His and Her Health

Hi, <BR>I am 20 and suffer from PMS. For about 2 hours before I actually "start" I get such bad cramps that I just lay in a hot shower - getting up only because my body goes through a digestive cleansing act (including vomiting). After those 2 hours I am fine. It is just such a hassle because I have to leave school... I am not sexually active and too modest to see a gyno. I was wondering if this is somewhat extreme, but ordinary PMS. Any thoughts? Thanks and sorry to revel such disgusting personal info. Acron<BR>

Sounds more like endometriosis than PMS. On my really severe days, I vomit, but I always get horrible cramping two hours before I start my period and it continues for the first couple of days. I have to miss work when this happens. I'm on a really low dose of birth control pills, so I no longer have periods at all. This is to stop the scarring that has already formed. So, no more cramps, and no more vomiting. <BR>If the cramping is severe enough to keep you from being productive, it's time to see a specialist. You need to talk to your gyno (I recommend going to a female for your first time), and if they are unable to diagnose it, you may want to try an endometriosis specialist. The gyno should at least be able to give you temporary relief. You really should be seeing one annually now, if anything to get your pap smear done.<BR>Good luck. I feel your pain. . .literally.<P>[This message has been edited by Hollywood (edited 08 August 2002).]<p>[This message has been edited by Hollywood (edited 08 August 2002).]

Medline lists signs of Endo...as follows: <P> Increasingly painful periods <BR> Lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramps that can by felt for a week or two before menstruation and/or during menstruation (the pain and cramps may be steady and dull or quite severe) <BR> Pelvic or low back pain that may occur at any time during the menstrual cycle <BR> Pain during or following sexual intercourse <BR> Pain with bowel movements <BR> Premenstrual spotting <P>Any thing as severe as you are having shouldd be checked out by a Dr.<P>For my self my cycle has got more regular and less painful the older I've got. BUT:<BR> - I get a salty taste in my mouth<BR> - Feel sick<BR> - My left foot aches<BR> - My knee (same leg) feels like some one is stabbing at it.<P>every one has there own way of coping but as I said you must see a Dr.<P>