Oh so happy to see this thread!! I’ve been having all sorts of unusual-for-me experiences with my cycle since stopping bc last year and am currently being investigated for endometriosis, so it’s great to have somewhere to chat about it 
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Does anyone happen to have a menstrual cup they like? Particularly as someone who has had kids, I know that impacts sizing. I have always been a tampon person, I hate pads so I think I would hate period underwear too, but I would like to a) reduce waste and b) not put all those chemicals in my body (and the 100% cotton tampons are just not in the budget). I usually have a fairly light flow and have access to a private bathroom at work so I think I could use a cup.
I haven’t gotten a period pp yet, and do have an IUD so it is possible I won’t, but I went with a lower progesterone option so I am guessing I will. Actually the last few days I have seen what looks like ovulation CM, although less than I normally would have (but that could be the IUD of course), so I guess in a few days/couple weeks we shall see! My baby is 7 months next week, and I got my first pp period at 8 months with my first, so it seems plausible.
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I use a diva menstrual cup- and while I’m using the smaller size, I know they have sizing specifically for people who have had children. Honestly it’s been game changing for me- they create less waste, are a safer and healthier option, they leak way less then tampons and hold way more flow (in my experience), and you can leave them in overnight!
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love this! over half the world’s population will menstruate sometime in their lives, it’s worth talking about!
maybe someone can give a little insight into what I’ve been experiencing for the past 6-ish months? even if it’s reassurance that I’m not making a big deal over something that isn’t serious…
hiding in case this is tmi
I’ve almost always had pretty consistent, if not quick, periods, ever since I was a teenager. by that I mean periods which last 3-days maximum, with maybe a half-day of spotting on either end. they were always very predictable, too. I could catch symptoms beforehand and pretty much knew based on bodily cues when it was ending.
but around [name_f]November[/name_f] of last year, I stopped getting periods. there’s no chance that I was pregnant and I didn’t have any change in my diet. best explanation I can come up with is that I was experiencing a lot of stress, starting over the summer, and maybe that impacted my hormones after several months.
I didn’t get a period again until April—and when I did, it was by far the heaviest, longest, strangest period I’ve ever experienced. I bled for 11 days straight, and it was pretty heavy the entire time. I also could not track my symptoms like I’ve always been able to. however, this new record was quickly surpassed in [name_f]May[/name_f] when I was bleeding for 17 days. that cycle, the heaviness fluctuated a bit more (I’d have really heavy flows, then a couple days of spotting, then another heavy flow, then more spotting, etc.). this month, [name_f]June[/name_f], was actually more like my usual schedule of less than a week, and aside from some large clots, it was fairly light.
my working theory is that maybe the heavier flows in [name_f]April[/name_f] and [name_f]May[/name_f] were a result of build up from the months when I didn’t bleed? that maybe my uterus still built the lining but didn’t get the hormonal cue to release it?
I know I should probably see a doctor but there are several factors which make me hesitant, logistically and personally. I keep telling myself, if it’s like this again next month, then I’ll make an appointment.
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@readingreverie LOL, I’m pretty sure I saw the same video you’re talking about a little bit ago
I love watching parents with their kids,especially fathers and daughters 
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This is definitely something to get checked out.
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[name_m]Not[/name_m] claiming to be an expert, but even if you don’t ovulate your uterine lining still builds up. I suspect that the heavy periods you were experiencing might not have been actual periods, but just the shedding of your uterine lining - or they might have been heavier because of your period and shedding combined.
I know taking the step to see a doctor might seem a big one due to a number of factors, but if this happens again you should definitely get it checked out 
@SparkleNinja18 I would definitely see a doctor. I know medical stuff is a pain to sort out and go through, but your hormonal health is so important to your overall health! It sounds like you may not be ovulating, which means your body is then not triggered into bleeding. Your oestrogen could potential be too high or progesterone too low. It’s definitely something worth looking into for your well-being. My sister has PCOS and her periods are all over the shop like you described - nothing for ages, then big, heavy flow all at once.
