TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

When you take hormonal BC, you don't have an actual period. You have "withdrawal bleed." Correct? You're bleeding from lack of the hormones, and not because your body is naturally ready to shed its uterine lining. There is no uterine lining because you don't ovulate. I think I have all this right. And cramps are cause by teeny tiny muscle spasms in and around your ovaries and whatnot. The muscle spasms are to expell the uterine lining. (Any time I have something wrong, someone please correct me) Since I'm on BC, I should have no uterine lining, therefore no muscle spasms to get rid of it. WHY ARE MY CRAMPS SO FARKING BAD? Really, I have had a hellacious week and getting my period and the momentous amount of pain that goes with it was just a perfect ending.

sarahmk5 · April 2010

I still get cramps and I'm on BC. My impression was that it was the uterus that contracts, not muscles around your ovaries, and the withdraw from the hormones causes it to do this. Thus, cramps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysmenorrhea#Primary_dysmenorrhea (about cramps)

aMrsin09 · April 2010

ditto Dani

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:654ef720-ee25-416d-89ca-2d4bd6e00b86">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]I still get bad cramps every now and then. Not as often, but every so often they'll hit my body hard. Is it frequent, or is this the only time its happen?
Posted by shellydiane820[/QUOTE]
Every month. Maybe I'm just being a sissy, but it's more painful than I think it should be. But I have my annual exam in exactly 14 days, so I'mma see what's up then. If they can even do anything. The last time I mentioned it to the doc, he told me I had cramps confused with gas pains. Fucker.

danieliza1127 · April 2010

I will add though that when I was on BC pills, I always had terrible mood swings, cramps, and migraines. Since getting an IUD, I don't have any of that stuff anymore.

Stackeye210 · April 2010

LC - I bet the cramps go along with all the stress you're under with FI and his job and traveling. Your body probably just needs to relax, you're probably all tense and it's magnifying the cramps.

tidetravel · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:cb3ea2e8-aa1f-4f2f-98af-58cebf14f814">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : Every month. Maybe I'm just being a sissy, but it's more painful than I think it should be. But I have my annual exam in exactly 14 days, so I'mma see what's up then. If they can even do anything. The last time I mentioned it to the doc, he told me I had cramps confused with gas pains. Fucker.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

Well, the first order of business would be to get a new doctor.

akhensley81 · April 2010

I'm on BC too.. I always thought it was a real period. I just switched brands a few months ago to a higher progesterone level... my libido had basically died and my doc thought this would help. It has. But the cramping has been HORRIFIC in exchange. My best remedy has actually been to sit back on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and set it right on my abdomen. Ahhhhhhh better than a heating pad. LOL!

I feel your pain!! Just try not to kill anyone. And at least if you do, you have a great excuse.

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

Oh, and I've been the BC (same brand) for about 8 months now.

kate51485 · April 2010

Are you by chance on a low dose pill? I still got cramps when I took Ortho tricyclen Lo, but when I switched back to the regular Ortho tri, they went away completely. Halleluia.

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:1508a7c9-9830-4d73-915b-e63532c17245">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : Well, the first order of business would be to get a new doctor.
Posted by tidetravel[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah, I did. I'm not seeing the guy who told me it was gas pains. Certainly not. He probably wouldn't see me again anyway. I cussed him like a redheaded stepchild for that one.

squirrly · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:cb3ea2e8-aa1f-4f2f-98af-58cebf14f814">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : Every month. Maybe I'm just being a sissy, but it's more painful than I think it should be. But I have my annual exam in exactly 14 days, so I'mma see what's up then. If they can even do anything. The last time I mentioned it to the doc, he told me I had cramps confused with gas pains. Fucker.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

I'd be getting a new doctor. No need to give your money to an insensitive prick. Seriously. Given that he's never had cramps he couldn't possibly empathize. Which is why I prefer female GYNs.

tidetravel · April 2010

If you've been on it for 8 months, and the cramps are still bad, you should think about switching. I would say talk to your doctor, but I don't think he would be any help. Talk to another doctor. A woman.

mwhitson14 · April 2010

I had wicked awful cramps last period, but I was coming off BCP so I assumed that's what it was. So basically I wanted to say I have no answer for you but I know how you feel!

shellydiane820 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:cb3ea2e8-aa1f-4f2f-98af-58cebf14f814">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : Every month. Maybe I'm just being a sissy, but it's more painful than I think it should be. But I have my annual exam in exactly 14 days, so I'mma see what's up then. If they can even do anything. The last time I mentioned it to the doc, he told me I had cramps confused with gas pains. Fucker.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]
I'd ask about a new pill.

