I have been meaning to start a thread about periods for ages and I keep forgetting.

But I hate them with avengence and I am sick sick sick to death of them. My youngest is now 6 years old and in the last 3 or 4 years they have got so bad that I miss probably about a day a month, cos I just stay in bed and am moody, miserable, irritable, irrational, bad tempered, angry and just foul, oh and that is not including the cramps and the leaks!!

Today is one of those days - but I have given bed a miss and have been shopping instead, and I am either too hot or too cold. I feel sick, I have a headache, I could murder Mr F, I am not hungry and although I have a glass of wine I don't really feel like it, I don't even feel like a ciggie. And I wouldn't mind - but I started when I was 9 years old - so today will be my 354th period [I have calculated pregnancies into this.]

I have always been pretty heavy and long lasting - but never moody or had pain with them. But when all four are combined it is just gross and I am sure unneccesary.

Do you find that yours have got worse the older you get, or do they seem better?

And when do you go throught the menopause?? Is it about 50 [ish]?? And how long does that last and does it hurt and what happens and I am feeling very tearful and I just want to know things. Cos knowledge is power and I can rule the world one day!!

you're having a **** day. i hate periods too. because i have crohns, they always seem to exacerbate that as well for my luck.

hot baths, nurofen, ho****er bottle and a lot of tlc. although i am sure you have tried it all, and sleep.chocolate. good friends.
my mum had the menopause at 34 so there is no real time but a lot of women experience it late 40's/early 50's. i'm sure someone here will be able to tell you about it from their own perspective.

my periods havent got worse, just miserably the same. my sisters periods got really bad then relieved when she had children. some women find a d&c useful if their is a lot of flow.
thinking of you

I would like to introduce you to my neighbour Flip! as I had a rather stomach churning covnesation with her last week about blood clots the size of a cow's liver etc etc! She's the neighbour that told me about her husband taking viagra ... which you may remember from some years back! That woman is an open book!

I like you Flip have always had very heavy periods from the age of 9, but I have always suffered mood swings with them. My symptoms have got worse over the last 10 years and the only thing that has helped me was to go back on the pill even though I don't need it for contraception, due to being sterilised in my early thirty's. But from what my doctor said this is very common as a woman approaches menopause.

As for when the menopause starts I am not sure but I seem to remember hearing it was any time from 40 onwards, although the earlier you start your periods the later this was likely to happen.

ooh good topic flip.

Mine have certainly changed as I have got older. I have always had a very unpredictable cycle anywhere between 5 weeks and 6 months...once after 10 months they had to be started up by the doctor (when I was 26). When I'm on the pill they were fine.

But now (not on the pill) they have settled down to about a 5 week cycle, I get a day of spotting then nothing for 2 days then OH DEARY ME...THE PAIN...only for a day or two, but very painfull. They are not so heavy just painfull..and yes my mood changes....I can even be snappy :ohmy:

I am seriously thinking about getting it all whipped out, not only do I not need this equipment any more, I'm sure it would help my ulcerative colitus which is always worse during my periods. Killing two birds with one stone come to mind.

Boo the period thats what I say.

Awwwww Flip :hug:

It's a long time since I had the bother but I can still remember what a pain it was, literally. Always seemed to happen when I was going somewhere or on holiday or just at the most inconvenient times and as I was never on the Pill I never knew when it would happen unlike some of my colleagues who would say things like "I am due on at about 11 o'clock today" which used to fascinate me. Not for them, the tissue between the legs shuffle to nearest Chemist.

I had an early change (46) despite the fact that I started early (10) and I can honestly say that although I expected it to be awful it was nothing more than a cessation of what was a damn nuisance. I fully expected to have a rotten time because I'm just one of those people that seems to get everything worse than everyone else. I was surprised and delighted, therefore, that I sailed through it and have never had a hot flush or mood swings or whatever you're supposed to get.

So the plus side is - wheeee free from the bother. The downside is that because I had no problems I was never put on HRT so I think I have aged (wrinkle-wise) more than I would have if I'd had a late change.

