I used to get killer cramps BEFORE I ever went on the pill. Now I still get cramps occasionally, but they're very minor. Instead, I get killer migraines. Other than that, my "visitor" doesn't affect me too badly.

I'm lucky enough not to have physical PMS symptoms, but for a week before TOM arrives I'm pretty much a bitch from hell.

On the first day, it feels like someone's dog is using my uterus for a chew toy. :( If I don't take a lot of Advil, I end up lying in bed, curled up in a little ball, alternately crying and threatening to call the hospital so they can do an emergency hysterectomy.

I tried Vioxx once. It's supposed to be the new drug of choice for cramps. Didn't do a damn thing. I wound up lying in bed, curled up in a little ball, alternately crying and threatening to call the hospital so they can do an emergency hysterectomy.

I've never tried using the pill, and I don't want to start now because Mr. aephi alum and I are talking about starting a family soon. Which, unfortunately, also precludes the hysterectomy.

If this is what cramps are like, I can't wait for childbirth... epidural, please :p

Okay-
Let me just tell you about a litte thing called the NUVARING!
It is a miracle!
You place it inside your vagina, leave it there for 3 weeks, take it out, have a 2 day period with mild cramping and then next week put a new one in!
YEAH! No remembering a pill everyday or anything. you can look it up on the internetFAQs about Nuvaring
It is wonderful.
AS far as Naproxen goes- it is great, it is also available without a prescription in the form of ALEVE!

Before I got on the pill, it was miserable...cramps, throwing up, gas, and it was pretty heavy. At my first exam, my doctor declared that the fact that I had been going through this essentially since Day 1 was insane, and put me on the Pill (Alesse, she picked it because weight gain isn't a major side effect like it is for Ortho Tricyclen), and I haven't had a single cramp since. I was never overtaken by PMS, but the cramps were more than enough.

Re: Girls' Friends & The Pill
 

But be careful with the Naproxen! That stuff is famous for not doing good things to your stomach( in the way of ulcers). Just a quick FYI. :)

My cramps aren't that bad-sometimes they come and sometimes they don't, but when they do I relieve them by yelling at the Mr.
Ok not really-I eat chocolate, take Advil, and lay around in my fat pants. Then I'm usually ok. :D

I'm on the Pill, and luckily didn't ever gain weight. The only thing is, I've gone off the Pill before, and when I go on and get off my cramps are so horrible!! Theres alot of tears, anger at the Mr. and heating pads involved.

[color=navy blue] I am taking Alesse too and I absolutely love it. I know a lot of women take Ortho b/c of those trendy commercials, but Alesse is a winner as far as I'm concerned. I have never had ANY cramps, PMS, or any other period drama. On the other hand I never had any of those problems before BC. The other great plus is a really light period of 3 days or less. [/color]

Well, I never gained weight when I was on the pill either, but my cramps and flow were a lot less. I recently got off the pill, cuz my bf read some stuff about scary side effects, and my flow is seriously out of control. My cramps didn't come back too bad, but they're still a lot more noticeable than before. I usually curl up on the couch with a heating pad in my sweats, and eat food that's really bad for me. That's the only good thing about having your period, it gives you a good excuse to eat ice cream and chocolate and cookie dough.

Hmm... I tend to crave salty foods, like crackers and fries when I have it.

I never gained any weight on the pill. Why is it that some people did?

im on depo provera, for about 2 years, before I went on it, I had hirrible cramps, and cried it was the worst!

But not I only slightly cramp about 3 days before my next shot it due, which is every three months,. which means 4 times a year I am kinda tense.

I love Depo provera, I have not had a peroid in TWO years, and yes it is heathly. when you over use your ovaries and uterus every month by having peroids you riase the level of have cancer, plus I don't have to buy pads and/or tampons! I love the person you invented Depo!, he/she is my hero!

:D


Christia

I used to be on Depo too!!! You're right it is the best thing ever!!! Only bad thing though, is if you go off of it then get back on, you might, at least did, bleed for a long time (like 3 weeks straight) before shutting down again and then you spot for awhile. I couldn't handle it so I quit. I'm also down with the french fries thing too.

Im to afraid to go off, I did not have insurance or money to pay for it, but I called a friend in AZ ( I live in GA now) who sent me the money, I paid her back, but hey, I was desperate!

but right before Im due, I have the same PMS graving, salt, chocolate (i hate chocolate the rest of the year) fast food, but that's it

Christia

off topic, some of my chapter sisters have a joke "I Love my PMS" meaning I Love My Phi Mu Sisters.

that's really funny!

One of my best friends is on Depo, and while she said it was cool, she gained a TON of weight.



What is all this scary stuff people are reading? and where did it come from?

The pill can have some bad side effects, but that is why the docs ask you about your medical history (and sometimes your family's) and make sure you're not at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clots and things like that. :confused: