A lot of girls tell me Buscopan or Spasmex works wonders for them. It really helps relax those muscles, so I can see why they swear by it 🙂 But honestly? It does absolutely nothing for my period cramps 🤷 It might help with stomach issues, but for this, it’s useless. Same goes for Spasmex Forte 😳
A pharmacist once suggested I try taking one or two mild pain relievers a day just a few days before my period starts. I haven't actually tried it, though—feels a bit silly to take pills like that 🤷 when I deal with intense pain every single month for at least two days straight. 🙂 Those days usually don't pass without some Ibuprofen (which I probably shouldn't be taking anyway) or maybe two or three Tylenol 500s, and even then, they only work if I catch the pain the second it hits. Sometimes, nothing helps except a trip to the ER for some Voltaren. 🙄 A few friends mentioned they started drinking Evening Primrose tea and swear it’s been a game changer. They said their cramps went from bad to barely noticeable, or even disappeared entirely... so I'm inclined to believe it might work. Also, that magnesium tip is worth looking into. It can't hurt, and if it helps even a little, it's a win. 🙂
So, I deal with pretty regular and really painful periods. On average, I’m sidelined by pain for about a month or two every year. But lately, over the last few months, I’ve been getting these bruises on my legs right before my period starts. As far as I can tell, I haven't been bumping into anything. It’s usually around five or six bruises at a time, and they seem to be increasing. They just fade away on their own after a couple of days. My blood work came back totally normal. Has anyone else dealt with something similar? I'm not exactly panicking, I'm just curious why these keep popping up right before my cycle hits. 🤷
Linda Ward3 said:How often do you drink that tea, and is it okay to drink it during your period? And how long does it take before you actually start feeling the effects?
I have this massive issue with those pills too, mostly because my appetite is so low that my stomach feels tiny, so I end up swallowing 3 or 4 Advils or Aleves when it gets bad, and then I just feel sick to my stomach right after.
I've tried everything, even those old wives' tales where people say to soak a rag in whiskey and lay on it with it over your abdomen 🤦 supposedly to make the pain go away. Yeah, right. Total nonsense.
I even found a thread on an old forum saying you should warm up cabbage leaves on a cloth and use them as warm compresses on your belly to ease the ache. Tried that too. 🙈
In the end, I always just end up loading up on painkillers like some kind of addict, which just makes me nauseous. If there is any tea or anything effective made from natural ingredients, I would be seriously grateful to hear about it. 🙂
Hey, I just saw your question. A friend told me she starts drinking it about 10 to 14 days before her period starts and keeps going through the actual days. She also said she’s been on it for about eight months now. After the first month, the pain eased up a bit, by the second month it was almost gone, and after half a year, she hasn't had any pain at all. Before that, she dealt with it every single month for years. I think it's worth a shot since there's really nothing to lose. I'm heading out to pick some up in a few days, so I'll ask the pharmacist for the best way to take it. Once I start, I'll let you know if things actually start looking up. A few days ago, I had a cramp attack worse than anything I've ever felt. Nothing the pills did helped, and I was throwing up even after just sipping water.😳 I am honestly willing to try anything just so I don't have to deal with pain this intense ever again...
