Period pain. NHS or go private?

Plus stopping eating uncooked salt

Do any female family members have a history of similar pain?
Have any close relatives been diagnosed with health problems like adenomyosis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or pcos?

I've had similar period problems since I was primary school aged, my mother and both grandmothers did too.
There may be a connection with thyroid or gut health.
Giving up drinking dairy & soya milk then replacing with nut milks, oat milk or pea milk has helped me a lot.
As has eating more garlic, olive oil and diary free olive spread.
Plus stopping eating uncooked salt during the period, eating more almonds, probiotics and greek style vegan yoghurts.

What's the rational for this, out of interest?

I’m assuming because salt makes bloating and water retention in your body worse especially during your period? I’ve also read that consuming salty foods during period makes you cramp more- same with dairy.

I know this probably isn’t the place to ask and say these type of things but idk what else to do. I’m always in EXCRUCIATING pain every time I’m on my period. Like not even on the actual days of my period I also feel pain and have other symptoms such as being gassy & bloated, pain in my legs, back and lower stomach up to a week before my period the first 2/3 days of my period are hell. I’ve been missing 2 days off school every month since I’ve started my period (about 7, almost 8 years now) due to the pain I feel. I cant explain how regardless of which medication I take it never helps and if it does then i always get used to it and it ends up not working. On my first day I ALWAYS do sick and have extreme cramps in my stomach, legs and back. On the second day i still feel bad cramps but I just don’t vomit and same for my third day. The other days are relatively bearable sometimes my fourth day I experience on and off really bad cramps but it just depends on the month. Overall though, I have a really heavy period- even when I’m not in that much pain I still feel really uncomfortable especially when I walk because I feel like I’m peeing due to my heavy flow. It’s really deteriorating my mental health and I’ve been to the GP on 4 occasions- first time I explained my symptoms and he gave me tablets for Diarrhoea, second time he gave medicine for heart burn, third time he told me to take paracetamol and fourth time he did a blood test and referred me for an ultrasound (although I never received a letter or call for the ultrasound so I couldn’t go). I’m 18 now, I’m starting uni next year and I want a job however I believe my period pain will effect this. I don’t know if I’d be able to keep a job if every month I have to stay home for a few days due to the pain I feel. I’m contemplating going to get a private ultrasound yet I’m not sure what to do can someone give me advice please? Or if you’ve experienced similar feel free to share.

I know this probably isn’t the place to ask and say these type of things but idk what else to do. I’m always in EXCRUCIATING pain every time I’m on my period. Like not even on the actual days of my period I also feel pain and have other symptoms such as being gassy & bloated, pain in my legs, back and lower stomach up to a week before my period the first 2/3 days of my period are hell. I’ve been missing 2 days off school every month since I’ve started my period (about 7, almost 8 years now) due to the pain I feel. I cant explain how regardless of which medication I take it never helps and if it does then i always get used to it and it ends up not working. On my first day I ALWAYS do sick and have extreme cramps in my stomach, legs and back. On the second day i still feel bad cramps but I just don’t vomit and same for my third day. The other days are relatively bearable sometimes my fourth day I experience on and off really bad cramps but it just depends on the month. Overall though, I have a really heavy period- even when I’m not in that much pain I still feel really uncomfortable especially when I walk because I feel like I’m peeing due to my heavy flow. It’s really deteriorating my mental health and I’ve been to the GP on 4 occasions- first time I explained my symptoms and he gave me tablets for Diarrhoea, second time he gave medicine for heart burn, third time he told me to take paracetamol and fourth time he did a blood test and referred me for an ultrasound (although I never received a letter or call for the ultrasound so I couldn’t go). I’m 18 now, I’m starting uni next year and I want a job however I believe my period pain will effect this. I don’t know if I’d be able to keep a job if every month I have to stay home for a few days due to the pain I feel. I’m contemplating going to get a private ultrasound yet I’m not sure what to do can someone give me advice please? Or if you’ve experienced similar feel free to share.

