What do you ladies do for horrible Aunt flow visits?

I know that a lot of people are pushing the birth control idea, but I guess maybe it's the holistic side of me that is screaming "no!!!". I went off birth control because the chances of breast cancer go up pretty substantially, plus, you are putting artificial hormones that your body has a really hard recognizing them and shuts down making it's own. It took my body almost a year to get back on track once I stopping taking BC, and it was not a fun experience at ALL. Study up on the hazards of BC, even my gyno says that BC has the most risk than any other form. For PMS, I would recommend trying a natural progesterone cream for about 3 months. Don't use a lot, but just a little to help ease the symptoms you are talking about. PMS is NOT normal. It is caused by a hormonal balance that is caused by mal-nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle or unfortunately, some people are just genetically predisposed to have it. You can ease symptoms as well by supplementing with calcium (won't have immediate relief, but it started to help me after about 3 months) and I take magnesium when I have cramps. I'm not sure what your diet is like, but try eating more natural, less processed (I have a problem with this myself =\).

Totally agree, birth control is not the answer. There are way too many nasty side effects and risks, I am sure if you do a little research you will find that out for yourself. I would look up natural ways to relieve it, and worst case scenario you try a prescription pill.

I use to have awful periods I could sleep the entire day had cramps from hell I even told to the Dr. about it when I had my yearly check up she said it was normal but I noticed they are much better now I really belive they changed thru just having a better diet and exercise I dont have cramps no were near as bad as use to do and after day 1 feel fine and do my normal workouts but if you dont think your period normal go to your doctor

I find that exercising actually HELPS me!

If you're not on BC then stay that way; BC works very different for people and for me it just ruined me - it maybe temporary but it ruined me. I had the major craps, the lack of energy, lower back pains, headaches, vomiting, etc during my monthly cycle and I started BC and yes it took some of those symptoms away but it brought on new ones like depression, fatigue, and headaches...all month long. During my monthly I actually suffered from headaches 2 days before and all throughout my cycle till like maybe 2 days after finishing and my doctor said it was withdrawal. I decided to get off BC because I didn't like the idea of messing with my hormones but now I suffer from daily headaches, neck/back tension, fatigue, nausea after eating, and I feel like I'm in a fog all day and like I'm going to pass out - I've been off BC for 2 weeks and its an everyday thing and my doctor said I can feel like this from 3mos to a year till my hormones balance out again. So think very carefully before giving in to BC - I regret it; we're all different though.

BUT, before settling for BC I used to lay in bed with a heating pad, take Advil, drink lots of water and get lots of rest; and after a nap I'd feel better and I'd get up and workout as hard and as much as I could. I also took iron supplements which my doctor recommended and it helped out a bit; multivitamins and drinking warm teas. I pretty much just had to get past the lethargic feeling; it was there but I really just pushed myself.

Part of this post my sound absolutely gross but facts are facts!! I can not take birth control and my periods used to be just as bad. I have learned over the years that ADVIL is my best friend. I know it is a blood thinner which breaks up the blood clots that cause cramps. This may make you bleed a little more but it has helped me with all my symptoms except the emotional part. It has also made my periods go from 7-9 days down to 3-5 and become almost predictable. For the back pain I am a firm believer in heating pads and the thermo pads that you can get to wear all day long.

I went to my OB/GYN, because my periods were horrible, he/she should be able to recommend what's best for you and your problems. Make an appointment and see what they have to say... :flowerforyou:

I used to get terrible cramps and PMT in my late teen and early 20's and used to use pain killers, hot water bottles, B12 and cammomile tea to lessen the effects. In the last 15 years my problems have lessened which is around the same time I stopped eating meat and poultry. Could be connected but may just be me getting older. I still get the odd month when it is bad, and I do find a good cardio session helps, so I do suspect diet and exercise helps.

Try evening primrose oil, it is supposed to be good for PMS and you can get it anywhere (I get mine at Target)

had to google that one - OUCH!
I thought this was an unwanted relative or something - sorry.

Hope you feel better....

As for the cramps, I used to get really bad ones and same with you if I was off I'd lounge around all day. I was going to go on BC to try to help with the symptoms, because I had started getting extremely nauseous the day of my period, so much that I never vomitted but I was close to it, and I couldn't work the first day. I mean I was at work a few times and I was pale and so sick. I did not like the side effects of BC. My mother recommended B Complex and B6 supplements. I was like, ok I'll try, I had my doubts, but it was worth a shot. I now take one of each every morning. My cramps, while still there are much less severe and I have not gotten nauseous once since (well due to my TOM anyways). I've also found that even if I have cramps, I go to work out and they feel even better after that.

So B COmplex and B6 supplements