Dealing with bad cramps?

mellowsurfer34 said:Good God, save what little is left before you cut everything else out...🙄

I honestly don't get how anyone can even think about having sex when they're dealing with pains like that—seriously, how?!😕 🤷
And everyone's got everything—really.🙄

Tyler Wright here. Just thinking about things. Mostly how everything feels like it’s moving too fast lately. Or maybe I’m just slowing down. It’s hard to tell the difference anymore. Everything is loud. Too much noise in the streets, too much noise in the news... just constant static. Makes you want to pull the covers up and stay under for a week. Probably should have done that yesterday. Anyway. Not much else to say. Just sitting here. Watching the clock tick. Realizing how much time actually slips away... kaže:
Hey, can someone give me a hand here?
So, here’s the situation. I’m fifteen now. My period started when I was twelve, and back then, it wasn't exactly a nightmare. No major issues. But since I turned fourteen... it’s been absolute hell.
Still haven't found a regular rhythm yet. It feels like every cycle drags on just a little bit longer than it should... o.O
It lasts about eight or nine days. The first day, you can sort of manage the pain... but by the second, third, fourth, fifth... BOOM.
Sudden, heavy bleeding. I can’t sleep because the pain is relentless. I can’t even move... It feels like I'm being torn apart from the inside. It hasn't stopped all day. All I can do is lie here like a corpse and scream internally... I tried taking some Advil, but it barely touched it. The pain is genuinely unbearable. Honestly, I feel like punching myself in the stomach just to feel something else... I've tried everything. Massages, oils, heating pads... nothing works.
I asked my friends how they were holding up. They claim they barely feel a thing. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here feeling like absolute death... almost passed out right there in class from the cramps. It's brutal.
Mom first reacted with worry because she’s never dealt with this kind of pain before. Then the anger set in... she honestly thinks I’m just faking it to dodge class. And honestly? She still thinks that. I haven't made it to the OBGYN yet. Once I'm back in the city this September, I’m definitely getting checked out to see what's actually going on...

I was wondering if anyone could recommend some supplements or something similar. I stay pretty active—cycling, running, eating clean... Please, help me out...

Take 400mg of Advil the night before your period starts. Then, once it actually hits, take another 400mg every four to six hours... if you need it.
That ache you're feeling? It’s just proof that your body is actually doing its job. You're ovulating. It means you're fertile...

Donna Doyle said:

Tyler Wright here. Just thinking about things. Mostly how everything feels like it’s moving too fast lately. Or maybe I’m just slowing down. It’s hard to tell the difference anymore. Everything is loud. Too much noise in the streets, too much noise in the news... just constant static. Makes you want to pull the covers up and stay under for a week. Probably should have done that yesterday. Anyway. Not much else to say. Just sitting here. Watching the clock tick. Realizing how much time actually slips away... kaže:
Hey, can someone give me a hand here?
So, here’s the situation. I’m fifteen now. My period started when I was twelve, and back then, it wasn't exactly a nightmare. No major issues. But since I turned fourteen... it’s been absolute hell.
Still haven't found a regular rhythm yet. It feels like every cycle drags on just a little bit longer than it should... o.O
It lasts about eight or nine days. The first day, you can sort of manage the pain... but by the second, third, fourth, fifth... BOOM.
Sudden, heavy bleeding. I can’t sleep because the pain is relentless. I can’t even move... It feels like I'm being torn apart from the inside. It hasn't stopped all day. All I can do is lie here like a corpse and scream internally... I tried taking some Advil, but it barely touched it. The pain is genuinely unbearable. Honestly, I feel like punching myself in the stomach just to feel something else... I've tried everything. Massages, oils, heating pads... nothing works.
I asked my friends how they were holding up. They claim they barely feel a thing. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here feeling like absolute death... almost passed out right there in class from the cramps. It's brutal.
Mom first reacted with worry because she’s never dealt with this kind of pain before. Then the anger set in... she honestly thinks I’m just faking it to dodge class. And honestly? She still thinks that. I haven't made it to the OBGYN yet. Once I'm back in the city this September, I’m definitely getting checked out to see what's actually going on...

I was wondering if anyone could recommend some supplements or something similar. I stay pretty active—cycling, running, eating clean... Please, help me out...

Take 400mg of Advil the night before your period starts. Then, once it actually hits, take another 400mg every four to six hours... if you need it.
That ache you're feeling? It’s just proof that your body is actually doing its job. You're ovulating. It means you're fertile...

Yeah, sure. As if that makes any sense.
Menstrual cramps aren't some "normal" milestone we should all just accept(!)

If she’s hurting, it means there’s inflammation and cramping involved. Period.

