OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Excruciating Periods: A Struggle for Relief

I’m a 22-year-old woman weighing 140 pounds and standing at 5’2". Since I was eleven, I've endured debilitating menstrual cycles. Over the years, the level of discomfort has escalated markedly; what began as mild cramping has developed into severe agony characterized by nausea, intense heat, a loss of bladder control, and an inability to retain any fluids. My symptoms often leave me doubled over in distress. The ultimate solution I desire is a complete hysterectomy. However, despite discussing this with several doctors, I’ve consistently been told that my experiences fall within the range of what is considered normal for menstruation. All I've been given are recommendations for various birth control methods. Unfortunately, these interventions have only led to weight gain and a growing skepticism regarding whether there’s an underlying issue beyond my supposedly insufficient pain tolerance. To cope with the pain, I sometimes use small quantities of marijuana, which is legally accessible for recreational use in my state. Initially, I found relief from my discomfort, but its effectiveness has diminished over time, now only serving as a means to induce sleep. To relieve my suffering, I must consume over 35 mg, as other pain medication options like Midol, Advil, and ibuprofen have proven ineffective due to my inability to keep anything down amid the debilitating nausea that accompanies my suffering. I harbor a significant dislike for how my body feels, and this has fostered a sense of shame that makes me reluctant to be seen by others. Despite these feelings, there are moments when I can no longer tolerate the pain alone; today was one of those days. In a state of desperation, I called my mother, fearing that I might need to visit the emergency room for the first time. I dread this thought since a medical visit would impose a financial burden on me, so I often repeat to myself that I have endured worse during these episodes while curled up on the floor in agony. After vomiting in the bathtub—an alarming shade of black, possibly due to some chocolate crackers I ate—I struggled to exit and briefly sat on the toilet to regain some strength before collapsing into bed. My mother assisted me, but even there, I fell ill again. Currently, I’m nibbling on saltines, sipping electrolytes, and waiting for hydrocodone to take effect. What troubles me most is the uncertainty surrounding my condition. I am unsure of the potential causes for my pain, where to seek assistance, or how to convey my plight effectively. I’m also hesitant to incur significant expenses merely to be placed back on birth control. Part of me wonders if I might be overreacting, given that this situation recurs so consistently, yet it severely disrupts both my life and my work, making it near impossible to perform any tasks during these episodes. It’s been nearly eight years since I last consulted a doctor about this matter. Edit: It's been about eight years, not ten. I do have faint recollections of a visit to a female physician around the age of fourteen.

Answers (1)

8/18/2025, 1:31:06 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with menstrual pain; it sounds incredibly challenging and distressing. Understanding your pain and finding effective relief is essential, especially since it's affecting your daily life.

Main Points:

1. Severe menstrual pain is not a normal experience: Your symptoms suggest that there might be underlying conditions that need further investigation.
2. Potential conditions to consider: Endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease are possible causes of severe menstrual pain.
3. Important steps for relief: While you've had limited success with current treatment options, there are specific steps you can take to address your pain and gain clarity on your condition.

Explanation:

It's understandable to feel frustrated when previous doctors have not taken your pain seriously. While some women experience discomfort during their periods, debilitating pain that severely limits daily activities is not typical and warrants further evaluation. Your symptoms, including the severe cramping, nausea, and vomiting, could indicate conditions like endometriosis—a common cause where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, leading to significant pain.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Track your symptoms: Maintain a detailed log of your menstrual cycle, pain levels, accompanying symptoms (like nausea) and any medications taken. This information can help you and potential healthcare providers identify patterns and triggers.

2. Consider seeking a specialist: Look for a gynecologist who specializes in painful menstruation or reproductive health. If possible, request an appointment with a healthcare provider known for treating patients with endometriosis or fibroids openly, and be prepared to advocate for yourself by sharing your symptom log.

3. Explore non-hormonal options: There are pain management strategies outside of hormonal birth control, including over-the-counter pain relief (if possible with your nausea), physical therapy, or alternative treatments such as acupuncture or yoga, which might help manage discomfort.

4. Discuss diagnostic testing: If you engage with a gynecologist, inquire about diagnostic imaging like an ultrasound or MRI, which can help identify structural causes for your pain, such as cysts or fibroids.

5. Hydration and nutrition: While coping with nausea, continue sipping clear fluids (like electrolytes or ginger tea) and try to have small, bland meals (like saltines) that can be easier on your stomach.

6. Address emotional well-being: Since your pain is affecting how you feel about yourself and your daily life, consider finding support groups or even mental health resources, which can be helpful for coping with chronic pain.

Final Thoughts:

It's valid to feel confused and to want more answers about your body. You deserve to have your pain taken seriously, and it's okay to seek a second or third opinion until you find a healthcare provider who understands your needs. Hang in there, and remember that you are not alone on this journey. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for support.