How to deal with period pain?

[mingshi]

Does everyone still go and enjoy keiko on their, erhmm, "heavy" days?

I'm talking about when your super tampon couldn't quite handle the situation. (and how do you deal with that)

I've tried painkillers but then it makes me sleepy...

People said "regular exercise" will ease off period pain, but how come it doesn't really work for me...?? Does it have anything to do with body weight?

The best solution might well be skipping the whole thing, but then I'd well be skipping a practice once a month just because of this stupid reason!!

Any thoughts?

[Michiyo Akimoto]

How do I deal with my period pain?

I usually leave out offerings of chocolate, tortilla chips and salsa, midol, and lock myself in the toolshed for about a week....

[Lloromannic]

Ummm Michiyo, I think this is the one place where man-trolls are not very welcomed.


I'm not a girl, but I remember my mum mentioning to one of my friends an acupuncture point (mum is an acupuncturist) in the hand that apparently works well. I'll ask her when she gets home. Boy wil that be awkward.

[Lloromannic]

Sorry for the double post, but I called her and after some inquiring on why did I want to know, she told me that the point (Sp6) is not on the hand but on the leg. I did some googling and found this (http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/363/) article which discusses it, and this (http://images.google.com.ar/imgres?imgurl=http://www.acuxo.com/pointImages/sp6Meridian.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.acuxo.com/meridianPictures.asp%3Fpoint%3DSP6%26meridian%3DSp leen&h=400&w=200&sz=20&tbnid=PCT7xWc0ZQLG1M:&tbnh=120&tbnw=60&hl=es&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dspleen%2B6%2Bacupuncture%26svnum%3D10 %26hl%3Des%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN) diagram of where to find Sp6. Don't do it if you are pregnant though.

[Lone Kitten]

Ummm Michiyo, I think this is the one place where man-trolls are not very welcomed.


Very astute love! Guys... just buy us chocolate and then hide under the stairs, that's what my fella does.

Mingshi - I use ibuprofen rather than paracetamol, they're anti inflammatory and don't make you as sleepy. You're not alone, I suffer from it really bad, i tend to spend a whole week per month doubled up on the sofa! If i'm really bad i miss kendo. Best way. gentle excercise my a**e! Never worked for me!

As for the acupuncture Lloromannic, i'd be very interested. I've heard of using hot stones strategically placed, but then a hot water bottle does much better.

[Lone Kitten]

V. Interesting article Lloromannic, you're a true gent! Not a man-troll at all.. perhaps we should make you our mascot!

[Kaisei]

Hi ummm from what i heared from the doctor and nutritionists (i asked the doctor coz my wife also has pms sometimes). Prior to having a period you should increase water intake and avoid sodium rich foods. Eat more fruits and veggies like apples, pineapples, pears, bananas, celery. And lay off soda, coffee and processed foods for awhile. That somewhat might help relieve the onset of the period and pain. Just droppin in my 2 cents on this hope it helps :D

[LNGUYEN]

Michiyo, you made us, men, look bad. This is the place we shouldn't interfere. Don't you know women are the fierce warrior when they have ummmm. Everytime my wife wants to eat me alive, I know she has a 100 year flood problem and I just withdraw into the closet.

[Kaisei]

Ahehehe...that's also the

[Mugu]

Just an FYI:
Though it may feel good on a physical level,
Acupressure and Acupuncture have no basis in Scientific fact or method.
Essentially, they are quackery.


If it doesn't work, Chinese wouldn't use it for over a thousand years...

Back on topic... I'm fortunate that I don't have that pain problem you have, Mingshi. Though, you might want to try some Chinese medicines which my mom finds them more effective than painkillers. Try 天喜堂, I'm sure you can find them easily where you live :)

[Lloromannic]

Though it may feel good on a physical level,
.

Psst, remember this is a thread about feeling good physically.