Maria Kern4 said:Please, for the love of everything—do not overdo it with the Ibuprofen.. I was popping those every single month because my periods were absolutely excruciating, and look where it got me—I ended up with gastritis and stomach bleeding.. My next cycle should start in five days and I’m already spiraling into a panic because I have no idea what I'm going to do when I'm strictly forbidden from taking any more painkillers😢
I'm dealing with the exact same thing. Every month, those first two or three days are a nightmare—I can't get through them without taking at least three pills a day. The pain is insane, plus nausea, vomiting, weakness in my limbs, blackouts, and heavy bleeding... I started using Advil or Aleve when I was 16, and by the time I hit 20, I was undergoing an endoscopy. They diagnosed me with erosive gastritis with bleeding in my stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. The very first thing my doctor asked after the procedure was what kind of painkillers I use. When she heard my list, she told me those were likely the main cause of the bleeding and the damage to my stomach. It’s not that you can’t take *anything* for pain, it’s just that you shouldn't rely on NSAIDs, aspirin, or things like Voltaren (or use them as often as you were). For me, I use effervescent Tylenol (1000mg), which is much easier on the stomach and actually works. Besides that, other effervescent options like certain acetaminophen brands work too. Basically, my gastroenterologist said anything based on acetaminophen is fine. On the days when the pain is so bad nothing helps, I just head to the ER to get a Voltaren injection... though my doctor did mention that taking a single dose of something like Motrin occasionally won't kill you. At least, that's what she told me. Also, another doctor suggested trying Evening Primrose tea, which is specifically meant to ease menstrual cramps. A friend of mine had terrible issues too, and she’s been drinking it every month; she says she hasn't had major pain in almost six months now. So, I don't know, it might be worth a shot. 🙂
I’ve got three days until my period starts, and the pains already kicked in yesterday. It’s just the right side this time. Honestly, ever since I got my first period about eight years ago, I've dealt with cramps every single month—maybe only a few times in all that time did it actually feel okay. But these last two months have been brutal. The pain was so intense that an ER visit and an injection were the only things that helped. Both times, those first two days left me vomiting, feeling weak, dealing with back pain, and having zero appetite. Here’s the catch: I have GERD and a history of stomach bleeding, so I can't touch Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. My only safe bets are Tylenol or similar acetaminophen brands. I’ve tried Spasmex and Buscopan (which I usually take for stomach issues too), but nothing worked. On the second day, a 1000mg effervescent Tylenol finally hits the spot. I’m stuck because I don't know what to take on day one, and running to the emergency room every month isn't a long-term plan. Looking at how I feel now, I know this month is going to be just as bad. I went to see my doctor, but she keeps insisting Spasmex is enough and tells me it's nothing to worry about. Any advice would be appreciated. 🙂
Edward Murphy4 said:Not sure where you are, but my hormone and antibody tests cost about $300.😲
Anyway, I've got basically every symptom mentioned in the original post (minus the low temp), and I totally agree with what > said, except my thyroid is actually fine.🤷
Same here. I second everything Sam Hayes said, word for word. My temperature rarely even hits 97. I’ve got zero energy. Just total body weakness and no motivation for anything. Honestly, I feel like an 80-year-old instead of a 21-year-old.🙄 I've had my thyroid checked several times. My doctor sent me for blood work and an ultrasound because she suspected something was up, but everything looked perfect. Since then, my doctor has sent me for follow-ups a few more times, and once again, everything came back normal. I don't know, maybe it's related to anemia or just how badly I can't stand the heat. Who knows. All I know is this state of being is absolutely exhausting.😠
Does anyone have recommendations for period pain relief that won't absolutely wreck my stomach? 🙂 Because of acid reflux and gastritis, I have to stay far away from things like Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. Tylenol just isn't strong enough for me. The same goes for regular Acetaminophen. I can get some relief if I take effervescent Tylenol or a 1000mg dose the second the pain hits. My doctor prescribed Spasmex Forte. It works wonders for my stomach issues, but it does nothing for these cramps. I also tried Buscopan, which works similarly, but it barely helps at all. Today I took two effervescent Tylenols, and they worked for a bit. But by this evening, the effect wore off and I switched to Spasmex. It’s been over three hours now and the pain hasn't budged—honestly, it feels like it's getting worse. 🙂 😠It's a struggle every month, but I think this one is extra brutal because my college group had to help clean out a warehouse. We were hauling boxes weighing 30 or 35 lbs for the first three days, and since those were my first three days of my cycle, I don't even want to imagine how much that added to the misery. 😠 😠
Tyler Peterson5 said:Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well.
So, my wife just started feeling incredibly dizzy out of nowhere this afternoon. She’s dealing with intense nausea too—like she really needs to throw up, but nothing is happening. She seems completely wiped out, just totally lacking any strength or energy. On top of all that, she’s hearing this really loud ringing in her ears.
