Female Issues - Menstrual Pain

GiltGal · Post by **GiltGal** » Tue May 08, 2018 11:01 pm

I've done a search in an effort to see if anyone else has broached this topic, and while I see some mention of MC flares right before menstruation, I don't see much more. So here goes the full disclosure.

A bit of background - 49 year old female (duh), diagnosed upon colonoscopy about 3-4 years ago with CC. However, I have had symptoms since infancy, with my toddler nickname being the "Kaopectate Kid". Diagnosed with allergy to casein at around 11 years old, but that only eliminated the severe ear infections and ear drum blisters.

Have always had painful periods, however, the past 8 years things have gotten entirely out of hand. I frequently (but not always) get such severe and all-body pain that it leaves me sweating and shaking on the floor and at times throw up from the pain and shock. This only happens at the start of my period and subsides after about 3 hours. The pain radiates through my bones down to my feet and I can't bare to have anything touch me. (Shaking naked on the bathroom floor in pain with a towel near by to cover up when I go from sweats to chills is not a good experience).

My GP, who was the one who sent me to get the colonoscopy, has given me a prescription for Mefenamic Acid to block the prostaglandins. He said that my CC is reading the menstruation inflammation cues and over reacting. It never occurred to me that this pain was related to my CC. This makes sense to me, and the Mefenamic Acid has seemed to help.

Two causes of concern about this treatment though. One is that this is an NSAID, and two, is that I have to take this before I experience any pain. I was hit with pain within a 60 second period yesterday while out, and thankfully could text my husband to come to the restaurant bathroom to get me. I immediately broke out into an extreme sweat, had dry mouth, and the pain was radiating intensely throughout my abdomen and legs.

I realize that with my age, I could be at the beginning of menopause, but have no other symptoms.

I cannot afford to have the pain come at me so quickly and debilitate me to this extent. This was not the first time I had to rely upon someone coming to find me. And I don't think I should be taking doses of NSAIDs even though the menstruation attacks are more severe than the cramping and diarrhea from my CC.

Apart from a hysterectomy, I don't see what other options I have.

Does anyone have any experience or insight for me?

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Tue May 08, 2018 11:39 pm

- what is your current eating and drinking plan each day??

- are you taking any supplements??

- any other health issues / medications etc?

GiltGal · Post by **GiltGal** » Tue May 08, 2018 11:47 pm

- Eating/Drinking per day
No dairy, soy, eggs, gluten, pork, tomatoes, refined sugar

- Supplements daily
D3 10,000 IU
ReMag 1T

- Other medications
75mg Zoloft for OCD (down from 250mg since CC diagnosis)

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed May 09, 2018 3:32 am

are you drinking enough water?

do you drink coffee?

how long have you been doing the ReMag 1T??

have you had iron levels checked in the last 12 months

GiltGal · Post by **GiltGal** » Wed May 09, 2018 10:44 am

I drink loads of water, but am frequently thirsty.

I don't drink coffee, and have peppermint tea about once a month.

I've been doing the ReMag for about 5 months now.

I had blood tests done about 2 months ago and everything was in the "normal" range except for my protein levels were slightly below the normal range, but not of concern. But this was of interest to me because I've been tracking my food intake since the start of the year and I've been consuming between 60 and 90g of protein daily.

Post by **tex** » Wed May 09, 2018 11:41 am

GiltGal wrote:except for my protein levels were slightly below the normal range

I assume you're not diabetic. The serum magnesium test that all doctors order is virtually worthless for assessing our magnesium level unless we are virtually out of magnesium, which is a dangerous condition. An RBC (red blood cell) magnesium test might provide a clue. The result needs to be in the 6.0–6.5 mg/dL range (according to Dr Carolyn Dean). If you have either low insulin or low magnesium, your body cannot transport nutrients properly. Hormonal changes (such as those that are associated with pregnancy and menses are typically accompanied by extreme changes in the demand for magnesium). But too much magnesium at other times can also be a problem.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed May 09, 2018 12:24 pm

the being thirsty is an indicator of low magnesium, and magnesiusm is one of the key nutrients in hormone balance, and to help alleviate muscle cramping etc like you are experiencing.
I would encourage to increase intake of the oral magnesium and maybe use topical magnesium to help the body - ie fix the deficiency

GiltGal · Post by **GiltGal** » Wed May 09, 2018 12:36 pm

I am not diabetic. (Thankfully, and knock on wood!)

How much of the ReMag do you suggest I take? I have had a hard time with topical magnesium as even after washing it off, my skin reacts.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed May 09, 2018 1:01 pm

I am not sure on dosage variations for ReMag as I have never taken the product

check label/information that came with the ReMag and check Dr Deans website for information about dosages.

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Wed May 09, 2018 4:09 pm

As one who has gone thru the change at 46, I am feeling tons better. It did take a good 2 years of constant high Magnesium intake to set my body straight though. I feel I was constantly in the red with my levels of mag in comparison to the symptoms of my body.

I love the Remag lotion....when I need a bit extra that is my go-to now along with my 200mg morning and night of glycinate. Back when I felt like crap and my cycles were kicking me and giving me migraines monthly, I was upward of 800-1000mg of magnesium plus the 5000iu VitD a day just to try to keep up with my body's demand and even at that I failed miserably due to most likely just needing to heal and not be perfect, and working full time etc.... the list goes on an on.

I also have Remag solution and I will add that to my water from time to time.....you are a trooper if you are able to handle 1 T of that product....it's one potent product for sure! Safe...and super absorbable but the taste gets me, so I can't do as much.

I can imagine when your body goes into a revolt like you describe it wipes out any reserves you think you may have had of most things like glucose, potassium, salts, minerals (magnesium) etc....take care and I sure hope you find you balance soon!

Soaking in Epsom Salts could be a two part helper in relaxing your body and giving you a boost of Magnesium you need at the same time!

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Fri May 11, 2018 4:33 pm

Giltgal, I had pain like you described and it was caused by endometriosis. It was the worst pain I've ever experienced and I also was "throwing up" sick. There are links here about it and it appears that it is another autoimmune disease to which we may be more susceptible. Deb

sonja · Post by **sonja** » Sun May 13, 2018 2:32 am

Hi Giltgal,

Like Deb I also had endometriosis and a lot of pain each month, but not so severe as you describe, with very much blood loss. When I was 54 a had an operation to clean my uterus by burning. I doubted about the operation, because I thought my menstruations should stop any moment, because of my age. After the operation I had no more pain and just a very little blood loss during my periods. They stopped when I was 59 and I'm still very happy about the operation. (After that I developed severe hormonal problems and at the age of 62 I started with hrt, which make me feel fine.)

Sonja