Shark week.

WhiskyandWhiskers

Shark week... still loving the name. Periods aren’t to commonly talked about. Indulge my nurse curiosity if you’re available J

How young where you?

How bad is/was it:

Pain meds/relief without meds:

Charting during AF/SW:

Products you love (DivaCup etc.):

*edited because mojito

WhiskyandWhiskers

How young where you? I think I was 12 or 13, wasn’t a huge shock. Wasn’t painful for quite some time. 

How bad is it: At this point pretty painful. I usually feel shooting pain running down my hips and legs, but this month feels less intense.

Pain meds/relief without meds: I usually take a shit ton of advil.  Tylenol doesn’t seem to take the edge off like advil. Heating pads and other natural stuff doesn't usually seem to to help. 

Charting during SW: I’m trying it out! I’m happy my temp dropped a degree this AM since I’m at CD2. However, last night was substantially cooler outside/inside than usual. Like, the dog was shivering type cooler. So, I guess time will tell. 

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I tried the Diva Cup and really disliked it. I grab whatever is at Costco because I'm cheap, but am always open with suggestions to make this shit more tolerable. 

WhiskyandWhiskers

I'm not too terribly antsy with words, but periods it is. 

JellicalParker

Let's see. I was 12. I knew about everything and was still mortified, I don't remember it being painful but then again, that was a long time.
Now the pain is pretty bad. I have severe sciatica, and I generally am miserable for the first two days.
I religiously take Aleve. Its the only thing that takes the edge off.
I track it and keep notes of it, but nothing more than what I normally chart outside of my cycle.
Nothing special here. I use always and tampax...

WhiskyandWhiskers

@JellicalParker I mortified as well. I think I hid having my period until I was 15 or 16. Dumb as hell of me. 

IrisPetals

How young where you?  couple months shy of 16

How bad is/was it:  Um, painful.... cramps, backache, pimples, basically the usual...

Pain meds/relief without meds:  No meds, I prefer essential oils & heating pads for relief

Charting during AF/SW:  Sorta, only on cycle 3 & just started temping.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.):  tampons, pads

WhiskyandWhiskers

@Greeneyes I'm watching Jaws so I'm enjoying the real shark week. 

JellicalParker

@bakedolive‌ I wished so much that I had hid it. My mom literally threw me a party. As if "becoming a woman" wasn't bad enough, she called and invited everyone she could think of to celebrate that my period had finally arrived. I look back now, and still think UGH! If I ever have a daughter, I hope I never do that to her.

IrisPetals

JellicalParker said:

@bakedolive‌ I wished so much that I had hid it. My mom literally threw me a party. As if "becoming a woman" wasn't bad enough, she called and invited everyone she could think of to celebrate that my period had finally arrived. I look back now, and still think UGH! If I ever have a daughter, I hope I never do that to her.

My step-mom was the opposite.  The extreme christian that she is, she never let me go to sex ed.  So when i started, I freaked of course, and instead of consoling me or explaining what was happening, she nonchalantly said "you've just started your period calm down", gave me a pad & that was it.  -_-  During my first OB appt, she yelled at the doctor b/c the dr wanted to talk to me privately (about BC & sex ed).  Oh, and I wasn't allowed to use tampons, b/c they take away your virginity.
)

I learned about the birds & the bees from my ex husband, when I was 19.

If I ever have a daughter, I'll definitely never do any of that to her.

KingLED

I started when I was 9 (that was awesome since the elementary school bathroom didn't have trash bins in the stalls and I had to take out my trash to the shared wash room) I used pads for the first period and was so disgusted by them that my whining was apparently enough to have my dad go buy me tampons for the future. I was torn between embarrassment and being so thankful for it that I wanted to scream. I never really had noticable PMS or cramps of any sort until after my first MC. Since my last loss I've been getting really bad PMS and terrible cramps. So that's awesome. I've not tried the cups yet, but I plan to in the next few months. 

BillyHorrible

How young where you? 11

How bad is/was it: Bad.  When I was 13 a doctor told me I produced too many pain receptors, which is why it was so bad.  The cramps were so intense the first day of my period that every month I missed school and was vomiting all day.  Poor DH, when he met me I think he called my mom during my first period to ask if there was anything he could do since I was doubled up and moaning.  However, ever since having my son, my periods have almost been delightful in comparison.  Very little cramping.

Pain meds/relief without meds: I was on prescription anti-prostaglandins for years.  Although exercise and diet helps. 

Charting during AF/SW: Yup

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I don't love anything related to my period.

RoastyToasty

I think shark week is funny. DH is squeamish so around its called the bad week. I've now taken to calling o time the good week. Funny how he could witness labor and delivery but a period still gives him the skeevies.