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I agree with the others, despite the challenges I would see a doctor. And unless you have particular trust in a family doctor I would go to a OBGYN - they still may not have answers, but at least they have a little more training in this area.
What particularly stands out to me is that your period was relatively consistent for many years and then suddenly changed. I also have always had short light periods, but have never had a change like that. Has the stress you have experienced impacted weight? I wonder if this could even be a version of hypothalamic amenhorrea if the stress also caused you to lose weight or your weight to fluctuate rapidly up and down (which would tell your body not to ovulate, or to do so very irregularly).
A doctor may suggest getting on the pill to “regulate” your cycle, FYI. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting on the pill for many reasons, so I am in no way speaking against that, I used it as birth control for many years, but just in case you aren’t aware it won’t regulate anything. It suppresses ovulation and the “period” you get is just breakthrough bleeding, not a true period. My own college graduate very intelligent sister (who did have hypothalamic amenhorrea for years) did not realize this when she was put on the pill when she went to the doctor with concerns about her own lack of a cycle, so I just wanted to mention that!
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I have ADHD, and my attention-deficit symptoms are way worse when I’m on my period and the few days before. I’m just completely spaced out and very forgetful.
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I don’t have kids, but I do really love my diva cup! To figure out which cup is best, it helps to have a good idea of where your cervix is during your period. For me, the diva size 1 is great because my cervix sits high, but my best friend has a really low cervix and she uses the lunette cup. Do make sure to talk to your OBGYN though re: cups and IUDs! I have heard that the cup’s suction can pull on the thread. Menstrual discs might be the safer option.
[name_f]Any[/name_f] tips on how to manage period cramps? I take some homeopathic remedies as well as Ibuprofen if needed, but looking for some non-medicinal alleviations. Thank you in advance!
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What are you already doing? Heat / heating pads can help and movement can help, but you may already be doing those things.
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I do find that moving around helps, but I haven’t tried heating pads before- have you found that a specific type works better than others?
[name_f]May[/name_f] I ask what homeopathic remedies you’re taking? I’m not sure on any other alleviations, as I tend to just use ibuprofen, but I’d like to try to get away from it as much, so if you’ve found anything else that works, I’m all ears!
Actually, if anyone has any homeopathic or more natural pain relief or nausea relief suggestions, I’d love to hear them! I usually use ibuprofen and occasionally will use a CBD remedy salve that I purchased locally from a small boutique a while ago. Beyond those things, I’ve found that having a small snack can sometimes help if I’m feeling nauseous, but I’d like to find some other options.
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[name_m]Not[/name_m] specifically for period cramps, but my dance teacher recommended Nux Vomica as a homeopathic remedy for nausea in general. Normally I’m a little wary of using or recommending remedies like this as I’m no expert on the dosage/usage, but my teacher did say it was easy and effective to take. Maybe worth looking into if you’re curious?
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For cramps, I use [name_f]Mag[/name_f] Phos (6x) which is taken by dissolving two tablets in warm water every 15 minutes. Seconding Nux Vomica for nausea as well as Arsenicum Album!
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Nope, it’s just about treating the cramping with heat. [name_m]You[/name_m] want it to be a safe skin temp and/or have a barrier to protect your skin, but any reputable heating pad should have directions about this.
@readingreverie [name_f]Ginger[/name_f] and peppermint have good data for treating nausea, especially ginger.
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This won’t get rid of cramps completely, but a big help for me has always been staying well hydrated on my period. Making sure I get electrolytes in as well. Basically treating it like you would if you were getting muscle cramps anywhere else in your body. That said I think my cramps are pretty mild, although I have had a few cycles where I was curled up on the bathroom floor in a cold sweat until my ibuprofen kicked in. [name_m]Not[/name_m] fun!!
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magnesium balm has worked wonders for me! i apply it to my lower stomach and back and have found it completely takes away my cramps.
also @readingreverie thank you for making this thread! such a good idea 
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