Let me start by saying that I have always had VERY painful periods. Like most other Endo Sisters who have been kind enough to share their story, I thought this was normal. I would spend the first couple days of my period in so much pain, it was insane.
I can remember as far back as my freshman year in high school (on a half day of school) and watching the clock, just waiting for the minute that I could go home and crawl into bed. There have been days that I had cramps so terrible, I had to miss school or work.
In August of 2012, I began to have extremely painful sex. I went to the emergency room a couple of nights later, because the pain would not stop. The E.R. doctor gave me a pelvic exam, tested me for STD’s and yeast infections (and accused my husband and I of not being committed). When all of the tests came back normal, she gave me a prescription to clear up a yeast infection she said probably didn’t show up on the test. I was then discharged.
A week later, I was still having the same symptoms, along with added back pain, pelvic pain, bloating and fatigue. So, I went to an urgent care facility, since my primary doctor was booked. I paid my insurance co-pay, was taken back to an empty room, met the doctor and gave my symptoms. I was not treated at all, I was told to go follow up with my primary doctor or go to the E.R. again. You can only imagine my frustration since I had just paid my insurance co-pay and didn’t get help. So, I went to my primary doctor (P.D.) two days later, and told them my symptoms. I was unable to see my actual doctor but got in with a P.A.
Endometriosis Awareness Month has come to a close but the great work that organizations like, The Endometriosis Association, The Center for Endometriosis Care and The Endometriosis Network Canada is not done. Their work to raise awareness for this “invisible” disease goes on year round. We feel so honored to have taken part in their mission of raising awareness, educating and providing hope.
Last year, we helped raise awareness by adding a new Endometriosis section to our site and also included Endometriosis brochures in all our shipments for the month of March.
This year, we are proud to report that much more was done to raise awareness.
This “invisible” disease became visible:
– On Twitter: We hosted a special Endometriosis Awareness Tweet Chat with special guests, The Center For Endomteriosis Care & Dr. Sallie Sarrel (transcript available, here)
– In every www.bepreparedperiod.com shipment: Endometriosis brochures (provided by The Endometriosis Association) were added to all orders
Hi! My name is Jennifer, I’m 30 years old & live in Mobile, AL.
Since March is endometriosis awareness month, I’d like to share my story with you about my battle with this disease. I hope that in sharing my story it will give others with the disease hope, & help raise awareness to those who may not know about or understand endo.
I have lived with endometriosis since I started having a period, although I didn’t get an “official” diagnosis until I was 21. I live in constant pain. Some days are better than others, but there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hurt in some way. My periods are completely unpredictable, and absolutely ridiculous. Some months I may have a typical one week period & some I’ll bleed for 2-3 weeks out of the month. I think my worst one was a couple of years ago I bled for 4 months, yes months, straight. I feel like I’m always at my gyn’s office for one reason or another. I’ve tried just about every treatment option available at least twice, and they ultimately never work in my case. I have had 8 surgeries to try and help ease the pain, and they do, but for only a short period of time. When the pain returns, it’s often worse than it was before surgery. It is very defeating, and I won’t lie, I do have my “why me” moments.
“I guess you could say that my story begins like many other Endo Stories begin: with a nasty diagnosis while starring blankly at your doctor…. I know for me, it took days for the information to actually settle. To finally know what was causing my pain but also to confront those dreaded words of “there is no cure”, “your fertility can be affected” and “there are limited choices on what we can do”.
It felt like everything in my life had suddenly come to a grinding halt. I was only 19 and here I was, having to make decisions about my future children and what I could do to prevent this disease from spreading. I was only presented with two choices: operations and hormonal treatments. I didn’t particularly like the sound of either one and so, my doctor worked out a system where I could go on the lowest possible hormone treatment and just have an operation every year and a half to “clean me out”. I really believed for many, many years that I was on a good path. I had entrusted my body to a specialist and he had heaps of experience with women and Endometriosis. Surely, he must know what was best for me?
