Hi Victoria, it concerns me that you describe your periods as unbearably painful. If over the counter pain medications cannot control the discomfort, and if you have any other symptoms like gastrointestinal distress or bladder issues or fatigue, it would be wise to continue seeking an answer. It can be extremely difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. It's true that things like stress and a poor diet or lack of exercise can make periods worse, so if you rule those things out and are still suffering, I encourage you to consider whether this is truly normal. From a medical perspective, it is absolutely not normal to experience debilitating pain (as in bedridden or barely functioning) from menstruation. Endometriosis advocates such as myself are working very hard to not normalize painful periods because that is exactly how people with real medical issues get overlooked.

My painful periods started at age 12, and I didn't get an answer until age 24 after many types of tests and ultimately surgery. Unfortunately only a laparoscopy from a qualified endometriosis specialist can truly rule out endometriosis, even though gynecologists regularly perform them.

I hope you are able to identify the cause of this issue, and get the help you need, even if it is not caused by a chronic illness like endometriosis.

I hope you understand where I'm coming from with my concern about your comment. I absolutely do not encourage my readers to normalize unbearable period pain.

Thanks,

Sarah