Period Hacks!

Hey, guys! So inspired by a visit from my Aunt Flo, (my period). I’ve decided to write about every girl’s least favourite time of the month, their period……….

*This is another post that transitioned from my old old website to my newest.*

I use to have such bad periods that I was actually diagnosed with “Dysmenorrhea” when I was very young. ***Update, I actually have Endometriosis*** After having a child my periods weren’t as heavy but they were just as painful. *Now that my child is almost 5, my periods are just as heavy again. They were lovely for a short period of time while on a new medication to treat endometriosis. And when I got COVID, it completely screwed up my period again.*

I’ve recently had an IUD put in which should help with the pain I endure during this time. We will talk about my IUD another day though. *My IUD stopped working after about 14 months. So I had that removed and will never have one put in again. I learned the “tiny pinch” to hold you’re cervix in place for insertion is actually them piercing your cervix.*

For now please just enjoy an old piece of writing.

So currently since it is so painful (This is still relevant and current as I am experiencing such a wretched period as I edit and write). I have been trying to find some new ways to ease the pain. Some of my older methods are no longer at my fingertips or even work for me.

Did you know:

That Menstrual cramps are actually caused because your uterus is experiencing something called a “Uterine Contraction”. Which, is the physical act of your uterus tightening and relaxing. *There is a myth that the worse your period cramps are, the easier labour and delivery will be for you and in my first pregnancy, this is very true.*

This pushes the blood and clots out of the body. The intensity level of these contractions is related to a special chemical our body releases from the lining called “Prostaglandins”. A cyclic fatty acid compound.

There are three general different kinds of cramps women can experience. It’s also common for women to experience NONE at all. (Lucky Chicks!) Or all of them! (Lucky in hindsight.)

There is Discomfort, Intense Pain, and Pain that Spreads.

I luckily (rolls eyes) experience Pain that Spreads most often with Intense Pain mixed in there with it.

A recap on the differences?

Discomfort is the level of pain in which once you notice that it’s actually just a period cramp it no longer bothers you.

Intense pain is the pain and discomfort that is sharp, and stabbing, it will make you curl up and cry.

Pain that Spreads is the worst of them. It includes the symptoms of all the latter two categories while having some stomach flu-like symptoms as well. This period of pain is in the uterus but also in the lower back, lower abdomen and, legs as well. Stomach flu symptoms commonly experienced

are weird bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, & dizziness.

I usually get cramps that start in my uterus with pain in my lower abdomen & lower back. This pain by the end of the first day has usually made its way down to my knees. So this means my thighs and my bum hurts as well as the bones and the muscles feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the pain reaches down to my feet.

By the second day, the entire lower half of my body hurts and is barely moveable. The cramps are so intense it literally feels like Freddy Kruger is in there slicing away.

Not many things have ever worked for me when it comes to relieving my period pain. When I was younger I was put on oral contraceptives to help relieve the pain. One did end up working for a little while but ended up not working anymore.

Currently, I’m not taking any pills for pain relief or contraceptive purposes because they just stopped working for me. I’m currently waiting to see a gynecologist! I also have heard things about continued contraceptive use for long extended periods of time can be cancerous. I have no medical evidence to back this up. But it is something I have heard multiple times in the past. Currently, I am taking a contraceptive again. This one specifically targets endometriosis and had been working well until I got Covid. At this exact moment, I have myself hooked up to an at-home tens machine. This isn’t a treatment form I have tried or thought of years ago. But It really does help on the rough days. I crank it higher than the intensity of the cramps I’m feeling and just zap zap zap.

In the meantime, I have come up with a list of things that have been suggested that I have tried. Not all of them were successful for me. But everyone’s body is different so what didn’t work for me might still work for you! Also, I have no medical degree, I am not a doctor, I am simply speaking from my personal experiences.

Period Treatment Options

Some people find great relief in some pain relief pills like Tylenol or Advil. There are even some pills specially intended for period pain like “Pamprin” and “Midol”. Unfortunately, these have NEVER worked for me. But hopefully, they may work for you!

Some people have been able to find relief in some soothing teas but I haven’t been that lucky!

Also, massaging was supposed to help with cramps but has never worked for me. I’m not sure if a Tens machine can be linked to this treatment.

The biggest thing that worked for me the longest was taking an oral contraceptive. I had been taking one for literally years before they stopped working for me altogether. While taking one years ago, I ended up going back to bleeding for 2 weeks straight heavily and painfully. I was able to find one that made my period literally perfect. A steady easy flow, with little to no pain or mood swings. I took them from the age of 13 until just before I turned 20.

Laying down with a hot water bottle and a heating pad helps ease my bodily pain as much as possible. Still use this treatment to this day!

The less I am moving the least amount of pain I feel. Sometimes depending on where I’m at in my cycle, I am able to find some relief in mild exercise and yoga.

Another thing I find that works is the big O or some sexual activity Shocking!!! but Amazing!!! It helps the uterus release blood in a less painful, more stimulating way. Don’t knock it until you try it! I have not used this method of treatment in quite some time but I’m sure its still just as effective.

Oddly enough I have learned that drinking a glass of milk can help reduce your period cramps. And in case you’re wondering like I am it has something to do with the calcium! Weird! (I stumbled upon this fact as I was writing this while drinking a glass of milk. My cramps slowly subsiding a bit I’ll post another article soon to tell you, guys, exactly how accurate it is!) Later on, in life milk has actually become a stomach irritant and I can no longer consume the amount I love to consume. I and lucky enough to not get cramps bloating and gas from milk in my coffee and some cereal.

Last but not least another thing that helps me a lot, and this goes hand in hand with lounging around with my heating pad is, dressing comfy. Wearing loose clothing that’s easy to move around in and isn’t compressing all the painful areas is ideal.

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I am always looking for new tips and tricks and I’m sure I’ll be able to think of a few more after I pop this post out! (just thinking now about how useful the rumour of bananas can be.)

However, there’s always more to come from little ole’ me! If you guys enjoyed this post please feel free to like and share it with your friends! Dont forget to hit that follow button for more!

If anyone has any questions about periods, period pains, pain relief methods and theories feel free to ask. Anyone who has tried other remedies and tricks to help please feel free to share! If You’re in Ontario and would like to connect with someone more informative and professional regarding your period situation feel free to check out the public health website.

Thank you all for reading!

To check out another great post follow this link!

I’d like to take this opportunity to send my condolences and prayers to my sisters in America. I know it is long past the overturn of Roe v Wade but I want to express it anyways. I am so saddened to even think of what you all may be going through right now. It has me outraged and I send my compassion. Please in this hard challenging time remember to track on paper not apps, only be as open with your doctors as you deem necessary and practice safe sex in multiple ways.