I get really bad periods where I throw up every month and my cramps are unbariable. what is wrong with me?

Question

My doctor told me I'm one of the women that get it worse than others but I know theres nothing right about it. For the first couple days of my period I can't hold down any food. I'm only 20 and it's been happening since I was 12. My cramps hurt so bad that all I can do it curl up on the floor and lay there. I can't take mydol or anything like that the only thing that helps is pot. And though it's proven to help it's illegal. Does anybody know what can be wrong or if theres anything else I can do to help?

Answer 1

Endometriosis immediately comes to mind. See http://www.endocenter.org/pdf/2006ScreeningEducationKit.pdf for details. For painful periods in general, here is some additional info, including therapies...

Derived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.

Almost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder. The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain. More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school. Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].

"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins. These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience. Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.

Pain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours. In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped. In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.

Dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes). In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms often include painful pelvic or abdominal cramping, headache, suprapubic cramping (an area of the pelvis overlying the bladder), backache, pain radiating down into the thigh area, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and even syncope (a temporary of consciousness). Upon physical exam, those with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit normal vital signs and a tender uterus, but no cervical or ovarian abnormalities. Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea may exhibit varied vital signs depending on the underlying cause and may be found to have tenderness, nodules, and/or enlargement of the uterosacral ligaments, the rectovaginal septum or other adnexa (the region of the pelvis that encompasses the ovary, fallopian tube and surrounding broad ligament).

Treatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies. Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea. Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate. Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps. Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain. Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates. Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping. Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.

If Endometriosis or another disorder is the underlying or secondary cause for dysmenorrhea, you will benefit most from having the disease diagnosed and effectively removed. It is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling or incapacitating is never normal and should be investigated as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be rendered.

Reference:
[1] Jamieson DJ, Steege JF. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care practices. Obstet Gynecol. 1996;87(1):55-58.

Answer 2

You may be able to get some relief with the use of natural progesterone. The reason BCPs work is because they contain the synthetic version.

Cramping is caused by the uterus contracting to expel the built up lining. A drop in progesterone, and a rise in estrogen, is the signal to your body that it's time to start eliminating the unneeded excess blood.

Because of environmental factors, our estrogen levels are much higher than they need be. This causes extreme cramps.

Look into bio-identical progesterone. It does not have the side effects of BCPs because it is exactly the hormone that your body manufactures. Work with your doctor to find out if this may help you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well there could be different things that cause bad cramps. I think maybe you should find another doctor. I have Endometriosis and the cramps are horrible. I use alot of pain meds for the cramping and I also use a heating pad around the clock when its really bad. I have one in my room, one in the living room, and one at work. Heat really helps my cramps decrease.

Answer 4

Hello,
the same is happening with me. Since I was 13 it started happening. Now I am 22. 2 years ago I went to a gynaecologist and asked for a total investigation - but they said that everything is ok absolutely. Then another told me to take contraceptives and it lessened the pain and etc. But soon I've put on 5 kg. That's bad too. The thing that helps is...I smile - I've fallen in love with young obstetrician-gynecologist. He doesn't do anything - just stays with me and puts his warm hands on me - that makes me feel much better!
Wish you true love!

Answer 5

i had an ex with the exact same problem (also smoked pot to help it) the only other thing she found that helped was actually going on the pill oddly enough...i think after that the pot was just leasure...i'm assuming you also take painkillers? But yeah, the pill may work!

Answer 6

this sounds serious!!! the first thing i would do is go see another doctor!!! tell the new doc everything, even about the pot!! if you still get nowhere go and ask the chemist for some "period pain relief" and then try evening primrose oil tablets, they worked for me.

otherwise i have no idea.

hope i could help....

good luck!!!!

Answer 7

honey, im sorry but there is nothing wrong with you. some woman just have bad periods. you could try birth control pills, it helps with periods, makes them shorter, not as strong, anf not as many cramps. or you could talk to your dr. about a stronger pain med. 800 mg ibuprofen works for me. also chocolate works a little bit

Answer 8

You need to see another doctor and get help for your condition. There is no need for you to suffer like that every month. The pain and vomiting could be signs of an underlying condition.

Answer 9

The pill is supposed to help lighten periods..

Answer 10

I had friends who were like this, and their Drs put them on the pill. They claimed it helped them immensely.