Mindful Monday#49: The lady and the monthly

Happy Monday y’all! 
 
Note: I am not a physician. If you are sick or believe you need medical attention, please get help immediately! 
 
For some time now, I have been wanting to write a piece about chronic pain and Menzies. I just didn’t know how or where to start. Ever since my late twenties, my menstrual cramping started to increase. After talking about it with friends, I discovered I wasn’t as alone as I thought. In fact, we all thought it might be a part of aging. The last time I had an appointment with my gynecologist, I came out with a clean bill of health. Since I’ve had Fibro, I feel as though my monthlies have been worse! Common sense aside, I began to wonder what is it about Fibromyalgia that makes periods so horrific for some women! Suddenly, my blog started to take shape!
 
Let’s begin with the no brainer! Ladies, if you have Fibro, you’ll understand that we have a more difficult time with periods versus those women who don’t. Chronic pain is challenging enough on a “normal,” day. 
 
Since Fibromyalgia increases an individual’s sensitivity to pain, the physical pain associated with premenstrual syndrome can also be much greater in women with Fibromyalgia, with greater pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and upper legs.
 
This article, quotes from PMS and Fibromyalgia and sums up the reason why the added stress and pain of having a period, for me is a hundred times worse. Even though my body may not always like it, I try to be as active as possible. During my lady’s days, I am forced to stay in bed due to excruciating circumstances. My mind wants to get up from the bed, but my legs argue the point. I came across this website by luck when I Googled, “Does Fibromyalgia makes periods worse?” Terry continues on with some very interesting information about Fibromyalgia and PMDD. I do recommend reading it. “PMDD Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation. The symptoms of PMDD are more severe than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).” So many times, I often sit and wonder, what did my ancestors do when their time of the month came around? No doubt they were harder women. They did what they had to do. One by one, women all around the world learn how to put their big girl pants on and soldier on! 
 
I’ve heard that being on birth control can help. I did not have the best luck with those pills. Considering I take close to fifteen pills a day, I’d rather not add another pill unless I have too. Do you have any secrets to handling your time of the month? Eating chocolate has always been fun, but I try to stick to dark chocolate if I can! Did you know about PMDD? Please feel free to leave a comment down below! I’d love to hear from y’all! Please continue to stay safe purple butterflies! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends!

Till next time! Be well!

~ Rachel
 
 
Reference:
http://fibromyalgia.techie.org/pms-and-fibromyalgia/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007193.htm

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