Discussions

Ladies of eBrandon, I am looking for suggestions as to what I can use other than painkillers to help alleviate pain from PMS. I know about hot water bottles, but I can't exactly bring that to work with me.  
 
I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and while I'm on birth control and it helps a bit, I still find I get quite painful cramps and headaches that time of the month. My cramps even radiate from the uterus to my lower back and even my thighs, making me quite irritable and uncomfortable.  
 
Any suggestions as to natural alternatives to painkillers are welcome, as I'd love to minimize how much of that I'm putting into my body. And, I know exercise helps, but I don't know if I'd allowed to just take off and go for a jog around the building, lol.

Depending on the type of birth control you are on, have you considered skipping periods? I know that doesn't answer your question about natural pain relief, but it would decrease the number of times a year that you needed it.

curlysister said "Depending on the type of birth control you are on, have you considered skipping periods? I know that doesn't answer your question about natural pain relief, but it would decrease the number of times a year that you needed it. "

While I wish I could do that, I have been recommended by my family doctor and OGBYN not to do anything like that, as my body doesn't ovulate naturally, and having the tissues and such build up actually elevates my already elevated risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. I've been cautioned against the Depo sot and the uterine device, as it's not healthy for me not to have a regular cycle. I'd love to have less periods though, that would be the dream, lol.

A Weathered Heart said "I'm not overly familiar with it, so I went to my good friend Google - and a lot of what I've found has to do with diet (avoid sugar, lessen starches), exercise, and so on. But I found "a traditional herbal combination of licorice root and peony is very helpful for PCOS." There was also mention of acupuncture. I''m not sure if that is any help, I'll keep looking and if I find anything else, I'll post.     Edited by A Weathered Heart, 2017-04-21 12:52:36"

I'll have to see if I can find a concoction of the licorice root and peony and see if it helps.

Okay, but just for the record, there are two main types of IUDs- one is sometimes used in treatment of PCOS because it prevents buildup of the uterine lining (Mirena). It doesn't work for everyone with PCOS, and obviously it's up to you and your doctor to decide what to do. I'm hoping your family doc has given you a referral to a GYN to help with this, because they will have more extensive and up to date knowledge on period suppression. In any case, even if it's suppressing periods, it may not do much for the other symptoms that bother you.  
 
There are lots of good support groups and message boards online for people with PCOS. Sadly, a lot of general advice is of the "suck it up" variety.

Hey lady, just wanted to try and help you out with what I usually do.  
I also have PCOS. It's truly a sucky thing to have. As we've heard many a times before "it's all about the diet and exercise" However we're not going to drop the acceptable amount if weight for these benefits within the days our PMS does come on. Lol!  
I have also tried holistic ways to help with the pain. For MYSELF I noticed drinking plenty of water has helped, stretching out when a cramp does come on, as well as practising meditation. The meditation is something new. I NEEDED to learn the breathing methods in order to keep my cool sometimes. Honestly even breathing through the pain is Wonder Woman strength!! The pain is so extra sometimes that I just cry and fetal. I have no other options to do that sometimes lol!  
Everyone's body is different, asking a question to the general public is so so tough to find a solution. I just wanted to reach out and back you up that I am aware of the pain. It is real! PCOS is treatable but it's trial and error for what your body will handle and take. We are super human for having such a thing come across in our lives.  
 
Reach out if you ever need to talk.  
Take care lady.

I agree with the stretching and also keeping busy. Which I know can be hard when you get the shooting pains that double you over. If your an officer worker try and replace your chair with an exercise ball. Also like any other pms time limit caffeine intake and especially anything carbonated since the carbonation causes bloating

One time use heat pad with a band to wrap it around your back, at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Marijuana has been proven to help ease the pain that comes with PMS.  
 
Depending on your beliefs surrounding the natural plant, that could be a very good alternative.

I have an herbal book just put out by Rosemary Gladstar, a very respected herbalist in North America.  
 
I am busy through today, but will see what I can find in there for you. I know that there is a full section on women's issues.  
 
On another note, increasing magnesium helps with regular pms. I use Ancient Minerals salts and mix them with water to make magnesium oil spray.  
 
Castor oil packs are good. Mayan massage may help too. If you want the number of a wonderful lady who does Mayan massage (and teaches self care), I can give you her contact number. I highly recommend her. It was a pleasant experience.  
 
Here are some sites that might give you some things to check out further in the meantime:  
http://www.fabfertile.com/blog/could-abdominal-massage-and-vaginal-steaming-be-the-missing-link-with-your-fertility  
 
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24939/how-i-reversed-my-pcos-symptoms-with-holistic-practices-in-4-months.html  
 
http://natural-fertility-info.com/pcos-fertility-diet

These solution recommendations have been tried individually and in combination by family and friends. Most have had greater impact with using 2 or more together. Please try to i:nclude at least one form of excercise for reducing pain.  
Raspberry tea (real stuff made from raspberry leaves only). Drink at least once a day unsweetened. It can be cold or hot, will not matter. Drink twice a day during your period. You can get it at Two Farm Kids or Hedley''''s Health Hut.  
CLA95 can also help. Recommend the Jamison brand. 3 capsules a day at one time. With or without food, whatever works best for you. CLA95 will take about 3 weeks to kick in, and you need to take it everyday. Miss 3 days in a row and you will have to start over.  
Ballet barre exercises help because of the gentle stretching. Especially when pain is on the verge of "Oh gawd, please kill me and put me out of my misery. Google barre exercises or consult a local dance school for a few lessons. No, you don’t get pointe shoes. No you don’t need a barre. Kitchen counters can work great for height.  
Pilates also helps. Focus on core excercises.  
Jogging and yoga also work. If jogging, when you can get to 3 kms or higher, you will feel the nest. It really isn''''t as long as you think. Just build up in stages. If going to a track, mentally divide it in four and run/walk building up slowly over time. If running around the block, run the long side of the block and jog the short side. (I want to say city blocks are around 450 meters. 125 length and 75 width. Not really so much.)  
Good luck. Hope you find what works for you.  
 
Edited by AndreaD., 2017-04-22 11:16:34