So, what? Girls who don't experience pain are suddenly infertile??

rustybison87: I suppose if one were to actually sit down and analyze the sheer, unmitigated chaos of the current situation—and I use the word "chaos" quite loosely, as that implies some semblance of order—one might find themselves feeling somewhat overwhelmed. It’s all rather much, isn't it? I mean, I don't want to sound like I'm complaining—heaven knows I've been accused of that far too often—but there is a certain... shall we say, *lack of direction* currently permeating the discourse. It feels as though we are all just wandering through a fog without so much as a flashlight, let alone a map. Perhaps it's just my own cynical disposition getting the better of me, or maybe—and this is just a thought, mind you—we are simply witnessing the inevitable fallout of decisions made by people who perhaps should have spent a bit more time thinking before they acted. One can only hope that clarity arrives before the exhaustion sets in completely. Or, at least, before I run out of coffee. kaže:
As if. Not a chance.
Let’s get one thing straight—and I do mean this with absolute certainty—menstrual cramps are not some "normal" part of life that we should all just shrug off and accept. I know, I know; there’s always going to be someone—probably a doctor who hasn't listened to a patient in decades or perhaps just a particularly dismissive relative—who will tell you that being sidelined by debilitating pain is simply part of the biological package. But honestly? I think that’s a lazy way to look at it. It feels like we've collectively decided to normalize suffering under the guise of "biology," which—if we're being honest—seems a bit convenient for a society that prefers to ignore systemic issues. If an employee walked into an office in downtown Chicago and had to sit on the floor because their midsection felt like it was being gripped by a vice, no one would call that "normal." They’d call it a medical issue. So, I guess my point is that just because a phenomenon is common doesn't automatically make it acceptable or healthy. We really ought to be doing more to investigate why this happens so frequently, rather than just handing out ibuprofen and telling everyone to deal with it. Maybe, just maybe, there's a better way to handle this.

rustybison87, please—spare me this. First off, it’s common knowledge that you don’t need some underlying illness, an infection, or some grand medical mystery to experience muscle cramping—those pains that feel somewhat like labor pains—during your period. Your theory just doesn't hold water when you look at what actual experts say. I have no idea who convinced you of this, but I’m not going to sit here and let you persistently insist that this isn't a normal occurrence. There are plenty of substances and various other things people use to relax those muscles during cramps, but claiming that experiencing them isn't a standard phenomenon is frankly absurd. Some women don't deal with pain at all—my mother, for instance—while others (and arguably most) do, and that doesn't mean anything is "abnormal." It's just how it is. On the flip side, there are women who suffer from incredibly intense pain where the cause is actually well-documented. So, if you're so sure, why don't you back it up? Provide me with some actual medical evidence regarding these specific inflammations, bacteria, or structural abnormalities you're implying cause menstrual pain. Personally, I know my own medical history inside and out; I’ve seen all my test results, and I’m genuinely curious to hear your explanation for why my first day is always so rough.

rustybison87: I suppose if one were to actually sit down and analyze the sheer, unmitigated chaos of the current situation—and I mean truly dissect it, rather than just glancing at the headlines like most people do—one might find a certain... predictable absurdity in it all. It’s almost funny, in a deeply cynical sort of way. I guess you could say we’ve reached that peculiar stage where the unexpected has become the baseline, which—if we’re being honest—is a bit exhausting, isn't it? Not that I'm making any grand proclamations, mind you; I'm just observing the patterns as they unfold. Perhaps it's just my own particular brand of pessimism, or maybe I'm just seeing what everyone else is too busy to notice—but then again, maybe I'm just overthinking things. As usual. kaže:
I suppose we’ve reached that stage of the internet where medical nuance goes to die—specifically regarding this persistent, rather reductive notion that if a woman isn't experiencing debilitating pain, she somehow isn't "actually" fertile? It’s a curious bit of logic, I guess—though I suspect it’s more flawed than most. To be perfectly clear—and I hate to be the one to burst these little bubbles of misinformation—pain and fertility are two entirely different biological tracks. They aren't even on the same map, really. You can certainly have conditions like endometriosis that cause significant agony while simultaneously impacting reproductive health, but that doesn't mean they are inextricably linked in every single case. Conversely, there are plenty of women who navigate their cycles with zero physical discomfort whatsoever, yet still face challenges with conception due to hormonal imbalances, ovulation issues, or other factors that don't involve a single cramp or ache. It feels like a bit of a logical leap—almost a fallacy—to suggest that suffering is a prerequisite for fertility struggles. One isn't a diagnostic marker for the other. Maybe some people find comfort in finding a reason for their struggles, but implying that a lack of pain equals perfect fertility is just... well, it's medically unsound. We should probably leave the clinical correlations to the actual specialists, don't you think?