Some days my pain is so excruciating that it takes every little last bit of willpower I have to drag myself out of my bed and face the world. Those days used to be a few out of every month, now those days are every day. I know the cause of my pain. I know what the solution is. I know when that solution is coming and it is only a few weeks away, but time seems to somehow dilate and those few weeks seem as far away as the stars and planets that I stare at on those few cloudless nights we have in the grim north!
So here is my story. Long and tedious it may be, but it is my story nonetheless and it is time that I put it all down in one place.
I have just turned 40. I feel it. In fact, add another 20 years on…that’s how I think I feel. This state of mind is not normal for me but it has been the status quo for over 2 years.
I’m 23 and was diagnosed with endometriosis in January 2012.
I had my first period when I was 11 and they were always painful, but my older sister was the same and doctors just said it was normal. I went on the pill when I was 17 to help make my cycle more regular, but I still suffered a lot with the pain and I always bled very heavily. I suppose I just accepted it.
I remember one month when I was 19 the pain was worse than normal. I came home from work and went in the bathroom to change, and within seconds there was a trail of blood on the floor. As I said, my periods had always been heavy but I’d never seen anything like this. My parents took me up to A&E but we didn’t really get any answers. They didn’t want to examine me because it would have been uncomfortable for me as I was bleeding. I’d had a boyfriend for over two years at the time and we were sleeping together but we always used protection, so I didn’t think I could have been pregnant but they said that was a possibility. My boyfriend at the time wasn’t very nice – I called to let him know I was in the hospital and his response was that he was going out with his mates, so I didn’t feel comfortable discussing the issue in front of my parents! The doctor told me I should come back in a few days to be examined, but stupidly I never did. Other than that, they told me to tri-cycle my pill to make my periods lighter and they sent me home. READ MORE… »
It all started in 1985 when, at age 10, my first period arrived. It was nothing particularly memorable. I remember my mum gave me a sanitary towel and I had a bath.
Shortly after this happened my parents divorced and I now lived with just my dad.
Age 12 – My periods had become very heavy. I often leaked through my clothes and I was very embarrassed. Several times I was at school with no other clothes to change into and had to walk around all day with a jumper or coat wrapped around my waist to disguise the marks on my clothes. I didn’t feel comfortable talking to my dad about it so I just suffered in silence.
Around this time I also started to be bullied (we had moved to Scotland where my dad is from and my English accent made me a target for abuse). At 13, I had gone back to England to visit my mum and decided to stay there as I was becoming too distressed from the abuse.
My periods started the week before my 11th birthday. They weren’t painful or heavy to start with but they were irregular and a bit of a nuisance, which I guess is pretty normal in the beginning.
By the time I was 12 they had gotten much, much worse and were heavy and painful. The pain got so bad it was causing me to vomit and pass out, I was getting migraines, and I was missing school because of it. I would spend my time curled up on the bathroom floor waiting for the pain to pass. I went to my GP who decided to put me on the contraceptive pill and give me mefenamic acid (Ponstan). I also got tested for anemia because the bleeding was so heavy, but that came back negative.
Hi, my name is Gemma Binns and I live in Liversedge, West Yorkshire in England.
Here’s my story. I started my period when I was 10 or 11 and straight from the get go they were bad. Very painful and heavy, however they started off fairly regular so my mum decided not to do anything about it.
By the time I was 13 I was having periods every 2 weeks at which point my mum took me to the doctors. All they said was I was still young and it would take time to regulate and that some women have more painful periods than others. But he still put me on the pill.
I remained on the pill until I was 22. My periods were still very painful and heavy throughout my time on the pill. I came off the pill as me and my fiance were trying for children. My periods from that point got worse and worse to the point where I was only going a week without bleeding and there wasn’t a moment when I didn’t feel pain.
Many women face abnormal periods. This is due to some hormonal and menstrual disorders that make your period experience stressful and painful. So what product should you choose to cater to each condition? Today we will tell you the best feminine products for periods according to each disorder.