All of this is probably no help whatsoever but hope you feel better soon.

Mine veer from being non existent to the type where you soak through a super size tampon AND two towels in the space of half an hour. :sad: The first couple of days are usually excruciating these days (I literally have to take 6 Nurofen just to be able to breathe normally).

I think it is because I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which I know can make these things worse. :ranting:

However I am pleased to say I have never suffered with mood swings (at least not related to periods anyway! :laugh: )

Aw Flip. It really is sh it isn't it. I don't suffer toooo badly although I have noticed I suffer more the older I have got. I used to have the Depoproven(sp) injections cos I could not take the pill due to high blood pressure and they stopped altogether for two years, which was lovely, but I came off them when mr B had the old snip, so now I am back to once every 3-4 weeks feeling like sh it. Not much helps really, just someone sitting next to you who understands why you are a grumpy cow and lets you get on with it, without making you feel guilty about it.

Mine have definitely got worse as I've got older. I never really used to suffer and was regular as clockwork. Since kids they got worse and now are even more painful. Also, my cycle has shortened to around 25 days. I have pain for about two days. Even the supersize purple Lilets don't work now. I have to use these AND pads for the first 2-3 days. I have to use something for 6-7 days. Then, a few days later, I start ovulating and this hurts just as much, only down one side though.

My mood probably does change, but not drastically. Only because of the pain and lack of sleep really. I really sympathise with you Flippy if they affect you this badly.

I would gladly have everything out except my ovaries, because this prevents early menopause. I would probably lose weight too!

How awful for you Flip doesn't seem fair that you have suffered for so long.

My experience has been very much like Crits started at 11 never too much problem, I was on the pill until early 30's then Mr M had the snip. They started decreasing from about 40 onwards missing months altogether, then about 46 they disappeared completely. I did once read that if you started early your menopause would be earlier as you are born with the eggs and only have so many,as to whether that is true or not I don't know.

The menopause has been ok so far a few night sweats but nothing too bad unles these cramps are anything to do with it. Reading everyone else's problems I consider myself very lucky.

I think I'm lucky too to some extent. I've never had much pain. I've never been moody or had any emotional changes due to periods, - I can be stroppy and objectionable at any time without suffering PMT! Sorry you've had to put up with all that Flip.

However, I do have a ridiculously short cycle.

http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/3320615A60IFN118970M.JPG

See!!!

I read that if you start early you tend to have the menopause later, which didn't make sense to me even at the time! I hope it isn't true, as I started at 11!

I read that if you start early you tend to have the menopause later, which didn't make sense to me even at the time! I hope it isn't true, as I started at 11!

I'm sure I read that too Ceri - I am hoping it isn't true as well as I was 9!

I'm sure I read that too Ceri - I am hoping it isn't true as well as I was 9!

I feel a poll coming on.

I had the lot out a couple of years ago - best thing ever, apart from a bigger than normal scar because of the size of the tumour, and a 3 stone weight gain:cry:

Oh, poor you Flip! :hug: I used to suffer really badly and had even on occassions had to take time off work as I was in so much pain, paracetomal didn't even do the trick, although most of the time I just struggled on as I really couldn't take time off every month!

After I had Abbie I opted to get the Mirena coil fitted and have to say that I have had no discomfort whatsoever, my periods are incredibly light and I do get the occassional cramp but nothing like what I used to. I do however, feel more tired around that time and do have the odd mood swing.

I feel a poll coming on.


Go on then, you know you want to..... :w00t:

I had the lot out a couple of years ago - best thing ever, apart from a bigger than normal scar because of the size of the tumour, and a 3 stone weight gain:cry:

blimey Fee - you can't possibly have been three stones lighter than you are now! You are so slender that you must have lost this weight! Well done!

You are kidding Dol - I have a wardrobe of clothes that will refute that!

I keep thinking I have something caught in my waistband and then realising its me :shock:


likes Dol lots

Flip, I'm sorry your feeling miserable, big hugs to you.