I suppose I’ll have to agree with you on this one—mostly because claiming that painful periods are an indicator of fertility or ovulation is just as wildly inaccurate and frankly absurd as any other medical myth floating around. 😉

Alright, let me weigh in here so we can finally wrap this discussion up once and for all:

Medical professionals actually have a specific term for painful periods—it's called dysmenorrhea. Now, there’s primary dysmenorrhea, which some might call essential, and then there’s secondary dysmenorrhea. To put it simply—and I guess "simply" is relative—primary (essential) dysmenorrhea basically means everything is functioning exactly as it should, yet the cramps are still very much present. In these cases, medical screenings don't turn up any abnormalities, elevated levels, or inflammatory issues; it's just how things work for most women.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, implies that there actually *is* an underlying pathological process occurring in the pelvic region. Depending on what the root cause turns out to be, the goal is either to fix the issue entirely or, at the very least, manage the pain. This affects a smaller percentage of women.

Then, of course, there's that lucky group who experience no pain at all—either throughout their entire lives or during certain phases of them.

Samuel Diaz said:Honestly, I actually know for a fact that intense pain doesn't always have to be a sign of something life-threatening... I had my first gynecological exam when I was sixteen because I would literally pass out from the pain, start seizing up, turn pale, and deal with these insane pains in my right side. The ER doctor sent me straight to a specialist because she thought there might be cysts, problematic ovaries, inflammation, or even internal bleeding... In the end, after doing all the tests, the specialist told me that what I was feeling didn't necessarily mean there had to be some hidden inflammation or disease lurking there...
After that, it happened one more time where I just collapsed because I hadn't taken a pill in time and the pain just radiated everywhere... (In my case, I have to take something the second I feel it in my lower back, otherwise, if I don't lie down and get warm, things get nasty) but alright, I've gotten used to my symptoms and I know exactly when I need to act... I went for another checkup later and the doctor saw how panicked I was and basically told me not to worry since everything looked fine during the exam, even though I still get these crazy pains periodically...
She also mentioned that painful periods don't necessarily stop after you give birth... which is something I've seen a lot of people talking about online...
And for anyone who thinks the pain is just "all in your head"... haha, yeah, I'd love for them to feel it "psychically" like I do, just to see what it’s like to pass out in the middle of the street or on a city bus...

I'm 16 too and the pain has started getting unbearable lately. Now I can't tell if it's hurting because my cycle is finally regulating so I'll actually know when it's coming, or if it's something else. Does anyone know if there's any other way besides birth control pills? I'm still too young for that, and regular painkillers aren't doing anything for me. Thanks 🙂

Amanda Lopez17 said:I'm 16 too and the pain has started getting unbearable lately. Now I can't tell if it's hurting because my cycle is finally regulating so I'll actually know when it's coming, or if it's something else. Does anyone know if there's any other way besides birth control pills? I'm still too young for that, and regular painkillers aren't doing anything for me. Thanks 🙂

Actually, you aren't—well, you *can* take them. They are often prescribed specifically to help regulate cycles like yours.
My doctor suggested them back when I was 14, though I decided against it at the time. 😁

But honestly? You could also just wait for things to stabilize naturally—much like I did—provided you don't have any underlying medical issues.🤣

neonnomad18 said:Why on earth are you acting surprised by this—when it’s already been proven? Honestly... one just needs to take it slow and allow the muscles to relax—eventually.

Look, I could actually wrap my head around her wanting sex just to escape those horrific pains...😉

But that guy? Not so much.😉

Is a man even capable of being turned on by a woman who is doubled over in agony, especially while dealing with heavy bleeding?😲😲😲

James Perez54 said:Look, I could actually wrap my head around her wanting sex just to escape those horrific pains...😉

But that guy? Not so much.😉

Is a man even capable of being turned on by a woman who is doubled over in agony, especially while dealing with heavy bleeding?😲😲😲

Honestly, I don't think it's our concern. To each their own.
🙂

I’ve always dealt with intense pain, but over the last two or three years, it reached a point where it was almost unbearable. I ended up in the ER quite a few times because of it. However, for the past two or three months, I’ve felt almost nothing; I take one pill on the first day and that’s it. I’m not sure if it’s because I finally escaped the daily grind of school stress, or if I just finally found the right medication. We’ll see how much stress plays a role once college starts.

I’ve been dealing with this for three days now and I honestly don't know what to do... Is it just me, or are these cramps always this brutal? Honestly, I took an Advil and the pain subsided slightly, but the worst part is the heavy flow. I've gone through three packs of pads since this morning... it's just gross.

I am dealing with absolutely horrific menstrual cramps right now.😢 The worst part is that on day one, I’m basically paralyzed—unable to even drag myself out of bed when the pain hits—but then life happens and I actually have to go to work or whatever. Right now, I've been taking Neofen Forte, but the catch is that I have to wait until the pain reaches a peak before it even starts to touch it... otherwise, it's useless. It’s a total disaster! My gynecologist suggested Ketoral, but when I asked the lady at the pharmacy, she shot me down immediately. She claimed the drug has a million side effects, called it straight-up poison, and said she wouldn't touch it even if someone paid her.🤷
Anyway, I wanted to ask you all... I was browsing the website for the Sun City Clinic and saw they offer acupuncture specifically for painful periods. Has anyone here actually tried it?