How young where you? 12 or 13. It happened at a rest stop while 4 hours from home. Of course too mortified to say anything to my mom, so I stuffed my undies with toilet paper and sat in silent fear of leaking through the whole ride home.

How bad is/was it: not bad overall, though some cycles are worse than others. Usually one good day of cramping will get me through. The whole damn thing usually lasts for a solid 7 days though (6 this month! What a treat...)

Pain meds/relief without meds: yoga is my friend. Lots of stretching. Hot baths. And ibuprofen.

Charting during AF/SW: yes. I'm afraid that if I break a morning temp routine that I won't get it back.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): kotex tampons. I used pads this time because I was out and I forgot how truly disgusting it feels.

MiraK03

How young where you? 13 I think

How bad is/was it: I got sick like I had the flu and stayed home from school and ended up starting that same day. I called my mom because I was scared and home alone and what does she do... I hear her yell down the hall to the ladies she works with that I started... I was petrified! My period isn't too bad. Cramps are really the worse part but it not terribly painful.

Pain meds/relief without meds: motrin if needed

Charting during AF/SW: I still temp just to keep my schedule

Products you love (DivaCup etc.):as @BillyHorrible‌ stated.... I too love nothing related to my period

mrs2mommy92

Every time I read "shark week" it cracks me up. I love shark week on the discovery channel (probably a bit too much) and my period gives me the complete OPPOSITE feeling.

How young where you?
I was 13 and had just moved to a new state. Had no friends yet and a mom who never explained it to me. When I first got it it was only brown spotting/discharge. I really thought I wasn't wiping correctly when I was going to the bathroom HAHA. I hid my dirty underwear from my mom thinking that she'd be mad. After she found out she announced it to the world.

How bad is/was it:
Terrible. I still get awful cramps the first couple days.

Pain meds/relief without meds:
Advil or a heating pad.

Charting during AF/SW:
Just began learning how to chart.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.):
Tampons are the only products that don't gross me out.

Pinkrose1012

How young where you?  I was around 12 and it started at the mall with my family, it was embarrassing because my brother was grossed out while my mom was getting all emotional about me growing up.

How bad is/was it: First time wasn't so bad. But, I have had severe cramps where I can't get out of bed and sometimes I even throw up.

Pain meds/relief without meds:  Excedrin(sp?) is my new bestfriend for pain.

Charting during AF/SW: Still learning how to chart.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I could never use the cup,  right now I only use playtex pads and tampons.

Robi1

How young where you? 12

How bad is/was it: I think my periods are pretty light. I can only use light/regular tampons, and I've never used one of those big bulky pads, just liners. As far as other symptoms, I usually have some cramping when it first starts and that's about it. Days 2+ are pretty much normal. 

Pain meds/relief without meds: I usually take one ibuprofen when it first starts and that's about all I need. 

Charting during AF/SW: Yeah, I temp orally. 

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I've been thinking about a cup but haven't jumped yet. I do use reusable cloth pads/liners, as well as tampons. 

3houlagirl

How young were you? 13. My mom was going through menopause when I first got it, so she got all emotional when she came to school to bring me a pad. My poor Dad...

How bas is/was it? My periods before B CP were really light, with moderate cramping. I went on B CP at 19 because I was getting unbelievable mittelschmirtz pain and hormone triggered migraines.On BCP they were light, with no mittelschmirtz pain and mild headaches. I haven't had a real period yet since going off B CP in May. It should be interesting...

Pain meds/relief without meds: I was on Topomax for migraines until I was put on continuous BCP (no withdrawal bleeds).Advil if I get worse than normal cramps. Tylenol doesn't do shit for me.

Charting during period: I plan to.

Products you love: I am a Diva Cup convert. Tampons dried me out something fierce, and I got yeast infections. The cup solves those problems. Plus, I haven't spent a dime on feminine care products in over a year.

itshumpday

How young where you? 14

How bad is/was it: manageable most months. Lately I've been getting really horrible first/second days where I feel like I would call off work (luckily it has started on weekends) I cried for an entire day a few cycles ago.

Pain meds/relief without meds: aleve, Advil, curl in a ball and try to sleep!

Charting during AF/SW: this is my first month charting. Does everyone chart during SW? Seems like a nice time to take a break from a beeping thermometer unless there is a good reason to!

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I use tampons. I don't really have any love for them but they are better than pads! I'm also one of those people who falls for the advertising and pretty packaging. I buy U by kotex.

lilsneezy

How young where you? 13

How bad is/was it: Pretty awful up until recently. The first time I got my period I got really sick and the doctors didn't know what was wrong with me so I spent the night in the hospital hooked up to an IV. The next day on the way home from the hospital, I got my period. Up until this past year, my periods were always really bad. Vomiting, diarrhea, really painful leg cramps, etc. Now, they're a little more tolerable. Some months are better than others, but overall definitely an improvement from my younger years.

