Really bad cramps during that time of the month?!
Question: Hi,
I'm a 15 year old female and I've been getting my period regularly since I was 11 (I started young, I know, I think it's genetic).
A couple of years ago, I noticed a pattern was starting, one day (usually the 2nd or 3rd day of my period) every three months, I would have excruciating cramps, nausea, and sweating even though it wasn't that hot. It was so bad that I usually had to go home early the day it happens because I got sick. Also, a couple months ago the pattern broke and I had a day like this two months in a row.
Lately, I've been taking Ibprophen when I wake up before I go to school, to prevent cramps, and it seems to work pretty well. I'm just wondering if it's normal to get cramps that bad and should I be concerned? My mom knows that I have these problems, and she's said that if they continue it may be timefor me to start seeing an OB-GYN doctor, is that a good idea?
Thank you! =)
Answers: Hi,
I'm a 15 year old female and I've been getting my period regularly since I was 11 (I started young, I know, I think it's genetic).
A couple of years ago, I noticed a pattern was starting, one day (usually the 2nd or 3rd day of my period) every three months, I would have excruciating cramps, nausea, and sweating even though it wasn't that hot. It was so bad that I usually had to go home early the day it happens because I got sick. Also, a couple months ago the pattern broke and I had a day like this two months in a row.
Lately, I've been taking Ibprophen when I wake up before I go to school, to prevent cramps, and it seems to work pretty well. I'm just wondering if it's normal to get cramps that bad and should I be concerned? My mom knows that I have these problems, and she's said that if they continue it may be timefor me to start seeing an OB-GYN doctor, is that a good idea?
Thank you! =)
I am 25 and have been suffering from severe cramps for the past 10 years, I first got my period when I was 11. There can be many causes. Most likely you are one of the unfortunate ones like myself that get severe symptoms. The worst case senario you may get ovarian cysts...don't worry, its not as bad as it sounds. Your body passes them, although it is severly painful, but goes away and does not do any damage. Otherwise, your cramps are more severe than most, which sucks, but bearable if you can control the systems.
Many girls go on birth control to control symptoms, even if they are not having sex, because it corrects the hormonal fluctations your body experiences during your period.
Most importantly, you can do as much research as you want, but you can not diagnose yourself, I would recommend seeing a gyno. Every girl has to do it and the sooner the better.
Temporarily, you need to get rid of the symptoms, drink a ton of water before and during your period, get a heating pad and put it where you are in the most pain (this helps the most) drink calming tea, wear comfortable clothes, lay off of the sugar and chocolate (so you blood sugar doesnt spike), take advil, and breath slowley (actually works).
I think you seeing a gyno is a really good idea...Its really hard to tell what cramps are normal and what isnt because someone women cramp really bad and some dont. But ya, head to the gyno to make sure that there is nothing medically wrong that could be causing the cramps...for all you no, you could just be one of the unlucky ones, like me, who get them really bad...
P.s. A warm bath helps. It increases your flow which stops the cramps.
Yes you should be concerned. YES GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!
I had severe cramping starting a 13 and doctors could not figure out why. They all kept saying its just a part of becoming a woman. Turns out at age 19 I had sever endometreosis. 5 surgeries later it is just now getting lines out. I am not saying that you do have something wrong, but I am telling you it is better to get it checked out.
Mom's right I'm afraid. It's normal to have some cramping with a menstrual period, but they should not become so severe that they interrupt daily activities and make you sick. Endemetriosis has similar symptoms to what you've described. It probably is time to hand this one over to a GYN.
some of us women get real sick but,if you feel the need to see your dr to be safe that is a good choice too.
It's probably primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without a specific cause) which sucks but is nothing to worry about. If you experience pain at different times of the month, if it could possibly be a sexually transmitted infection (15's too young but I have to cover all the bases), or if it changes in any way I'd see an ob/gyn.
Tips: Take 400mg ibuprofen (aka motrin or advil) each morning starting 2-3 days before you think you'll get your period. When your period comes, be early and aggressive with the pain meds. Again, ibuprofen is what you want. Doses up to 800mg (4 non-prescription tablets) every 4-6 hours are generally safe for a few days. Don't wait for the pain to get really bad before taking ibuprofen! It's much better at preventing pain and keeping it from getting worse than it is at making pain go away. Don't take tylenol, it's not nearly as effective against cramps.
If your cramps are still really bad when you're taking an adequate amount of ibuprofen, talk to your doctor about taking the pill. It's worked WONDERS for me and many friends who used to have bad cramps.