I got this the day before yesterday, and today the pain is absolutely killing me. I took some Neoofen Forte, but it didn't do a thing... Now I'm sitting here at work wondering if I should just head home. If I need to take two days off, should I be calling my primary care doctor or my gynecologist for a medical note?

nimbletinker4 said:I am dealing with absolutely horrific menstrual cramps right now.😢 The worst part is that on day one, I’m basically paralyzed—unable to even drag myself out of bed when the pain hits—but then life happens and I actually have to go to work or whatever. Right now, I've been taking Neofen Forte, but the catch is that I have to wait until the pain reaches a peak before it even starts to touch it... otherwise, it's useless. It’s a total disaster! My gynecologist suggested Ketoral, but when I asked the lady at the pharmacy, she shot me down immediately. She claimed the drug has a million side effects, called it straight-up poison, and said she wouldn't touch it even if someone paid her.🤷
Anyway, I wanted to ask you all... I was browsing the website for the Sun City Clinic and saw they offer acupuncture specifically for painful periods. Has anyone here actually tried it?

Jesus, what nonsense.🙄 Literally every girl I know uses Ketoral and they're damn glad it exists.🤣🤣 😍

P.S. When I was taking it for a toothache, I was on it constantly for a week—even taking higher doses than prescribed—and I didn't notice a single "poisonous" side effect.🤷

Steven Price7 said:My take: that first day is always a killer, and honestly, the pain can be pretty unbearable... though I’ve found that sex actually helps me through it more than anything else. I have no idea why, but once it starts, the pain just seems to fade away. 🙂

Heh. 😁

For me, a good vigorous jump helps. But seriously. Dead serious. 🤷

Before giving birth, I used to have this exact same monthly ritual during those first couple of days... Cramping and pain so intense it would practically knock me unconscious. Honestly, the only thing that ever truly made me forget my period had even started was Naprosyn tablets. Apparently, they aren't manufactured anymore, but if you look at the fine print on the Nalgesin packaging, they still mention them, so you might be able to find some at a local pharmacy in town. A retired nurse once told me that back in the day, Naprosyn was commonly prescribed after childbirth because it’s just incredibly effective for those specific muscle contractions—I can't remember the exact medical reason, though.
Now, whenever I feel these pains, it feels more like it's triggered by stress; the mind is a strange thing, I guess. These days, Nalgesin Forte or Advil are really the only things that make life manageable for me.

One of the ladies mentioned that evening primrose is absolutely phenomenal for dealing with PMS. For me, taking the capsules definitely helped with the bloating, and while my breasts felt more swollen, they didn't feel painful; most importantly, there were no mood swings at all. However, the actual pain once my period starts remains completely unbearable.🙂 And what’s even worse is that all these physical symptoms actually serve as my warning signs to take a pill in time, helping me avoid passing out and needing an emergency room visit—which is why I ultimately had to give up on the capsules altogether.
Here is a little tip for any girls struggling with bloating during their cycle: anise tea really helps, and you can pick some up at a local pharmacy for about two or three dollars.

Hi everyone, my period started today and the cramps are absolutely unbearable. 😢 Does anyone know of any tablets that provide fast pain relief? I’ve already tried everything—heating pads and warm baths haven't helped at all. I think I saw someone mention effervescent tablets earlier... I don't have the energy to read through everything right now, so if anyone could just recommend what works best, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Terry Fowler2 said:Hi everyone, my period started today and the cramps are absolutely unbearable. 😢 Does anyone know of any tablets that provide fast pain relief? I’ve already tried everything—heating pads and warm baths haven't helped at all. I think I saw someone mention effervescent tablets earlier... I don't have the energy to read through everything right now, so if anyone could just recommend what works best, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Out of everything I've tried—Ketoral is hands down the strongest.😛
And it’ll probably take like 20 minutes before it even kicks in...🤷

Hey 🙂
My period feels like a total nightmare—heavy, agonizing, and just relentless. And it’s not even every time, just every other month. Last week was my second trip to the ER in just three cycles because of this, and honestly, my pain tolerance has been completely trashed by now. It’s brutal. The doctor at the ER suggested birth control, and I’m planning to follow up with my gynecologist soon, but I'm curious about the side effects...
I read somewhere that it might not be recommended if there's a history of breast cancer in the family—not sure if that's just internet nonsense or actual medical fact.
Normally, I’m not one for medication, but this has become unlivable.
For context, I've been dealing with this since I was thirteen, and now I'm twenty.