I was put on Ortho Tri Cyclin and I had cramps, I was emotional (which should have been my first clue) and when I was put on Lo, and I felt great.

baystateapple · April 2010

I can only really share my own experience, and I know it sounds weird and I don't mean to freak you out, but I've been on the pill off and on since I was 17, and several times when I was on low dosage pills, I would eventually build up a tolerance to them over a period of months. My cramps would start intensifying each month again, and it turns out I was ovulating through the pills. I know it sounds weird, but my gyno told me it is possible. I would probably call your doctor and ask if this is a possibility, especially if you're only using pills as your BC method. I don't mean to freak you out, and I'm sorry if I did. GL.

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:b7e7a7e7-935b-4567-a6b2-b1d3d2f52071">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm on BC too.. I always thought it was a real period. I just switched brands a few months ago to a higher progesterone level... my libido had basically died and my doc thought this would help. It has. But the cramping has been HORRIFIC in exchange. My best remedy has actually been to sit back on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and set it right on my abdomen. Ahhhhhhh better than a heating pad. LOL! I feel your pain!! Just try not to kill anyone. And at least if you do, you have a great excuse. :)
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]
Funny you should say that. I'm sitting here with my chihuahua on my tummy. It's amazing that I can fit the dog on my abdomen in between me and the lap top but he's so little. It's helping a lot I think. He generates a ton of heat for a six lb dog.

RachNRich · April 2010

I used to have awful cramps on BC---and when my doctors told me I couldn't take it anymore (it's been a year since I've been off it), my cramps actually improved and my periods are much shorter.

Obviously I'm no help at all.

louisvillebride21 · April 2010

It's just an about.com article, but I don't want to research this anymroe on my work computer.

http://contraception.about.com/od/additionalresources/g/WithdrawalBleed.htm

bel138 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:040d252a-cc2e-4d7b-bc5a-6dbdda360089">TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]When you take hormonal BC, you don't have an actual period. You have "withdrawal bleed." Correct? You're bleeding from lack of the hormones, and not because your body is naturally ready to shed its uterine lining. Correct so far

There is no uterine lining because you don't ovulate. Not correct. The uterine lining is called endometrium, and it engorges with blood. If there were no lining, you wouldn't have a period.

And cramps are cause by teeny tiny muscle spasms in and around your ovaries and whatnot. The muscle spasms are to expell the uterine lining. Your uterus is just one giant muscle. It's what contracts to expel the lining and blood. There are no muscles around your ovaries. Just ligaments to keep everything in place and blood supply.

Since I'm on BC, I should have no uterine lining, therefore no muscle spasms to get rid of it. WHY ARE MY CRAMPS SO FARKING BAD? Really, I have had a hellacious week and getting my period and the momentous amount of pain that goes with it was just a perfect ending.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

BC helps cramps for some women. It makes it worse for some women. It could be just the brand you're on, and another would actually help. Are you cramps worse than before you started BC? Do they keep you from your daily activities? What do you take for them?

akhensley81 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:fd85f5b2-fea2-494c-959d-8b17099346fc">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : Funny you should say that. I'm sitting here with my chihuahua on my tummy. It's amazing that I can fit the dog on my abdomen in between me and the lap top but he's so little. It's helping a lot I think. He generates a ton of heat for a six lb dog.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

Hey, whatever works, right? :)

Another thing I'm doing (with my doc's permission) with my BC is I'm taking four packs straight... with no placebo week... so I'm going 12 weeks between periods. I guess now that we (I) know it's actually not a real period, that makes sense why it's OK to do that.

But I justified dealing with a few days of bullllshiiit pain because I only have to deal with it four times a year.