Understanding Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders are health conditions that affect the normal menstrual cycle, causing irregularities and discomfort. These disorders can impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being.
Here are some common problems associated with periods. We have also listed product recommendations so that if you face any of these issues, you can have a solution.
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the tissue lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. It leads to pain, inflammation, and potential fertility issues.
Menstrual Cups
Using a menstrual cup can offer comfort and convenience during endometriosis. It can help reduce irritation caused by endometrial tissue, and prove to be a great option for heavy flow. Menstrual cups also provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional period products.
Heating Pads
Heating pads or patches provide soothing warmth and can help alleviate pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. These pads can be a helpful addition to your pain management routine during periods.
Herbal Supplements
Some individuals find relief from endometriosis by using supplements like turmeric or ginger. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any supplements.
PCOS can cause increased sensitivity, making organic cotton pads a comfortable option. Look for pads made from organic cotton material designed to be free from harsh chemicals and additives.
Period Panties
Use period panties with absorbency levels suitable for heavy flow. These panties are great for individuals with irregular periods due to PCOS. Look for panties that provide adequate protection and comfort during your menstrual cycle.
Hormone-Balancing Foods
Incorporate hormone-balancing foods like flaxseed or leafy greens into the diet. It may help regulate hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.
3. Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea refers to the absence of periods. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, excessive exercise, etc. Here are some lifestyle recommendations that may help encourage the return of periods:
Balanced Diet
Adopt a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Nutrient-dense foods can support hormonal health and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Ensure you are getting enough restful sleep each night. Sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and overall health.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can negatively impact hormone levels. Reducing or avoiding these substances may be beneficial.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbal remedies, such as chasteberry (Vitex), have been traditionally used to support hormonal balance and menstrual regularity.
4. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles refer to variations in the length, duration, or timing of menstrual periods. Dealing with it can be frustrating. But certain lifestyle changes may help promote hormonal balance and regulate your periods.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a nutritious diet can support hormonal health and regulate menstrual cycles. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. Reduce the consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine, as they may contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity can support overall health. Aim for moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes most days a week. However, avoid excessive or intense exercise, which may contribute to irregular periods.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Both being underweight and overweight can disrupt hormonal balance and affect menstrual cycles. Achieve a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise.
Consider Herbal Remedies
Some herbal remedies, such as chasteberry (Vitex), promote hormonal balance. It can regulate menstrual cycles. Before trying any herbal supplements, ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
5. Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual migraines are severe headaches before, during, or after menstruation. They are believed to be triggered by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
Cooling Eye Masks
Eye masks with gel can help alleviate headache symptoms. It provides soothing relief during menstrual migraines. Look for eye masks designed to be refrigerated or heated for use. They can offer adjustable temperature therapy for maximum comfort.
Essential Oils
Some individuals relieve migraines by using essential oils like peppermint or lavender. Always use oils safely and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by intense mood swings, irritability, and physical symptoms before menstruation.
Herbal Supplements
Some individuals find relief from PMDD by using chasteberry or evening primrose oil.
Stress-Relief Products
Opt for stress-relief products like stress balls, meditation apps, or relaxation exercises. It can help manage the emotional symptoms associated with PMDD.
Pads or Tampons
Choosing comfortable period products from trusted brands can ease physical discomfort during PMDD episodes.
Take Charge Of Your Menstrual Health
Now that you know how to deal with each condition, properly identify your symptoms and act accordingly. Period discomfort is normal, period pain is not. If you are experiencing period pain you should consult a healthcare professional.
Parents, it’s essential to share these tips with your daughter. If she hasn’t experienced her period yet, initiate a conversation and equip her with valuable knowledge. Learn how to talk to your daughter about puberty and be prepared in advance to deal with any of these disorders.
I can remember as far back as my freshman year in high school (on a half day of school) and watching the clock, just waiting for the minute that I could go home and crawl into bed. There have been days that I had cramps so terrible, I had to miss school or work.