Pain meds/relief without meds: I start to take ibuprofen 1-2 days before I expect my period. It helps tremendously.

Charting during AF/SW: Sometimes I take a break during the week of my period, sometimes I don't. I like to stay in the habit of doing it but I hate the wacky temps I get.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I agree with @itshumpday‌ about U by Kotex tampons. I buy them just because of the cool colors. Oh and fuck cardboard applicators! They make me cringe.

eevieemariee

How young where you? I think I was 13. I was one of the last girls in our little circle of friends who got it, so I was very pleased.

How bad is/was it: I would say it was average for a couple years. Then I started bleeding heavily and infrequently. I was put on BCP and prescribed IBU for the awful pain that would keep me curled up in a ball and brought me to tears. Been on and off BCPs ever since. Switched to Mirena IUD when I was in my early 20s. That eliminated my period all together for years. I am now 3 cycles post Mirena and readjusting to the pain and heavy flow.

Pain meds/relief without meds: I've been prescribed 20p mcgs of IBU in the past. I would take 3-4 of those to quiet my uterus. I usually just tough it out until I can't take it anymore and then pop 400-600 mcgs of IBU now.

Charting during AF/SW: The past 2 cycles I was temping orally. I just switched to vaginally. Rubbing alcohol is my friend.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I'm boring and just use Tampax Pearl and Always Infinity.

eevieemariee

@Pinkrose1012 - They have Excedrin Menstral! MH swears it's no different than regular Excedrin, but I've bought it and loved it!

@lilsneezy - Funny story about cardboard applicators... My mom left when I was in my teens so my dad got to know wayyy to much about his daughter. One time I sent him to the store to buy me tampons and tore off the flap of the box to buy the right kind. He came back with some generic shit saying it was cheaper. I was pissed, but whatever. Turns out they had cardboard applicators. I used ONE and they were so uncomfortable I stomped out of the bathroom (wearing a pad, which I never did) and demanded he buy the right ones declaring "How would YOU like to shove cardboard up your urethra!?!" We had a very entertaining relationship. And I never got the wrong tampons again!

evalyn24

@mal922 and @3houlagirl‌, thank you for correcting the first question! I can't believe how many people just copied the error.

How young WERE you? 12
How bad was/is it? I've never had cramps. I guess I've been lucky in that respect.
Pain meds/relief without: None
Charting during AF: yes
Products I love: just the basics, tampons, panty liners, etc.

[Deleted User]

The user and all related content has been deleted.

divinemsbee

How young were you? I was 12, I think. I had started junior high and my parents had just gotten divorced, I'm pretty sure they were already divorced because I think I was at my dad's and my mom came over. I did get the day off school to hang out at my grandmother's house.

How bad is/was it: Truthfully I've been lucky, I've never had really painful periods or cramps. I have noticed that when I've been on BCP my PMS is much more rageful. Also, since my losses the PMS is quite a bit more intense. More sort of fly-off-the-handle, but also teary. I can always recognize that it's PMS, though.

Pain meds/relief without meds: Rarely meds. Sometimes a couple of Advil on CD1 or 2. If it's bad I just lie on the couch or take a nap.

Charting during AF/SW: I don't chart/temp, but I do keep up with when my period happens. I'm a dedicated OPK user, so I keep track that way.

Products you love (DivaCup etc.): I always used Tampax Pearl tampons for years. Then, when I had my first loss I couldn't use tampons and switched to pads and I've never switched back. I use the Always Infinity pads and they're super comfortable. I think I like the idea of everything just flowing out and not being plugged up. I do occasionally use tampons if I'm wearing something that would make the pads uncomfortable/obvious.

mangomimosa

JellicalParker said:

@bakedolive‌ I wished so much that I had hid it. My mom literally threw me a party. As if "becoming a woman" wasn't bad enough, she called and invited everyone she could think of to celebrate that my period had finally arrived. I look back now, and still think UGH! If I ever have a daughter, I hope I never do that to her.

@JellicalParker -- HAHA! That would have been terrible. Have you seen the "First Moon Party" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEcZmT0fiNM&feature=kp ??? 

WhiskyandWhiskers

Yep, apparently grammar lacked last night, I read it this morning and questioned myself. However, I like to post while drinking so my editing powers are truly special. I don't give any shits but if grammar editing is your pet peeve or super power, go ahead. 

ImJessesGirl

I was 10. I was oblivious... although I had already had the talk, I thought it was going to be blood, and mine was more just the brown stuff. So I just kinda ignored it. I mean, I was 10, wtf did I know! LOL.

I actually never had cramps until after I had my daughter. Lovely.

I charted for one cycle, my second cycle, when I got my BFP last time. As soon as I get cleared from my dr to start TTC again, I will be temping/charting again.

I wear whatever tampons are the cheapest at the store I'm at, lol.