Hello everyone,

So, since we're no longer allowed to take NSAIDs, what has helped you with menstrual cramps? Mine are so bad I'm getting nauseous. They hurt like bleeping hell! In the past, I'd take Pamprin or Advil and everything would be fine, but now I can't and Extra Strength Tylenol just isn't cutting it. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

I also was a big ibuprofen user. I am still pre-op, but am trying to break that habit. Are you allowed to take Tylenol or acetaminophen? Those are pain relievers. Some other things that are not medication that have helped me have been using a heating pad on my abdomen, taking a hot bath, exercising (sounds counterintuitive, but it did work for me), and drinking herbal tea. Feel better soon!

This doesn't help for pain in the moment but helps prevent it. Take evening primrose oil once a day and then take a magnesium supplement or electra sport drink mix infused with magnesium. You can also take buscopan (I don't know the name of it in America) for the pain when you experience it.

Menstrual pain is the worst. So sorry you suffer from this.

My surgeon told me as long as I wasn’t taking nsaids regularly it was ok to take them. I take them for my rare headaches - so 1or 2 tablets less than once a month. Panadol, etc. are useless & codeine messes with my head. I’m not suggesting you start taking nsaids but have at chat with your doctor. If they say no ask for suggestions for alternatives to help manage your pain.

On 2/18/2021 at 12:17 PM, Jnfinney said:

I also was a big ibuprofen user. I am still pre-op, but am trying to break that habit. Are you allowed to take Tylenol or acetaminophen? Those are pain relievers. Some other things that are not medication that have helped me have been using a heating pad on my abdomen, taking a hot bath, exercising (sounds counterintuitive, but it did work for me), and drinking herbal tea. Feel better soon!

Tylenol is acceptable. Unfortunately, it just doesn't do the trick all the time. A heating pad seems to be the biggest relief so far. Thank you for the tip!

On 2/18/2021 at 1:22 PM, LaoDaBeirut said:

This doesn't help for pain in the moment but helps prevent it. Take evening primrose oil once a day and then take a magnesium supplement or electra sport drink mix infused with magnesium. You can also take buscopan (I don't know the name of it in America) for the pain when you experience it.

Thanks! I've never heard of those before, will definitely look into them!

On 2/18/2021 at 9:50 PM, Arabesque said:

Menstrual pain is the worst. So sorry you suffer from this.

My surgeon told me as long as I wasn’t taking nsaids regularly it was ok to take them. I take them for my rare headaches - so 1or 2 tablets less than once a month. Panadol, etc. are useless & codeine messes with my head. I’m not suggesting you start taking nsaids but have at chat with your doctor. If they say no ask for suggestions for alternatives to help manage your pain.

Thanks!

I contacted my surgeon and he basically said the same thing. I'm just afraid that I'll become dependent on them for the cramps like I was before surgery. ? The only other advice they told me was Tylenol.

What has helped me the most with my menstrual pain is going on norethindrone. It's a progestin only birth control pill. It tends to have less negative side effects like weight gain but isn't as effective at preventing pregnancy than the regular pill. If you can tolerate them there are also hormonal IUDs that use progestin only.

How about putting a hot compress on your abdomen?

On 2/24/2021 at 1:12 PM, kc892020 said:

Tylenol is acceptable. Unfortunately, it just doesn't do the trick all the time. A heating pad seems to be the biggest relief so far. Thank you for the tip!

same with me, I have a heating pad ready whenever I have my period.