[Ignatz]

Sorry for the double post, but I called her and after some inquiring on why did I want to know, she told me that the point (Sp6) is not on the hand but on the leg.
If you lay your first two fingers on the top of the ankle bone (second finger on the highest part of the bone and fore finger on top) then one finger width to the rear of this line that should be the spot. Use the tip of a finger or thumb and push on this spot. Not always necessary to use both because often it only comes from one side. THE SPOT WILL BE VERY VERY TENDER.
I used this on my wife for years and it works. The only problem was that she would scream and try to slug me but five minutes later, pain gone. It is painfull so often you can't do it to yourself.
There are three spots on the hand but they are for headaches, usually the one in the webbing between the thumb and forefinger is the one for period headaches.
Another good technique is for you to lay on your stomach while your partner uses his (or her) big toe to "walk" from the tip of your big toe up the bottom of your feet. Hard to explain but it feels great.

[Mugu]

Oh, yes, quite right. I forgot.
First rule of Scientific Method:

If the subject is oriental, shrouded in antiquity, and been used for XXX_thousand years, it's automatically true and correct, so no need to hold it to any sort of scrutiny.
:rolleyes:

In shorinji Kempo's advanced techniques is to strike pressure points. One hit to the correct pressure point can handicap or kill a person. Now, for the opposite effects it can helps the body if apply correctly. And besides that, now I know what GreenArrow means man-troll.

[LNGUYEN]

I bet your wife was still limbing and dealing with the pain you caused her for two weeks that she forgot her own full Moon pain. Mission accomplish :happy:

[Ignatz]

I bet your wife was still limbing and dealing with the pain you caused her for two weeks that she forgot her own full Moon pain. Mission accomplish :happy:
No it actually worked. The problem was that you have to kind of sneak up and do it when they are not expecting it because otherwise she would never let me get close enough. It's kind of like approaching an injured wild animal. Ah the burdens that we must bear for our loved ones.

[Michiyo Akimoto]

In shorinji Kempo's advanced techniques is to strike pressure points. One hit to the correct pressure point can handicap or kill a person. Now, for the opposite effects it can helps the body if apply correctly. And besides that, now I know what GreenArrow means man-troll.

Pressure points or vital points are physiological in nature and are medically quite different in operation than perhaps what you are thinking of in terms of "pressure points." Striking certain nerve clusters, muscle groups, arteries or bone structures can lead to permanent damage, or even death. However, the cause and effect are purely biomechanical, which is contradictory to items such as Acupressure or Acupuncture which rely heavily on concepts such as "chi" and "meridians".

Now, if your are talking about things like "Dim-Mak" or "Death-Touch" that's a whole different ball of horse dung.

[Solinde]

Mingshi, I have the same problem. As someone said, I think ibuprofen is the best painkiller. Not so much because of sleepiness, but because for me, paracetamol just doesn't help.

During the one or two worst days (when I'm drugged with ibuprofen) I generally skip training. Not only because my body feels soft and tired, but also because I know that I can't take anything. I know that on one of those days, a hard kote hit or someone correcting me just a little harshly might make me break into tears. If I'm lucky, the worst day will be a training free day. After a day or two, I actually feel pretty "normal". Guess I'm just lucky. :)

[runsyi]

How do I deal with my period pain?

I usually leave out offerings of chocolate, tortilla chips and salsa, midol, and lock myself in the toolshed for about a week....

Gads, you're an ass.

To the original poster: I usually find that if I've been keeping up on my core training/pilates then the cramping is not as bad. Otherwise I just gut it out and hope that nothing slips when I sonkyo.

[Miyu]

Honestly, there are some days where it really is best to just sit at home with a nice hot water bottle nestled on your belly with a tub of chocolate ice cream nearby. It does suck if you feel like you have to miss kendo practice because of cramping or all the other stuff that goes with our monthly visitor. On my really heavy days, I use both a tampon and pad and that helps the leaking. But with cramps, it's Advil and curling up into a little ball with above-forementioned items.

Though, somehow I find it funny that a topic about dealing with menstration is being mostly replied by men. :rolleyes:

[Lloromannic]

But men (mostly) trying to help.

[LNGUYEN]

Because we are too sensetive. Everytime hear a word which some letter MEN in there, we jump.

[Ignatz]

You have chosen an art which is dominated by males.
So where exactly do you fit in on the food chain Chester?

[maniaclady]

I tend to skip any hardcore activity; which includes kendo.

I tend to agree with Solinde. Most of the time I can handle blows pretty good, but during that "time" my sensitivity goes through the roof and I cry at a whim. I don't want to have to explain that it's not you (my kendo brother); it's my hormones that are truely kicking my butt.