And I hate to say it, but my periods have never really been bad. I used to be really irregular, but the pill soon sorted that out.
I know when I'm coming on, usually only for about 4 days and only one of them will be kind of heavy.
Ok I will be quiet now.

As for the menopause, usually it happens around late 40's early 50's, but can happen earlier. I know my mum went through it in her late 40's and I think they usually say that can be an indication of when and how it will be.
My mum just started missing periods for a month at a time, and like Maz, then just stopped altogether.

Hope your feeling better soon Flip:hug:

I hate periods and can really relate to where you are coming from Flip.

My periods have always been heavy and loaded with blood clots. Ewwww! Pads and tampons combined are still not enough. I hate the feeling of the gushing as you stand up. They are also painful and I become a really volatile person around them also. Grrrrrr!

Ive been lucky with my period too, although i have three days of misery a month.

When i was 13 the doctor put me on the pill as my periods were ridiculously heavy and painful. Since then my periods have been very light - but during the break in the pill (the first three days) i get terrible headaches that NOTHING will shift which makes me miserable and grumpy.

I feel sorry for you Flippy, Maybe you should see a doctor, if you havent already and ask him to suggest something ?

Thank you all - I am feeling marginally better today, I slept for 12 hours last night and that helped. You know that group hug?? Well we should just have one because!! So hugs to everyone.

Now back to this discussion. I am sure I was told that if you had it all out - you would still get monthly pain, because of the hormones? Or is it a lack of hormones? Or is it some extra ones?? Oh I don't know? But I have to say I don't like the idea of a late menopause, esp as I was an early starter.

And I have seen the doctor, the only thing they suggest is going back on the pill - which is a bit hopeless for me for two reasons, I avoid any medication like the plague and probably more importantly I would just forget! My eldest being an example of this forgetfullness. Mr F has had the snip - so it wouldn't be for contraceptive purposes - but it would not work if I forgot as often as I do.

Awww Flip, you have my heartfelt sympathy chick :hug:

I have been suffering for months now, I thought it was down to my slinky (coil) so I got the doc to whip that out last year, then lo and behold 4 days into the new job and 3 days after my last period the agonising cramps, backache and gripes started again.............

I have had constant "period pain" since the 28th April and its still niggling, its mainly deep in the right pelvic area and travels down my right leg - I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo fed up with it, its wearing me out!!!

I am on 8 "suppository size" :blink: cuprofen a day while I wait to go for a scan (which is on 1st June, Im still in shock that I have managed to get a scan appointment in less than a month, but very impressed!).

Im sure of men had periods there would be a cure for ALL PMT, pain and the tampax would be FREE! I HATE periods!

Isis you might have PCOS like me....sometimes the cysts on the ovary cause a lot of pain. I always get it on the right side too.

However there is a muscular injury that mimics the same pain too - it is worth seeing an osteopath and telling him about it. I know it sounds weird but it is a problem with a muscle deep in the pelvic area and because it swells and presses on the sciatic nerve it causes the pain to travel down the leg.

Isis you might have PCOS like me....sometimes the cysts on the ovary cause a lot of pain. I always get it on the right side too.

However there is a muscular injury that mimics the same pain too - it is worth seeing an osteopath and telling him about it. I know it sounds weird but it is a problem with a muscle deep in the pelvic area and because it swells and presses on the sciatic nerve it causes the pain to travel down the leg.

I have had sciatica a few times Ceri and the pain I am getting is nothing like that was- that was all in the cheek of my ar$e and I struggled to move about but this time I can move about ok (once I manage to get up :laugh: ) and its more uncomfortable than debilitating to be honest.......ahhh well the scan will show one way or the other wont it :D

Hmmm...could well be cysts then Isis. Good luck.

Hmmm...could well be cysts then Isis. Good luck.

