I have struggled with menstrual pain since I first got my period. When it first began, it was just light cramping, but soon escalated to a stabbing feeling. It is painful to the point where I sometimes cannot move, or have to lay on massagers all day just to keep from taking more medicine before the allotted time is up. My first doctor prescribed estrogen to help, but I had bad reactions and experienced a lot of the side effects. After I communicated this to my doctor, I was told that without estrogen there was nothing else I could do to take away the pain; and that those pills were my only solution. I went to see another doctor because I couldn’t come to terms with being told that nothing could stop the pain I was experiencing.
After seeing the second doctor, they told me that the pain is normal without even asking me questions about my pain or my past history with my period. Having someone, especially a medical professional, invalidate my debilitating pain really took a toll on me, and I started to ignore and suppress my worry. After putting it off it only got worse, to the point where I had to call out for multiple days or skip class due to the pain. Even as those around me saw how I was feeling, I was only told I was being dramatic and lazy, or that I needed to grow up because I “couldn’t do this in the real world”. I was even too scared to email my teachers and tell them why i was absent, because at the time, I was scared that saying I was absent due to cramps wasn’t a good enough reason. After getting to a point where I was told I would be fired if I kept calling out, I found a new doctor who took me seriously. After multiple tests and an ultrasound, I was diagnosed with PCOS. Since this diagnosis, I have taken medication that has alleviated some of my pain, and allowed me to actually function through my cycle.
I feel like period pain isn’t taken as seriously as it should be. Especially when you have side effects like migraines and nausea, doing basic tasks and even just existing can be extremely difficult. The stigma around talking about periods makes it harder to learn more about it and see whats normal and what’s not. For those who also experience painful menstrual cycles, if you have the resources, get your pain checked. If it restricts you from doing things you love or have to do, don’t let people dismiss your pain and say it’s normal, because only you know how you feel; and finding a solution can make life so much easier. If you don’t have the resources, I would say get a back massager and use a hot compress and look at period pain hacks on youtube. Some of the videos are gimmicky, but if you look through you can actually find helpful tips. When I was in the middle stages, I watched lots of videos of people talking about pain similar to mine, and they suggested lots of hacks and ways to temporarily alleviate pain like elevating my legs or doing certain stretches. Also a hot shower can sometimes refresh the day and loosen up the tension in your lower back.
On a lighter note, I saved up and am about to try Thinx underwear. I am kind of nervous because I have a heavy flow and the idea of free bleeding into my underwear with no pad or tampon is something I haven’t comprehended yet, but the reviews are too good to ignore and I want to feel FREEEEEEE and save money 🙂
Unruly Bodies 
It was empowering to read that you did not give up and were able to find a doctor who worked to find your diagnoses. The different menstrual pains women experience and the severity of it is definitely not recognized by many. The women in my family relate to you deeply as we experience excruciating cramps, vomiting, heavy flows, and diarrhea. Many doctors only prescribed medication and unfortunately, it led to my grandmother and mother to have a hysterectomy. Once my sisters and I started experiencing the same pains, my mother refused the same methods for us. Through herbal medicine and acupuncture, my sisters and I are able to function and alleviate pains with Tylenol or Advil.
I am so sorry that many doctors chose not to listen to you when you were struggling. I too have struggled with periods and pain and it totally is hard to find relief. But oh my gosh.. I am so intrigued by those underwear too. I keep seeing ads everywhere and am honestly too afraid to try them but I wish I wasn’t haha. I appreciated your post to further break down the stigma of talking about periods!!! I think such a normal thing needs to be talked about and with that maybe it would be easier to get help when we need it.
Pain associated with periods really is not taken as seriously as it should be, especially considering how debilitating and life altering the conditions associated with extremely painful periods are. I am so happy you were able to receive a diagnosis and treatment! There is an underlying problem that people with a uterus tend to have where their pain is not taken seriously, which can be incredibly dangerous if a condition is left untreated for a long time. You would think after the many many years we as humans have existed there would be some level of understanding regarding this monthly event, but there is still often a need for people to see multiple doctors before getting a diagnosis for PCOS or endometriosis. I am glad you have been able to alleviate at least some of your symptoms and I wish you luck on the period underwear journey!
As someone who experiences ridiculously intense periods and is on birth control to stop cramps (which barely even does its job), I felt this post so deeply. I feel because pain is almost a plus-one to the period experience, doctors just completely brush it aside as part of having a uterus. As if we bought it and read a pamphlet about the side effects!
I am deeply sorry about this experience you had with medical professionals regarding your pain. It sucks because they are supposed to be there to help understand your body and symptoms better, yet are only there to disregard your pain and not even believe that it is anything out of the ordinary. This has also happened to me, which is why I only see women doctors that have also experienced the same things to their body that I have. I know that is very biased, but also, they are the only ones who have ever validated my experiences in the medical field. I completely get where you’re coming from, and I hope that you receive the help you need from the right doctor.
Side note: I have also wanted to try that underwear, I need to look into it more!
I loved your blog post! And I’m so sorry that you have to go through that every month. It’s sad but I’m not surprised that your original doctor did not take you seriously, but I guess you can’t expect anything less from American health services. Talking about periods and menstral problems is so stigmatised especially with the view that periods are dirty. I think this translates into healthcare workers as well. Whenever I start to talk about my period problems with my doctor the conversation seems to lead elsewear, usually my weight.
You will get no disagreement with me here. The medical community should treat Menstrual pain as seriously as any other pain. For many it can be debilitating. It can be extremely frustrating not to have your pain concerns address by physicians. I would have thought there would be far more advanced ways to deal with period pain since I was a young girl. I see not much has changed. I commend you on not being deterred by the initial nonchalant responses by your doctors. I commend you for advocating for your own health care and did not accept the usual ” its normal.” response. Well just because it’s normal doesn’t mean you have to accept that pain. Good on you. No one should have to be ok with or keep quiet about menstrual pain.