First suggestion is to switch to menstrual cups, as well as a whole hell of a lot healthier than tampons they can hold up to 1 oz of menstrual flow and can be left in for up to 12 hours as well as at night and before your period starts so they are far better for those of us who have heavy periods because they don't have to be changed all the time like tampons do.
Menstrual cups are also far safer than tampons, cheaper, environmentally friendly, body-positive and they are also reported by many women to reduce cramping and menstrual flow – tampons that expand lengthways such as Tampax can expand into the cervix which is sensitive during menstruation, this can increase cramping, because tampons are bad for menstrual health this also means they can contribute to menstrual cramps and heavy periods.
For more information on menstrual cups : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup
Sex can induce menstruation, the increased blood circulation, contraction followed by relaxation of the vaginal muscles and semen that can soften the cervix all allow for better menstrual flow, although I doubt this would be the case of your heavy periods, this is more likely a health issue. Sex is actually a good cure for menstrual cramps, for the reasons mentioned above, although if his penis hits your cervix during penetrative penis to vaginal sex then this can cause some pain, but again I doubt this is the case for yourself.
It could be that you are suffering from something like endometriosis, so it may be a very good idea to check with your doctor – but be aware they may try to put you onto hormonal birth control, this is a radical form of birth control for any woman but it is more so with menstrual problems as many menstrual problems can be dealt with by other means, doctors also often use hormonal birth control as a way to avoid doing their job by testing and treating the problem, a problem that would come back once you come off hormonal birth control again. Hormonal birth control is an option, particularly if it does turn out you have endometriosis, however don't let your doctor use this as a first port of call, make them find out why you are so heavy – heavy periods can also be a sign of other issues such as liver problems or hormonal issues.
A few period pain remedies for you, some of these will also help with heavy menstruation as well;
•Do not use painkillers, these actually increase period pain over time as your body build immunity and gets used to the painkillers being within your system, not only that but they simply numb the pain they do not actually do anything about the cause of the pain – pain is your bodies way of telling you that something is wrong, don't ignore it. Coming off painkillers if this is what you normally use can be hard because the next few periods after stopping using painkillers can seem more painful, but if you use other methods to prevent or cure menstrual cramps it does get better.
•Take herbal teas, many herbal teas are ideal for menstrual pains as well as other menstrual or cycle related problems including curing PMS, reducing flow, inducing your periods and regulating your menstrual cycle. Herbs to try are as follows; Lemon balm, Black Haw, Blessed thistle, Camomile, Wild marjoram, Red raspberry, Wild strawberry, Valerian, Yarrow, Raspberry leaf, Blue cohosh, Dong quai – Check with a health store to make sure they are right for you, some stores will also sell women's blends that would help as well.
•Avoid salty foods and alcohol, these can increase bloating by retaining water, and so make you feel generally sluggish as well as making cramping worse.
•Drink lots of water, this can aid in avoiding bloating. This will also help with headaches or migraines brought on by menstruation. Also adding lemon juice, a natural diuretic can decrease bloating.
•Eat your greens, and a healthy diet can make you feel a lot better at the best of times, but during menstruation it can be a good pick up and help avoid that sluggish feeling.
•Avoid foods like dairy and caffeine, generally these can cause problems for people, during menstruation this can be particularly true, many find these increase period pains. Also avoid soy products; these are notorious for causing menstrual cramps.
•Take up yoga, this is a very good exercise tip because as well as being gentle exercise it also has stretching that can help even further and breathing exercises that can help relax you and so further aid in relieving menstrual cramps.
•Take a bath, a nice warm bath can help relax you and the heat can ease period pains as well, avoid things that can harm your vagina like bubble bath, however some nice natural salts or essential oils can make a nice relaxing bath.
• Breathing exercises, some people find this a little strange, that breathing is something we do naturally anyway, however we often get out of practice and taking the time to understand how your body moves as you breath and mental exercise can help calm you down.
•Essential oils can work wonders; a little lavender oil in a burner can make a lot of difference to your mental state and calm you down. If not lavender oil then there are many other oils that can be used, a lot of stores also carry relaxation blends. Better still small pots of oil and flower blends, which can be applied to your temples, can provide a discrete but effective means of relaxation. Clary Sage is actually fantastic to massage into your stomach to relieve menstrual cramps.
•Regular cycles, although in your teens this is not going to be easy for you as your body is still maturing sexually and physically your cycles are unlikely to be very regular – however there are things you can do to help, some of the above mentioned herbs can help, but you might also want to try taking Evening Primrose Oil that will help regulate your cycles and so help with menstrual problems.
•Sex, or in your case masturbation given as you are underage, during orgasm it is believed that a hormone which causes uterine contractions is released calls Oxytocin, which can help to push out menstrual material. The relaxation and improved circulation to the pelvic area after sex can also ease period pain. Although masturbation during menstruation can be messy there is no reason to avoid it, using a towel over your bed, having sex in the shower, or using softcups or soft tampons are all options for mess free during your period.
•Heat or cold – most people say heat packs are good, you can get all sorts of really good reusable heat pads with lavender in that help a lot, but for some people cold packs work a whole lot better when applied to their stomach, so try them both and see which one helps you best.
•Acupressure/acupuncture can help a lot, although it might be too expensive for you to go to a therapist for this you may want to get yourself a basic book on acupressure/acupuncture to teach yourself some basics to help with your cramps.
•Cell-salts, these are a natural-mineral your body needs, so if you are lacking this can affect all sorts of things in your body, you can take these daily to help prevent cramps or take them when you get cramps upping the dose every 5-10 minutes until the pain goes away.
•Up your intake of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, also couple with zinc to help your body absorb these easier. These are all things needed by your body to help the uterus lining shed.
•Get regular check-ups, a healthy uterus means an easier period, if you are in good health menstrual cramps will not be as common a problem for you, it may be because you are young and cycles irregular that this is causing more of a problem for you.
•Supplements, not just the ones mentioned above (magnesium, calcium, and potassium) but also Omega 3 & 6, Multi B with high B6 and B13, vitamin E is also a good anti-inflammatory.
•Good attitude, more from the first comments, but also bare in mind menstruation is not just about your body getting rid of waste uterus lining but also everything else from the month that it does not need - this includes bad emotions - it sounds hippy-like but it is true, the more stressed you have been during your cycle the more problematic your period will be.
•Research, find cures that work for you, there are a lot of web sites and books that have many different cures as well as information on possible health reasons why you are experiencing problems - it is worth knowing these things for yourself.
2006-08-21 12:56:58
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answer #1
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answered by Kasha 7
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