Hi bb lemons,
As many of you probably know, I've always struggled with really bad menstrual pain, long and heavy periods, and debilitating cramps. Recently, my doctor told me I most likely have a condition called endometriosis, which causes severe pain, heavy periods and sometimes infertility. It cannot be formally diagnosed without invasive, expensive surgery, so my doctor told me he wanted to treat me for it without diagnosing it and see if that helped my symptoms - and it did, but not completely.
As many of you probably know, I've always struggled with really bad menstrual pain, long and heavy periods, and debilitating cramps. Recently, my doctor told me I most likely have a condition called endometriosis, which causes severe pain, heavy periods and sometimes infertility. It cannot be formally diagnosed without invasive, expensive surgery, so my doctor told me he wanted to treat me for it without diagnosing it and see if that helped my symptoms - and it did, but not completely.
His prescription was birth control to regulate my cycle and lighten my flow, naproxen sodium for pain, and an anti-inflammatory diet. All of that has been helping a little, but not enough. So naturally I took to Google to find out some other ways to manage my pain, and here's what I tried:
- Portable heat sticker-pad-heat therapy-pack-things. So, these guys were pretty damn useful, because you can't see them under clothes, they do get pretty warm, and they aren't uncomfortable to wear. However, heat therapy really only works for my cramps if it's boiling hot, like a super hot water bottle or a heating pad that's been on for hours, and these things didn't really get that hot. However, it was a pretty good steady, mellow warmth that kept me semi-comfortable during an 8-hour shift at the grocery store I work at, and it didn't budge.
- Topical oil. So, I rubbed this oil on my lower belly and within minutes I felt a warm, tingling feeling that was actually quite nice. I wouldn't say it helped with the pain, but it did help with the general feeling of grossness in my lower belly. It also smelled SUPER good. It's coconut oil based, and contains clary sage flower, lavender flower, bergamot peel, roman chamomile flower, cedarwood, ylang ylang flower, geranium plant, fennel seed, carrot seed, and palmarosa herb essential oils. I also recently learned that it works great for cramps if you put it on the soles of your feet. I got a locally made rollerball oil at a farmer's market in my neighborhood, but you can find a pretty good dupe at this Etsy shop.
- Acupuncture. God damn. This shit worked almost too well. Why hadn't I thought of it until now? 10/10 absolutely recommend. Also, DIY acupressure works pretty well too! The two areas you should apply pressure are Spleen 6 and Zigong. Spleen 6 is an acupressure point on the lower leg that is commonly used to increase blood circulation to the uterus and to treat menstrual pain. It's located a hand’s width (without the thumb) above the medial malleolus, or the inside ankle bone. Zigong, or “palace of the child,” is located on the lower abdomen, one thumb’s width above the pubic bone, and one hand’s width to either side of the midline. Zigong is used to promote circulation to the uterus, regulate uterine bleeding, and to prepare for conception. Just like Spleen 6, this point can be used in self-massage, and responds well to warming treatment, such as the application of oils that promote circulation (like the one I was talking about earlier!)
- Yoga. The last god damn thing I want to do when I have cramps is any form of exercise - I'd rather be curled up under blankets with tea and a hot water bottle and some Netflix. But I tried it for science. You're welcome. My sacrifices are your knowledge gained. Honestly, I didn't hate it. It kind of helped, and it definitely relaxed me. I followed along with this Youtube video. Plus, it's an excuse to wear leggings and a sports bra, AKA the most comfortable pieces of clothing to ever exist.
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