What painkillers do you use during your period?

[Elm98]

I am currently in agony, I think this is the worst period I’ve ever had and my endo has been lasered out and I have had 3 periods since but this one is kicking my ass.

For so long I’ve been trying to just use ibuprofen, heat and “man up” but it’s no longer feasible I’m in absolute agony and I have an incredibly high pain tolerance but this is making me feel so sick and awful tonight.

I just wondered ladies what painkillers you use during your period? I need something that is going to kick this pain a bit better and plan to go see my doctor this week any suggestions whether natural or medical would be extremely appreciated

[SufferingSilently9]

I use double strength ibuprofen in the day, lots of deep heat rubbed into my pain spots and then at night a hot water bottle and Etoricoxib because they make me drowsy...

[Missy100]

When I found myself in the position of just not being able to handle the pain anymore, I involved my GP who was brilliant and worked with me to find something that helped me and my pain. Now I take Mefenamic Acid and Tramadol and pretty much live with at least one, if not two, heat bags against me on my worst days. It doesn't take all the pain away but it curbs it to allow me to somewhat function (small tasks in short bursts).

You may find that you are able to treat your pain with as little as a stronger anti-inflammatory such as naproxen. Different people find different heat sources work differently for them as well (hot water bottle/electric heating pad/microwave bags [my preference because of how they can manipulated in shape]). I have a sensitivity to scents but I know others who find that aroma therapy helps them and microwave heat bags are available in different scents from different suppliers (Try local or online sites used by smaller businesses if this is something you are interested in looking into).

We are all individual in how our symptoms affect us and what helps them. Ultimately I suggest you make a list of what you equate your pain levels to, what you have found helps or doesn't help (and to what degree) and then ask your doctor to help you to fin what works for you. Do not, under any circumstances, feel like you just have to grin and bear it, because you don't and you shouldn't.

[luthien]

I checked with my GP when my pain was really bad and she said you can use ibuprofen three days before your period is due as it works better when it's already in the system. Then keep taking for four days throughout period (max 7 days), during period take paracetamol. All at stated doses.

For me that keeps the pain just about manageable but I still wont plan social stuff during my period; that's my duvet and hot water bottle day. I have to have prescribed omazeprole to take when I take ibuprofen as it irritates my stomach so that calms it. I have some codeine left from my op, so I have one of those on bad days - only needed it once and its 3 cycles post op.

I'm currently looking into alternative pain relief through massage, and acupuncture but haven't taken the plunge yet!

Oooo the microwave heat bags sound good Miss100, I need to look at that!

[kate24601]

Naproxen has changed my life, 2 tablets 12 hours apart on the first free days allows me to actually live again, takes the pain down from like a 10 to about a 3!

[Elm98]

Wanted to reply to all you lovely ladies who have lost advice just to thank you, I plan to go to the doctors tomorrow as I’ve been sick with the amount of pain I’m getting but I’m now at a comfortable point. Think my plan is to ask about naproxen then something to protect my stomach as well.

Thanks for all suggestions it’s appreciated greatly.

[BlueTit98]

Hey,

Definitely Naproxen, I take 500mg twice a day when I have bad flare ups. If that doesn't touch it then voltarol suppositories work well. You can take paracetamol on top of both. Also if you're into trying something different, I take 'improve me' CBD oil, 1000mg which is about 10%. Hope you get some relief soon x