This has been going on for about two or three hours now. It has happened once or twice before, I guess, but it was always brief and never lasted nearly this long.
If anyone here happens to know anything about these kinds of symptoms, could you please help me understand what might be going on? I'd really appreciate any insight. Thanks so much.
It sounds like she might be dealing with peripheral vertigo, which usually stems from the inner ear. My first thought would be vestibular neuritis—basically a viral infection affecting the balance nerve. Symptoms of neuritis typically include sudden, severe dizzy spells, nausea, leaning toward the affected side, vomiting, and even anxiety. It's almost always caused by a virus hitting that nerve. I went through something very similar, though both my vestibular nerve and my labyrinth were involved. Edit: Given the ringing in her ears you mentioned, Meniere's disease is also on my mind (just saw that part of your post). That condition involves vertigo attacks that can last for hours. Usually, the dizziness is preceded by a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, ringing, and sometimes even hearing loss. Nausea often follows. The best move is for her to check in with her doctor. They'll run some tests and figure out the right treatment plan. 😉
So, here’s the deal. I went in for some allergy follow-ups and had blood work done. Everything looked fine except for my MCV, which was 78.5 (normal range 83-97), and my MCH, which was 25.6 (normal range 27.4-33.9). My red blood cell count was 4.93 (range 3.86-5.08). Because of the microcytosis, my allergist suspected iron-deficiency anemia and sent me for iron levels, TIBC, UIBC, ferritin, and reticulocytes. I've already done the blood draw. Right now, I only have my ferritin result, which is 9 (range 13-150), because the lab is sending the rest directly to my doctor. I saw her today, and she mentioned my red blood cell volume is still low, my reticulocytes are at 22 (she said they're at the high end of the range), my TIBC is elevated (I'm not sure by how much), and my iron is 10 (I think the range is 8-30). She prescribed Feosol, one 100 mg tablet daily in the morning, and folic acid, one 5 mg tablet in the evening. Now I’m wondering: what’s the best way to boost that red blood cell volume? Does it go back up once the iron deficiency is corrected? Also, what role does the folic acid play here? (I dealt with anemia about 2.5 years ago and didn't take anything then). One more thing—can I take Nexium (esomeprazole) alongside the iron? I have active erosions in my stomach and duodenum. My doctor says I absolutely should take it, but three ladies working at the pharmacy told me there's no way I should take them together 😕. As for symptoms, I've been feeling weak, having occasional racing heart, and getting short of breath when I push myself (though my pulmonary tests came back normal). Thank you in advance for any insight, and sorry for the long post. Best, 😉
A loved one of mine suddenly came down with intense dizziness a few days ago, along with headaches, vomiting, and feeling wiped out every single day. They rushed to get some tests done, and the results just came back today—it turns out there’s inflammation in the vestibular nerve. The doctor prescribed Meclizine and Neurobion. Since I'm having a hard time finding much info online about this specific issue, I was hoping anyone with more experience could weigh in. How serious is this really? Are there certain complications to watch out for, or maybe a helpful link you could share?
Maria Reed44 said:Does anyone know a solid private endocrinologist in Washington, D.C.? I'm specifically looking for someone with a PhD. Thanks!
