Period pain

Hi sorry about the topic but I just wondered if anyone could relate or have any suggestions which have worked for them?

I've had pain so bad where I vomit, almost pass out, have hot and cold sweats, toilet issues etc. It's been bothering me for over 7 years now. Birth control I know helps a lot of people but not for me apparently. I've tried two types of combined pill which has made my leg weak, heavy, tender and tingly then numb, so I stopped taking it. I tried the progesterone only pill which made me really sad all the time. I tried the low hormone dose IUS and the insertion was awful. It made me have cramps all the time and bladder pain constantly, so I had it removed.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen don't work at all. Mefenamic acid used to work but only works for an hour or so now. I am looking to see if there are any other options out there now.

One gynae suggested endometriosis. I went to specialist who said it was unlikely put still possible.

I am stumped.

Is there anyone with any suggestions or who can relate?
Thanks so much

Nope, definitely sounds like endometriosis. Do you find you frequently bleed through pads/leak? If so, definitely red flag for endometriosis.

Fight your doctor to get it investigated. Even if it comes back negative, it's one less worry. The healthcare system is infamously bad at diagnosing it.

Naproxen really helps I’ve dealt with extreme period pain that I had to be admitted to hospital

Thanks for replying. It's not heavy and I did have an ultrasound and it came back normal. My only guess why the specialist said that it was unlikely was because I was somewhat responding to pain medication then - maybe I need to go back.

Hm.

Did they test you for anything else? Any blood tests or the like?

And how strong is the pain medication? Anything stronger than an ibuprofen and they're having a laugh - you would need to get checked again.

I'd also ask why they thought it was unlikely. Specifically, I mean.

Thanks for replying. I'm sorry that it was that bad for you. Is that over the counter or prescription? Did you ever try mefenamic acid, if you have did it work at all for you?

Thank you. I’m sorry you are going through this aswell, people don’t understand the struggles us women go through with periods so it’s nice to know you’re never alone. I’ve tried it before and I remember it working but I don’t remember why I got off it. Naproxen is a painkiller but it’s on prescription. I used to take birth control too for the period pain and it gave me life threatening blood clots in my lungs so they put me on naproxen and I take two tablets and it lasts me throughout the whole period

It is such a struggle but it is nice to know there are others out there. Ah ok I think I'll have to try it. Oh my that's awful, are you ok now? Birth control can be scary. I was wondering whether the numbness I was experiencing was a precursor to a blood clot or something. The doctors said I was fine to carry on taking it but I was like no I can't, I could barely walk whilst on it and it cleared up pretty quickly after I stopped taking it..

Yeah it definitely wasn’t the right med for you but do try to talk to your doctor about taking Naproxen. Other things that help me is a hot water bag and 7UP. I really hope you get better soon

I had a blood test. The only thing off was prolactin which was a bit high. Mefenamic acid is prescription pain medication for period pain. I think normally if that doesn't work they put you on birth control which hasn't worked out so well for me.

He might have said that because some people with endometriosis don't respond to pain medication at all, but I guess I could ask again..

Feels like they're missing something, but im no medical expert. I'd research further, and discuss with you doctor about further testing.

I think they key point there is *some* don't respond. Not all.

I don't really know. Again, I'd push for further tests. I'm sorry you're going though this though, period pains are ****. Hope you get some answers!