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When is it time to seek medical help?
This is related to women's health and menstruation.
I'm really confused on whether it is worth the money to get myself checked out, or if there is still something that can be done. The problem is, I have very severe periods that have quite literally taken a toll on my life and it seems it has only gotten worse over the years.
From age 11, I've had very severe cramps that were so bad to the point of me vomiting and it would last for days. I had to be taken out of school, and I wasn't able to show up for work, which I'm almost certain is what led to me being laid off.
During my senior year of high school, we did go to a women's clinic, where I got a pap smear and blood test. After berating me on what I need to be doing better (with my stern mother egging her on), the doctor stated that they would call to let us know if anything is wrong or not... we never received anything.
Now, over the years, I've changed my diet. I'd like to say this is the "healthiest" I've ever been: I exercise (cardio and strength training) nearly every weekday, with weekends and Wednesdays being the days I rest, I take B12 and multivitamin supplements (I'm vegetarian), and I eat a diet with plenty of vitamin/minerals/nutrients, with my only self-critique being that I need to make an effort to force myself to eat more (I've never had much of an appetite, unless it's a meal I really enjoy, but I know working out means taking in more calories). I've even been in a better state of mind, which means no anxiety or stress, something I had plenty of back in my child/teen years.
So... why are things worse now? I've been tracking how my body feels on my calendar. For the past 5 months, it's literally been two weeks out of every month that I've been able to follow along with my schedule without feeling crampy, tired, and general fatigue. These last few months, I'll admit, my period hasn't been that severe, however my cramps are still bad. I'm still practically confined to a bed on the first 2 days, just no vomiting or blackouts (which I am so grateful for). However, the sacrifice seems to be that I'll now experience cramps and general PMS symptoms for 2 weeks prior which makes it difficult to live a normal life. Pain medications don't help, and I'm actually skeptical that it makes it worse.
Another thing I should mention is, I am not very sexually active. My first time having ** was in the summer of last year, and since I don't get to see my boyfriend often (LDR), sexual escapades occur every 2-5 months. I did have to take the plan B pill twice -- first time it was out of plain, stupid curiousity, second the condom broke. I wonder if that has anything to do with it?
What am I doing wrong here? Should I just get it checked out, or is there anything else I can do? I'm really uncertain because my mom tells me I'm just being a wimp, and another family member constantly alludes I'm not doing enough ("Take more magnesium!" "Do yoga!" blah blah). I've done it all! So I'm really looking for an outside perspective to tell me. Am I really being weak or is there something wrong like I feel? This has really been going too long, and I refuse to let this hinder me anymore.
Thanks in advance.
You may have fibroids. They cause immense amounts of flooding and clotting and cramps. Or you could have adenomyosis or endometriosis. I am sorry about your heavy bleeding. Like you, I started off with heavy gross periods when I was young (10 to be exact) and they have gotten worse. I'm now 38. Unfortunately, if they do find you have fibroids or something, there isn't much of a permanent cure other than hysterectomy. And the weakness and fatigue accumulate over time. Over the years, I've felt weaker and weaker each month to the point where oftentimes now I feel like I'm in a fog where a ton of bricks have fallen on me. Do you take an iron pill like Slow FE? That can help with mild anemia but side effects can be constipation. If I could afford to take time off work for a hysterectomy, I would, but it is not a current option for me. I wish you well and hope you gain some insight into your problems because I've suffered from the same for years.
My periods were their worst in my teens and twenties. They haven't been good after that (in my 30s), but they aren't as debilitating as they were prior. I remember being curled up in a ball and vomiting for at least three days a month, every month.
It sounds like the diet thing is working, but go get some professional help. One thing I discovered was that I had anemia, which made things worse. Supplements helped, but not too much.
Congrats on your healthy lifestyle. You're not being a wimp. Get professional advice. Good luck!
The time to seek medical help is now. But this is NOT the place to do that. If you don't already have a OBGYN, first, shame on you (having a physician that specializes in female issues is vital), and second, get some recommendations from friends about which ones they like and respect. Then, make an appointment and go. You have some symptoms that could be something simple, but they could already either already be complicated or they could get that way. Don't waste more time here or any where else: go see a doctor. Make the appointment ASAP.
OP here -- Thank you so much for your advice! This was exactly what I needed to hear.
Every woman is different. I remember when I was 16, my cramps were so bad I had lay in the fetal position and pray they would go away. Thankfully, that passed. Hormones and age have a lot to do with how heavy your period is and what PMS symptoms you get. I have known women to throw up because the pain is so bad. It sounds like you are taking care of yourself. My two suggestions would be --maybe try evening primrose or acupuncture. Birth control is also an option. But it could also be your pain threshold, we're all different as to how much pain and discomfort we can tolerate. Should you go to a doctor? It can't hurt. Have them screen you for everything. You didn't mention endometriosis, because that can be very painful. You know your body best, your mom is not you. If you don't like your doctor, see if you can see someone else and ask questions. Good luck!
OP here -- I've never heard of primrose, so I'll definitely look into it. I'm thinking of taking cramp bark capsules too. Pretty desperate at this point, I'll try anything. The pill is a last resort since I heard there are a bunch of terrible side effects, especially when you finally go off it. Is that true? In any case, thank you for your words. Especially at the end. :) I'm taking your advice.
I've never heard of cramp bark capsules. Definitely go to your doctor. With the pill -sure there are pros and cons to everything. And side effects are different for everyone. Again, your doctor is the best person to discuss what options are available to you with regards to your body and your symptoms. Again, write down all the questions you have and just make an appointment. With the supplements, maybe wait to try it until you actually speak to your doctor. He/She will probably ask if you are taking anything and what. Post again on what your doctor says.