Prof. Miroslav Dumić works over at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, but he also sees patients privately in Chicago. He's my top recommendation. 👍
I get that there aren't many teams on duty and plenty of cases to handle, but honestly, sometimes the behavior at the ER is just straight-up irresponsible. Here are a couple of my own run-ins with bad practice. Last winter, I suddenly felt this tingling in my face, one side of my head went numb, and I got hit with massive dizziness, blurred vision, intense nausea, and I couldn't even walk. The ER is just a street over, so my folks drove me because I knew how long the wait would be for an ambulance. The doctor there barely even looked at me. She checked my blood pressure—which was sitting at 80/40—and all she did was ask me to try lifting my eyebrows (which I couldn't do), and that was it. She told me to go drink some chamomile tea, said I was way too young for anything serious to be happening, and sent me home. As I was leaving, I actually lost my balance and slammed into a wall, and she just looks at me and says, "Watch where you're walking." 🙄 By the next morning, I ended up in the ER again, seeing ENT and neurology specialists. Everyone in those departments was shocked that someone could just brush me off like that when I was in that state. The second case—this past summer while I was vacationing in a small town, I felt this sharp pain near my appendix. I was vomiting and couldn't move my leg without a stabbing sensation. We headed to the ER. Since we were already right there, we saw a nurse putting a sign on the door. I stepped out only to find the ER doors locked with a note saying they’d be back soon because they were out on a call. They hadn't actually left for a call; we had been sitting right outside the ER for two hours before they finally deigned to open the door. Before that, you could hear them laughing and chatting inside the whole time, and nobody reacted even though I rang the bell a few times. It happened to be a holiday that day. And once, I went to the ER for severe vertigo (shortly after that first episode with the numbness) and the doctor mentioned they call them "the nomads" who live halfway between where I was and the next bigger town. Basically, both teams have about an hour's drive to reach them. In the town I was in, they only had one team, while the larger town had multiple teams working, but they claimed they couldn't go. The single team where I was had to respond to a call, even though the waiting room was packed. The nomads called because a kid had downed four bottles of syrup that day, and they already had one emergency handled... so it's a really messy situation, and I totally see why goldennomad6 wrote what she did. I have a family doctor, so I hear stories about the state of the healthcare system all the time... It's sad, but it's the truth.
Sure, you can, but just make sure the referral doesn't list a specific city like San Diego—otherwise, you won't be able to use it in Chicago. Basically, just have them list the department you're heading to without mentioning a location, and you're all set. 👍
placidtinker80 said:So what are you doing about it? I've heard of GERD, but I'm not entirely sure what it actually involves... does this happen to you pretty often? :S
I'm just totally wiped out from that workout. Sometimes I just feel like I can't catch my breath. It's like everything is closing in on me. 🤷 I’m at my best when I can just kick back and lounge. That nausea you're feeling? It's probably just your gastritis acting up. Gastritis can cause that heavy bloating feeling that pushes right up against your diaphragm—just like rowdypuma79 mentioned—and that’s usually what triggers those issues.
Amanda Ross10 said:Great description... that’s exactly that awful feeling. Just waiting to collapse somewhere. My blood pressure gets so low I feel heavy all over, like I'm carrying a 200-pound weight on my back. Yesterday afternoon I thought I was actually going to pass out. I could barely walk, felt like I couldn't catch my breath, nauseous, dizzy...
wearygardener19 said:I've had a terrible headache for 2 or 3 days now. Everything feels shaky and swaying, plus this nausea... then I suddenly break out in a sweat and feel so weak I think I'll drop at any second, followed by sudden chills/fever, then heat waves, then sweating, and just total exhaustion... ugh 👎 And it isn't the flu; it happens whenever the weather shifts. Like, when the wind turns cold and gusty on Tuesday, I know a nasty migraine is coming. Aaaa 👎 When it's humid and warm, my head just aches and feels heavy, but when that cold front hits, it turns into a full-on migraine. They switch fast, there's no peace.🤷
swiftbison2 said:I hate these disgusting, cursed hot, humid days with all my heart.🙂 My head hurts, I can't sleep, I feel weak, I'm crashing, I can't keep my balance, I'm covered in cold sweat, my ears are ringing, and I can't breathe. It feels like the sky is so low it might fall on my head at any moment. I can't focus on anything.
That's exactly how I feel too. It's gross. I loathe these humid stretches from the bottom of my soul. On top of everything else, my muscles and joints ache too.👎
rowdyotter65 said:I have a question about an EKG. Do I need to wait for the results, or is it basically done right then and there?
It's usually instant 🤷 if you're seeing a primary care doctor—they'll just look over the results right away. Even with a cardiologist, it should be immediate since the machine spits out that paper strip showing your heart rhythm the second it's finished.