollably even my toes curl up. All the muscles in the lower half of my body spasm. The pain is so intense that I feel like throwing up and wish I would pass out. For many years this was the norm with my periods, but just this past year I thought my hormones were finally starting to balance out but then this happenend.

I would like to continue with NBE as I think I gained 1/2" last month. What do you think? Does anyone know what could be causing this reaction and if it will balance out? Should I lower my doses and slowly work up?
At the moment I am taking 2 PM morning and night. I would love to hear any suggestions, or if any one else has experienced this.

Thanks,
Peaches xoxo

Tho you mention your periods were always like this, this isn't what's supposed to happen during periods at all. At least I never heard of it. Contractions of skeletal muscles are caused by entirely different mechanisms than contractions of smooth muscles of the uterus. It seems really strange to me. I wouldn't continue PM is I was you and I'd consult a doctor.

Hi Peaches,
I agree with Moon. Stop the PM. The phytoestrogen in PM is more potent than our natural estrogen. High estrogen levels are associated with bad menstrual cramps.

I would also agree that you should seek out a doctor. I could be you have very little progesterone. A blood or saliva test could confirm this.

Best wishes - keep us posted,
waxingmoon

Hi Peaches

I have experienced really bad period pain also, I actually rate my period pain worst than labour pain. The only relief I have found is through diet (giving birth didn't change a thing), if I don't indulge in sugary treats (like chocolate and lollies) then I'm fine. Hope this helps...also have you checked endometriosis?

I can almost guarentee if u take coral calcium supplement that ur pain will go away.

same thing happened to me except not 'labor'type pain and by my next cycle after taking it i didnt even no my period came until it was surprised.

I don't know if regular calcium would work but try the coral calcium. good luck

hi,

This happens, my periods use to be very painful that i had to take narcotic medications to help with the pain. Not as painful as what you are explaining though, When i was taking Pm in the gum form, i had heavy periods, i cant really remember if the pain was tht much, but as soon as i started used birth control, yaz, my periods are not really painful at all, tylenol can help and also they are very light, almost too light in my opinion. It might be a good idea to get on birth control after following moons advice to seek a doctor's opinion. Another thing is that the progesterone in yaz, is a good match for all the estrogen we feed our bodies, especially one as strong as PM.

What you are describing could be fibroids / ovarian cysts / endometriosis etc so definitely get it checked. You said you had your hormones balanced before - was that from taking BCP. I've had really bad period pains + mid cycle pains + random pains + occasional severe attacks (I though I was having an ectopic pregnancy as I felt like my tubes were bursting) - turns out I have PCO and it was a cyst bursting. I agree with what you mean about contraction feelings although my legs never thrashed around. BCP fixed me right up in literally a few weeks. Do you have any other hormonal symptoms like bad skin or hairyness?

I use to get pretty bad period pain myself but not to the extent of others by the sounds of it. I changed my local doctor who actually is also an acupuncturist. I had a few sessions with her to help me prevent period pain and I don't get it anymore!

I don't even get sore boobs before my period which I think is a bad thing because it reminds me as to when my period is coming. But my doctor says its a good thing that my boobs aren't tender because it means my hormones are becoming balanced.

My suggestion is to try acupuncture if you think you can handle needles!

Hi Girls,
Thanks for writing. Topazblue, you mentioned sugar and you are so right. It makes such a big difference. I have just started a new exercise and eating plan so I'm hoping this month will be better. Beth - I think you mentioned the calcium, I will give this a go for sure. I have tried acupuncture previously but will look into it again if I don't see any improvements this month. Thanks everyone for your comments.
Keep growing girls.

I'm not 100% sure but I think I grew between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch last month. YAY! Pushing 32". Need another couple. I'll post some more pics soon.

take iron supplements

Hi peaches,

i too used to have really SEVERE period pains. but for the last 3 cycles they all disappeared like magic! i'm currently taking vitex, sp, fg, borage, calcium, vit e, vit c, a multivit and cut down on sweets, plus alot of h20. i don't what's causing my body to have no menstrual cramps, no breast tenderness, and a period like clockwork (28 days on the dot), but it's definitely working. i hope you find your solution soon. many ladies here give great advice :)

Hello Peaches,

I recently looked briefly at a book called "women's bodies, women's wisdom" and it too explains that menstruation should not be so painful. It goes into what physical or psychological conditions (i.e. unresolved emotion issues, unhappiness, etc) could be contributing.

Might be worth a shot in addition to toning down on sugar (so hard!).
Good luck!

Also, thought I'd mention that I had nice, light periods while on the pill, then after going off my first two were heavier and painful and I was on PM at the time(though nowhere near what you describe) but since going on red clover and saw palmetto (neither of which are in pm) my period was so light and there was no cramping I almost thought something was wrong!

peaches2melons,
My periods are exactly as you have described, even after childbirth. Sometimes its so bad, that I DO vomit and have passed out once. I know what you are talking about with your toes curling. Its like you're cramping from your abs to your pinky toe. I have had this problem since my first period when I was 11. I have yet to find a doctor who will listen to me. All they do is give me birthcontrol which doesn't work. All it does for me is make it shorter. If you decide to get checked out, let me know what happens. I'd too like to know what the heck is wrong with me. It effects my jobs even!
I should also mention that not only did I try SERVERAL types of birthcontrol, but I also take iron, calcium and liquid iodine. Doesn't help in my case. Neither does ibuprofen or naproxin. Although, if I were to choose one, I'd go with about 3 naproxin at a time. I have also tried several herbs with no luck. Its nice to give advice, but if you don't feel as if you are giving birth to a breeched baby once a month there is no way you could understand. Deffinatly go to a doctor and don't let them just give you a pap and a script for B.C. Demand that they look for fibroids or edometriosis. The next time I go I will do the same. I'm sick of this run-a-round!