Why are my periods so bad?!

Unless you have a problem like endometriosis you should be able to prevent cramps, it's just a case of discovering the cause and finding the best method - which means you have to do a little research along with some testing to see what works, a few ideas...

Avoid painkillers if you can, but if you need them use Ibuprofen or Aspirin - research proved anti-inflammatory's work best for cramps. Cell salts are a good alternative to painkillers and tend to work better too, when you get cramps take them every 5-10 minutes until the pain stops.

Clary Sage oil (dilute in carrier oil) - rubbed into your tummy it works better than painkillers, plus supports estrogen production and acts on pituitary gland to prevent cramps.

Diet is a big deal, get a balanced diet with foods rich in essential fatty acids and low in refined sugars, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats, avoid foods that make you bloated such as salty foods, and some find dairy, caffeine and soy cause problems.

Vitamins will help; omega 3, flaxseed oil (approx. 500Mg 2-4 times a day), B vitamin complex with 100mg of vitamin B6, Magnesium (100mg every 2 hours during menstruation), and vitamin E in d-alpha tocopherol form (50mg 3 times a day) - also increase calcium, iron and potassium.

Excercise, anything to stretch abdomen and improve breathing, even just getting onto the floor and stretching yourself out, or nice slow relaxing breathing will help, this video shows great yoga postures for cramps - http://www.videojug.com/film/yoga-postur…

Acupressure, I'm not talking about going to a professional (although this may be helpful, chiropractic care may also help you prevent cramps too), if you know the right points you can do this anywhere, this video shows what points to use - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afYHM9y4l…

Masturbation or sex is good exercise, relaxing, and improves circulation, plus during your periods you're more easily aroused so masturbation and sex can be a lot more enjoyable :)

Herbal teas, in particular yarrow, lemon balm, black haw, chamomile, red raspberry, wild strawberry, valerian, and raspberry leaf all help - my foster daughter swears by raspberry leaf. Try the Chinese medicine Bupleurum (xiao yao wan) you take 3-4 tablets 4 times a day a few weeks periods. Also take Evening Primrose oil or Black Cohosh capsules or Chaste Tree tincture daily to regulate hormones to help prevent cramps.

Don't use tampons, they're widely known as a major contributing factor to cramps as by absorbing fluids they're essentially tugging on vaginal walls, chemicals may cause allergy adding to discomfort, and they can expand into your cervix. Use pads for now and consider a menstrual cup in the future; cups are safer, cleaner, more reliable and more convenient than tampons, but also they're known for lessening and preventing cramps.

Have a bath, it will help you relax and improve circulation, it also can have added benefits of making you feel cleaner, getting some 'you time', time to breathe (breathing exercises help you relax), and add a few drops of essential oil for aromatherapy too.

Improve your attitude towards menstruation, women are constantly bombarded with negative messages about menstruation and rarely hear about the positives of menstruation. This effects how you feel about menstruation and how you experience menstruation - research shows if you have a positive attitude not only are you more likely to learn more thus be able to deal better with menstruation, but that menstrual problems are lessened.

If all else fails see a doctor, get tests to see if there is an underlying cause as well as investigating yourself possible causes and treatments. If everything seems okay then ask for an anti-inflammatory drug such as Mefenamic acid to block the the synthesis of prostaglandin F2 alpha, a hormone responsible for cramps, you take these 3 times a day for the first 4 days of your period and they will help cramps better than any other prescription medication.

Avoid hormonal birth control, this stopps periods all together (the bleeding you do get withdrawal bleeding not menstruation) - at best this may hide the problem, not treat it. This will also lessen your ability to care for sexual health, risk side-effects, prevent positives of your cycle and may effect breast and bone development.

I was exactly like that too, i missed weeks of school because i was so ill. I went the family planning clinic and they put me on the pill and it's been amazing, i get no more horrific pains, and i'm not sick from them anymore. I think you should try it, because it worked amazingly for me. Good luck, hope you get better :)

Personal experience

If the pain is making you sick then you need to go to the doctor. Anything strong enough to make a difference is prescription only so you will have to go. They will likely try you on a few different pills like they did me and if none of that works then you should consider going on birth control. The Pill tends to lighten periods and shorten the duration. It will also sometimes help with pain.

I too used to suffer from bad pains. I started to take the pill 2 years ago and this has helped alot. I don't really get pain anymore, so it is worth looking into getting the pill, plus contraception bonus :)
Just remember to always take it.

I all know is that my girlfriend had the same problem as you and she went to see her doctor and she was put on the pill. That helped her alot, she also used alot of tylenol and heating blankets. Hope that helps.

You sound like me! ugh! I hate'em I throw up too and sometimes I get headaches

eat bananas
drink lots of water
don't skip meals
do light exercise (if you can)
take Tylenol
get a lot of rest
Hope you feel better soon

Or bananas aré good for cramp too

Pills/medicine go see a doctor i dont think its normal to hurt that bad

The pill eases painful periods and makes them lighter