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_tmi-q-thats-definitely-not-important-enough-call-dr-over?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c86b138e-b020-4067-8050-56ac7f4134a3Post:8f64c176-1521-4444-9bc6-070a754c5d98">Re: TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to TMI Q that's definitely not important enough to call the Dr over : BC helps cramps for some women. It makes it worse for some women. It could be just the brand you're on, and another would actually help. Are you cramps worse than before you started BC? Do they keep you from your daily activities? What do you take for them?
Posted by bel138[/QUOTE]
I didn't really have cramps in my early teens, for the few years after I had my first period. I noticed they got worse mid highschool, around 15. I didn't get on BC until I was 18 and there was no noticeable difference between how bad the cramps were. In the last five years, I've been on and off BC and the cramps have gotten progressively worse, BC or not. Not every period's cramps are bad enough to keep me from day to day activities, but about every three months, I have one where I've got to take the day off work, and sit frog legged with my ass in the air (the only positon that seems to not make me wanna die) and pop Midol like they're gonna stop making it tomorrow.

missy68 · April 2010

The "not a real period" part is correct - otherwise, you'd be releasing an egg and risking pregnancy every month. A regular period is shedding of the uterine lining and the releasing of the egg. The "pill period" is like withdrawal from taking the hormones from the pills.

Source: http://arhp.org

cac847 · April 2010

Have you tried those Thermacare things? They stick on the inside of your clothes and stay warm for eight hours. The heat helps relax the muscle so the cramps aren't as bad.

bel138 · April 2010

Well I would definitely mention to the doc next week that your cramps are getting progressively worse.

Also, Midol really isn't the best thing for cramps. There's a build up of what are called prostaglandins that make the cramps worse due to inflammation during your period. Non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs help to reduce these, whereas the acetaminophen in Midol doesn't. And because you're on BC and know when you're period is coming, most docs actually recommend taking the first dose BEFORE you get your period. Don't wait until you get cramps to take the next doses. So, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve. That would be a good place to start.

laurenclaire1386 · April 2010

Ladies, I want to thank you from the bottom of my aching uterus for taking time out of your day to discuss my menstrual cycle with me. And Bel, you've been extremely helpful. I appreciate it.

[Deleted User] · April 2010

Yes I have heard all of this before too and I have the same insane cramps. I noticed that when I switched over to a generic bc my cramps intensified. It has been so bad lately I'm thinking of paying the extra $15 to get the name brand. I know that shouldn't be the issue either bc they are supposed to be the same, but I've been on bc for 6 years and the bad cramps never started until I switched over a year ago.

mica178 · April 2010

Ditto what Bel said.

Some women have cramping no matter the type of BC. But some people respond to different types of pills differently, so it might be as simple as a switch of brands or a switch to the ring (it gives a slightly more even level of hormones throughout the month). But other things can cause excessive cramping, so it's best to make sure you don't have those.

Ditto the Aleve/Advil/Motrin recommendation. The most cost effective option is to get generic ibuprofen and take 3-4 pills every 4-8 hours as needed. And a heat pack is a good thing. Chihuahua or wet towel microwaved then put in a plastic bag.

jeanna85 · April 2010

You still get cramps because you're body will make prostaglandins during your hormone withdrawal. Prostaglandins cause the muscular uterine wall to expand and contract causing cramps. Any NSAID should help.

FutureMsAlexander · April 2010

Lauren, first of all, get a new doc. You have to have a doctor that listens to you and you feel comfortable with. Once you have a new doc, be honest and explain the severity of your symptoms. I had similar problems and had a laparoscopy performed because my doc suspected I had endometriosis. Turned out I didn't. But I did have chronic appendicitis. Now I feel much better.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · April 2010

Yes, it's a withdrawal bleed, but you still have a uterine lining - it's just thinner and less hospitable to embryos. But obviously it's still there, or else there wouldn't be any blood. It just changes. If/when you go off HBC you'll probably notice a change in the lining when you have a "real" period. Also, is your period lighter or shorter than it is off of BC? If not, that's weird. I would totally recommend switching pills.

I've heard you should avoid caffeine and exercise to help with cramps. But frankly, the last thing I want to do when my uterus hurts is exercise.

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