Does anyone mind if I complain? The first day of my period I am always too tired to work. I can't concentrate and I don't feel rested after I sleep. I have two overdue finals to finish, two dollars on me, thirty dollars in my checking account, my student loan refunds aren't in yet, I owe rent, I can't register for classes until I get a tetanus shot, I can't take a class I want really bad because it conflicts with another, and I can't do anything at all because today's the first day of my period! But I went to school anyways because I have to.

Someday I want to take twelve days sick every year without a penalty. I look forward to the day when I won't have to make up any excuse about this. I want to be able to take these days off for being perfectly healthy and having my body function the way it's supposed to.

I empathise. I had period troubles all my life (from the age of eight!) until I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago. God, the freedom of not having the blood, the pain, the fatigue.

Eat chocolate.

I hear you baby. But at least you don't have head/belly aches. That IS something, you know.

Go get yourself a big glass of water. And then another. Seriously, drink a lot. Water. Then, put on your running shoes and ... well go running.

The first day of my period, I squeeze this: "the world would be a much better place if men had periods just once a year" in all conversations. Then people know. And they leave me alone.

Hang on. It'll pass.

Thanks guys! You're awesome :)

One codeine and a hot bath.

Hehehe!

Sex usually works for me. mmmm endorphins.

Second gaspode.

And yeah, I remember when I was 11, I think , and the whole business started. That very first month I was calculating how many times I'd have to go through this in life. I was indignant at how fully annoying and monotonous this was. Could not believe we were expected to deal with it!

We should get hazard pay. Or hazard sex.

Weed works too. But you still won't get any work done.

Weed never worked for me, it just heightened the experience, which was not fun. Every twinge felt huge.

And yeah, you definitely don't get work done.

Halonine sweetie, it will all be ok. You will be fine.

*hugs*

I advocate turning on the shower as hot as you can stand, and sitting there until the hot water starts to go. Then curl up with a heating pad, some popsicles and Vh1.

If it weren't for ibuprofen, I'd be debilitated two days a month. I just don't know how women lived before ibuprofen.

Poor girl! Lord knows I can relate.

I suggest a holistic approach: treating the symptoms is all well and good, but you can make things better long term.

Exersize, sleep, and water will help, of course, but also: try taking Chaste Tree Berry extract. It's a plain ole herb available in health food stores. Takke it once a day for the two weeks after ovulation. It really helps with mood and cramps and sore boobies.

Feel better, darlin.

If it weren't for ibuprofen, I'd be debilitated two days a month. I just don't know how women lived before ibuprofen.

I nearly *passed out* one month at the Starbucks in Astor Place, because I hadn't taken my ibuprofen and got stuck commuting with cramps... someone gave me some and 15 minutes later I was fine. Now, I never travel without it (I was so embarassed, and the manager was so nice, I brought him flowers the next day).

Y'know, some y'alls would benefit greatly by giving up on having periods. Either skip the no-pill week, or go on Depo, or whatever: these days, menustration is optional.

(((halonine)))

When I was younger I used have nasty periods, thank the gods they're minimal now (at 39). I agree with the previously mentioned "tonics":
- sex (or orgasm, doesn't matter how you have one)
- ibuprofen
- warm drinks
- warm showers
- heating pad
- general spoiling of oneself

That very first month I was calculating how many times I'd have to go through this in life. I was indignant at how fully annoying and monotonous this was. Could not believe we were expected to deal with it!

Me too. Complete outrage. But the best advice I had came from my godmother, who told me that "after a while it just becomes so much a part of your life that you don't notice it anymore". That helped.

I second the codeine, and a nap, if at all possible.

two comments:
1)you hate your period now? Well, wait a little and time will come that you will be praying it shows up (advice I got when I was complaining I am missing beach going for this --oh so true!)
2)sex on the first day of period?! Terrifying! If he comes near me, I kill him. Seriously.

Even though it makes me tired and bitchy and crampy, I actually like bleeding. You know, whole circle of life, cleansing down-time, that sort of thing.

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate it.

I like my period. Really! :)

Five Fresh Fish, many women do stop their periods by taking birth control hormones, but this isn't a black-and-white decision. Periods help regulate cholesterol levels, I have had high cholesterol when I didn't have my period. Also, birth control hormones interfere with blood clotting, cause weight gain, and cause mood changes. I could feel my body change when I was on birth control. And after I stopped, it was two years before my periods were normal. I really didn't like that.

Speaking just for myself, I don't want to take birth control unless I'm in a relationship or needed to be treated for an illness. I don't want to have no periods. I guess I really want a world that accomodates my periods.