Shoot! I cry during Hallmark commercials during that time and there is no way to stop it.

Kendo will always be there waiting. My dojo brothers are supportive and may give me some crap when I miss some classes, but they are happy when they see me come through that door. It's a family that you can't stay away from long. I hope that kendo is my lifetime art that I stick with whether I'm there every class or once a month. I don't feel that because I miss a few classes I have "shamed" myself and can never return.

[Ignatz]

So go sellout your fellow men elsewhere.
Hold on there spanky, don't go making yourself out to be a member of some man fraternity. You are an asshole and most of the rest of us on this forum are not.

[Mugu]

Ok, I rushed to judge.
I apologize.
Apology accepted.


This phrase also is also a bit ambiguous. "Making the blood float?"
By all mean, I'm no expert, but my uncle is an arcupuncturist. What I was told is that sometimes the blood doesn't flow (noticed I forgot the spelling using the wrong word :p), kind of like a small clog or something that the circulation doesn't flow thoroughly causing something like headache, achy backs, to some body parts being paralyzed, and other physical stuff. I admit this practice has more or less have a lot to do with Daoist believes of the Ying and Yang. And that's where the word Ki were used to describe the circulation anyways. Since you said that it is just a procebo effect, though. I have seen people with half of their body paralyzed using this treatment helped them dramatically; such as that they were able to lift their arm slightly. So, maybe it wasn't too much of a procebo effect.

And currently, flawed as it may be, Western medical science medicine is the best on the planet, and offers real answers, and real mysteries, rather than mystical faith based solutions, which in fact, is what religion is.
And I agree that western medicine is the best currently. Traditions, customs, and cultures will always stick around and Arcupuncture is one of the things that worked like a grandma's remedy. They just became myth somewhat.

It is also true to say that "Alternative Medicines" often play on the same methodology that religion does, and they often use the same arguments, because disproving a "faith" in something is logically impossible due to the illogic of it to begin with.
Faith and willpower can help a dying person to live again. And I don't deny arcupuncture is based on believes and a little medical study.

They were lighthearted in nature, at least I felt they were.
I guess you need to work a bit on the humor and use them in the right place and time...

Your'e right.
I was a unfair.
I should have been less agressive.
BTW: I thought you were going to ignore me?
:D
You got a point of being mad online is just silly, and by ignoring is not a way to deal with problems. That was a much better tone you used and I appreciate it. I tried to control my temper, but my last name is Tong (means boiling water). Can't help it. There's no point arguing on the Internet, but sometimes I forget it's just the Internet.

[runsyi]

And uh, Hero?
These ladies don't need you "stepping in" to "save them" from anything, you're not going to score "good guy" points with them, and they can fight their own battles pretty damn well without your help.

So go sellout your fellow men elsewhere.

Anjin-san scored "good guy" points with me. Then again I'm rather soft on English blokes to begin with... and guys that wear bowties.

I'm going to ask you politely to leave these types of discussions where they belong--in the flames section.

[Paikea]

Time for the Green Arrow to exercise her godlike powers as moderator.

[Ignatz]

Anjin-san scored "good guy" points with me. Then again I'm rather soft on English blokes to begin with... and guys that wear bowties.

Made my day kiddo.:grin:

[Tatsuko]

Ye gods I hate getting period pain. And the fatigue. And the bloating. And the total lack of focus. And the emotional roller coaster. My period has lead to more than a couple of very embarrassing moments in the dojo for me.

Usually, some Midol would be good enough for me to somehow make it through. A drink of something with lots of Vitamin C right before practice would sometimes give me a much-needed energy boost. I wear a long, thick pad to avoid accidents. I would always feel extremely tired before and during my period, but would usually force myself to go to practice anyway. (Sometimes I was glad I did...other times I really wish I had just curled up in bed instead.) If I felt too bad to go, I would always feel guilty about it.

I've finally gotten so tired and fed up with everything that goes along with my period, and its interference in every aspect of my life, that I've decided to take a pill that will reduce my periods from once a month to 4 times a year. I've just started taking it, so I don't know exactly how it's going to work out yet, but I'm hoping for the best. At least this way I'll have to deal with it fewer times.