Cheers hunnie :wink_kiss I have a feeling in my bones that it may be cysts :sad:

I'm quite lucky in that I don't really suffer at all. I get a mild discomfort the first day, but thats it and it's all over in three days! I'm as regular as clockwork and I always get mine the same day I get paid, so it's something to look forward to. One thing that does happen regular as clockwork too is that two days before I am absolutely addicted to sex. I can't get enough of it. Poor Mr Bob just can't keep up. Thank goodness for batteries and rechargable ones at that.
It was a very different story when I was younger, seven or eight days of sheer misery and bloodbaths. So I have been there and do know how awful it is. Since coming off the pill I've had no problems.

I'm pregnant.


HAR HAR :ninja:

I'm pregnant.


HAR HAR :ninja:

All I can say to you is.........................that BIG head....through that little hole :w00t: :ninja:

my sis is still (in her words) clotting :sick: and Mia is 6 weeks old now :wacko:

She'll be laughing on the other side when she's sat on a rubber ring in a few months time. :devil:

nar nar nar nar I'm not listening

*fingers in ears*

nar nar nar nar I'm not listening

*fingers in ears*

you are a braver woman than me Floops and the rest of you that have done the deed, it makes my eyes water just THINKING about it....... :blink: but it cant be that bad else you wouldnt have done it for a 2nd time would you :laugh:

I actually found 5 hours of primal screaming to be very liberating, and shall be going in again drug free.

Call me twisted. :w00t:

It is not that bad at all, I would rather give birth, than be pregnant anytime!

I actually found 5 hours of primal screaming to be very liberating, and shall be going in again drug free.

Call me twisted. :w00t:

I always thought you were a bit weird hunnie :laugh: :wink_kiss

It is not that bad at all, I would rather give birth, than be pregnant anytime!

I'll take your word for it ILS, I would only consider it if I could buy one from M&S with a lifetime money back guarantee :laugh:

And I have seen the doctor, the only thing they suggest is going back on the pill - which is a bit hopeless for me for two reasons, I avoid any medication like the plague and probably more importantly I would just forget! My eldest being an example of this forgetfullness. Mr F has had the snip - so it wouldn't be for contraceptive purposes - but it would not work if I forgot as often as I do.

I thought that Flip, but I was losing 2 or 3 days a month, missing work, missing night outs due to the pain, and the huge blood lost, that I thought I would give it ago. And it has changed my life, I still get some pain but nowhere near as much, I am still heavy but I don't have to sit on the loo all day anymore and I can at least get on with my day to day life. As for forgetting to take them, put the pills in a place you go to everyday. Mine is in front of my computer monitor, where I can't miss them. It has to be worth a try surely?

Nice one ILS - putting them in front of the PC should work for most of us I reckon!!! :laugh:

I actually found 5 hours of primal screaming to be very liberating, and shall be going in again drug free.

Call me twisted. :w00t:

5 hours! Pah! You were lucky. :angry:

5 hours! Pah! You were lucky. :angry:


Wasn't she just!

Me and Flip both know that gall bladder pain is 10x more excruiciating that any birthing experience or period pain ... don't we love! Come on Flip you got through that ... you can get through anything!


(I hope I've got this right and not mixed you up with someone else Flip!!)

Flip, have you given the coil any consideration. The Mirena coil is usually given to women who have heavy periods. Since I have had it, I have never had a heavy period.

Coil! yuk! awful awful things - IMO! I had a horrible time with one, I was very depressed whilst I had it and the pain of having it removed was awful!

hey someone could start a "have you taken your pill today" thread and everyone can check in every day.

*snigger*

I tell you I would rather have a baby a month than a period - at least at the end of it you have a baby, with a period you are left with feeling like you have done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson - and I don't mean in bed.

Yeah Dol you are right it was me - and yeah you are right gallstones are a million times worse than this - but at least it was just the once not the 354th time!!!

Bella - I am a big scardycat when it comes to tiny little fishing hooks being inserted - I had one after son numero 1 and I thought I was haemorraging once a month.

I may try the docs again to see if they have any other solutions, like a prescription for Spa Away Days - that might help, or cases of champagne - that really would help!!

And Isis - poor you - oh here is me whinging about a pain I get once a month for a couple of days and theres you with one that has been over a month - urghhhhhhhh!! Hope they diagnose and then get it sorted??