I know, but why would uncooked salt be any worse than cooked?

naproxen tablets are good for your pain 100 percent work like magic lol

I'm really sorry to hear that you're experiencing such severe and debilitating pain during your period. It sounds like you've been dealing with this issue for a long time and it's significantly impacting your daily life. Even if I can't provide medical advice, I can provide some general suggestions that may help you address this problem:

Seek a second opinion. If you feel that your current doctor hasn't adequately addressed your concerns or provided appropriate treatment options, it might be beneficial to consult another healthcare professional. Consider scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist or a specialist in reproductive health who can further evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate tests or treatments.

Keep a menstrual diary. Start keeping track of your symptoms, the duration of your period, and any patterns or triggers you notice. This information can be helpful when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider, as it provides a comprehensive overview of your experiences.

Discuss potential conditions. When you consult a healthcare professional, consider mentioning conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that are known to cause severe menstrual pain and other related symptoms. These conditions may require specific diagnostic tests or treatments that differ from routine menstrual pain management.

Explore pain management options. In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol, there are other pain management options available. You can discuss with your healthcare provider about trying different medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other strategies like heat therapy or relaxation techniques to help alleviate your pain.
Consider hormonal birth control: Certain hormonal birth control methods, such as combined oral contraceptives or hormonal IUDs, can help regulate periods and reduce pain for some individuals. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to see if they might be suitable for you.

Accessing further testing. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be necessary to pursue additional diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, to evaluate your reproductive organs and rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Seek support: Reach out to support groups or online communities that focus on menstrual health or specific conditions like endometriosis. Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide valuable insights and emotional support.

Remember, it's essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to get an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. They will have the expertise and knowledge to guide you effectively. Take care of yourself and don't hesitate to advocate for your health and well-being.

GPs notoriously don't take period pains seriously. If you can afford to go private, get the private ultrasound.

What's the rational for this, out of interest?

Not to sound stupid but what do you mean uncooked salt? Like actual uncooked salt or is it a type

I know this probably isn’t the place to ask and say these type of things but idk what else to do. I’m always in EXCRUCIATING pain every time I’m on my period. Like not even on the actual days of my period I also feel pain and have other symptoms such as being gassy & bloated, pain in my legs, back and lower stomach up to a week before my period the first 2/3 days of my period are hell. I’ve been missing 2 days off school every month since I’ve started my period (about 7, almost 8 years now) due to the pain I feel. I cant explain how regardless of which medication I take it never helps and if it does then i always get used to it and it ends up not working. On my first day I ALWAYS do sick and have extreme cramps in my stomach, legs and back. On the second day i still feel bad cramps but I just don’t vomit and same for my third day. The other days are relatively bearable sometimes my fourth day I experience on and off really bad cramps but it just depends on the month. Overall though, I have a really heavy period- even when I’m not in that much pain I still feel really uncomfortable especially when I walk because I feel like I’m peeing due to my heavy flow. It’s really deteriorating my mental health and I’ve been to the GP on 4 occasions- first time I explained my symptoms and he gave me tablets for Diarrhoea, second time he gave medicine for heart burn, third time he told me to take paracetamol and fourth time he did a blood test and referred me for an ultrasound (although I never received a letter or call for the ultrasound so I couldn’t go). I’m 18 now, I’m starting uni next year and I want a job however I believe my period pain will effect this. I don’t know if I’d be able to keep a job if every month I have to stay home for a few days due to the pain I feel. I’m contemplating going to get a private ultrasound yet I’m not sure what to do can someone give me advice please? Or if you’ve experienced similar feel free to share.

Awww thank you so much! Your advice is really useful. I’ve kept a diary but I’ll make it a little more detailed and also include the symptoms I have throughout my period so hopefully if I go to a gyno I can give them for info! Unfortunately NSAIDs don’t really make much of an impact on the pain I feel nor does mefenamic acid or however it’s spelt however heat therapy does I’ll look more into other ways besides hot water bottles because they burn my stomach :| I purchased a TENS machine I’m hoping it makes a difference thank you for your advice xx

Actual uncooked salt.
Particularly when added to curries, chips or drinks like traditional sour german orange juice and cocktails.

Go back to your GP and ask too see a female GP or Nurse practitioner.
They are more likely to listen to you and understand your pains literally.
Then ask to be referred to a gynaecologist.
Meanwhile consult Dr Eric Berg on YouTube for alternative options for treating severe period pains using
Diet changes and supplements.