That might not be right for you though, so my advice to you is just to take some over the counter medicine like Midol, drink lots of water, use a long, thick, pad, and in general, just listen to your body. If you feel like you can drag yourself into the dojo, then go. If you really just don't feel like going, then don't. Chances are if you're focused and energetic enough to manage to get into practice, you'll get at least something out of it. But if you're too tired to go, you probably wouldn't have a very good practice anyway, so if you forced yourself to go you'd probably only end up getting frustrated (or even injured).

I wish I was like one of the other girls who used to come to the same dojo as me--when she had her period, that's when she would do some of her best kendo. :devious:

[Alison2805]

I used to have very bad cramps in highschool, I couldnt walk or even stand for two days. After I turned 20 I seemed to grow out of it (along with suddenly getting hangovers, I was immune before, damn it!). I still get cramps, but they are just annoying rather than incapacitating.

Im on the pill and will just skip straight to the next set of hormone ones (rather than take the red sugar ones) and skip my period for up to 4 or 5 months in a row. Thats extremely handy if Im working in some remote area in a tent or with no bathroom. Ill also do that if theres a big training or comp coming up at that time. Ive checked it with my doctor and he gave me the ok to do that, but you should talk to your own doctor if you are going to do it.

As an interesting side note, for a while I got an implanon hormone implant in my arm. As well as being a great party trick (it looks gross when you move it around under your skin), it reduces or can completely stop periods for 3 years. I know 3 other girls who also got it, and unfortunately a couple of them had problems with spotting, weight gain or crankyness. I had no problems at all, and would do it again, except for the fact that I do a lot of work away now and periods arent as predictable as with the pill.

At school I tried painkillers and so on, but funnily enough, the only thing that really worked was the herbal stuff.

[Commander]

Alison that is rather interesting.

With my contraception i only have one pack of yellow pills which i take until im finished the pack then about 3 days later my periods start.

It would be good to skip for 2 months!

But considering ive been on it for 2 months my periods are not as heavy as they were, but i get the occassional cramp.

Not to mention a sore chest!

[Lone Kitten]

Alison that is rather interesting.

With my contraception i only have one pack of yellow pills which i take until im finished the pack then about 3 days later my periods start.

It would be good to skip for 2 months!

But considering ive been on it for 2 months my periods are not as heavy as they were, but i get the occassional cramp.

Not to mention a sore chest!

I've done the whole skipping a month thing - but mainly just to try it out to see if it worked because otherwise i'd be on my period on my wedding day (sob) - thank god i did it! I also did it when I went to Sumi Seminar too... for obvious reasons.

Doing that you have trouble free period free fun, but the month after is a bastard... heavy as hell and made me guzzle choccies!

I think GreenArrow needs to have a word with Michiyo here... not appreciated love!

[Naginatagirl]

I found boiling slices of ginger (with a little brown sugar to taste) not only helps the pain, but is also an all around feel-good drink (especially in winter). I don't take pain killers if I'm gonna go to practice, since I'm worried about hurting/over-extending myself without really feeling it. I usually still go to practice dispite the tiredness and added sensitivity to pain. I'll only miss if I'm seriously emotionally unstable, because I couldn't stand it if I started tearing up in the middle of practice. But ugh...the worst is when it's early and you're in the middle of keiko...that's just awkward...¬¬

Granted, pms = crazy energy for me usually. So practice is a must or I'd be bouncing off the walls...:wink:

[Newbie]

I'm terrible. I use contraception to skip my periods before going to rp conventions! I don't like doing it normally cos I'm afraid of the way it might stuff up my body. I didn't know you could do it for such long periods of time. Like Alison though, I grew out of my worst cramps and now just get a bit crampy and achey and nauseous but nothing like the doubled-over, throwing up I had as a teenager/early twenties. I am however terrified of "leaking" during kendo in my hakama.

I love teh idea of the ginger drink. Can you tell us 'exactly' how you prepare that? I can't take stuff like Nurofen, gives me asthma attacks so usually it's paracetamol or nothing.

[Naginatagirl]

Well, you slice up some ginger into a few disks and put it in boiling water. Cook it for a while and the ginger will steep. (basically, making tea from raw ginger) The rest is really just to your preference. The longer you leave the ginger or the more slices you use, the stronger the drink will be (the water will turn yellowish to brownish depending on time). I usually add two teaspoons of brown sugar to sweeten it a bit since it can get spicy, but one of my friends puts 3-4. It's amazing on a cold winter's day, or for those doubled-over days. (at least, for me.)

[Ignatz]

. . .kendo dojo pms schedule? um.... next tue pls be soft to maria. next fri be nice to louise, and bring her choko. mon 23 stay away from diana, she'll be switching into godzilla mode...

crazy.
All the more reason to encourage more women to be in the club. Here is one of the things I learned on my way to being a crusty old man, if you have a group of women who spend a regular amount of time together, it is not unusual for them to all get on the same cycle.

[Naginatagirl]

if you have a group of women who spend a regular amount of time together, it is not unusual for them to all get on the same cycle.

Actually, it's pretty much inevitable. More time you spend together, the closer you sync up.

[GreenArrow]

This thread has been moderated to remove posts deemed off-topic and offensive.

This has been at the request of the forum users.

Further offensive posts will be dealt with in this way, if they persist the offenders will be banned.

There is a place for such posts, this forum is not one of them.

Ladies, thank you for your patience.

[Solinde]

Actually, it's pretty much inevitable. More time you spend together, the closer you sync up.

Now, that is interesting. Supposedly, the "alpha female" sets the cycle, and the rest of us just imitate. I wonder who it'd be. :happy: I actually noticed when I move away from my parents and to another town that my cycle changed...I guess I had been living with my mother's cycle all my life. Kind of weird. :happy:

Anyway, I just thought I'd point out to those of you who use contraception to put your period on hold, that there our other pills available for that. There is one that I once got a prescription for that actually stopped the period almost entirely for the 10 days that I was supposed to eat it, and then it came back...just like with contraception. There is also medicines that you can get over the counter that will lessen the amount of blood, although not stop it entirely. I thought it might be a good idea if the contraception method made you feel worse.

I'll see if I can find the active substances...in the prescription drug I got once the active ingredient was medroxiprogesteron (in small doses it's used when your period is acting up or during menopaus, in greater doses it seems to be used against tumours). The other substance is called "tranexamsyra" in Swedish, so...tranexamic acid perhaps? Here it is: http://www.fass.se/LIF/produktfakta/substance_products.jsp?substanceId=IDE4POCLU9M3PVE RT1

[GreenArrow]

Another version I'd heard was that the sync didn't coincide with an "alpha female" but that all cycles altered until they matched.

Interesting, the issue about using hormones to control cycle stage is known in some disciplines.

The impact of female menstrual cycle seems more of a known factor in archery. The Korean Ladies Team in one of the Olympics (Seoul I think) had cycles altered with hormones so that their "best" time coincided with the Games. Apparently, the Korean research suggests that the stage of the menstrual cycle DOES affect performance- but the "best" time is different for every woman and must be ascertaind on an individual basis.

Incidentally, before anyone gets the wrong end of the stick, all of this is explored in the excellent book "Total Archery" written by top Korean Coach Lee. His training methods are much studied in the Archery world, in which he is regarded with tremendous respect. The Korean archery coaches have in recent years been at the forefront of the development of archery training, and many Korean coaches are now working with FITA to improve the standards in the sport in general- inspiring stuff, they share generously of their experience.

I know that periods are an issue that many men in the West find difficult to come to terms with, but for a woman it is can be a significant factor- even if issues of comfort are left aside.

For me, when I am shooting, there are times in my cycle when I find the drop into the subconscious much more difficult- getting into the "flow," to the state o "it shot" to phrase the same thing in diferent ways. Usually the week before my period starts is the one to watch- BUT the degree of impact will vary from month to month. I have also noticed similar patterns in Kendo, although as I am new at Kendo it's harder to see.

However, I wonder how many male sensais/sempais have the understanding of Coach Lee in these matters...?;)

[Firebird]

Hey fellow gals! Here are some tips for menstrual pain. Menstrual pain, in Chinese Traditional Medicine(CTM), can be divided into two types: 1. Shi(a solid pain), and 2. Xu(an empty pain).

Shi type pain can be described as follows: Blood clots(i.e. not smooth), blood comes out purple or dark red, chest pressure, and pressure to painful spots adds relief. Shi is caused by energy blockage and can be relieved by massaging the following points. 1."shongji"(pressure point CO3, or RN3)part of the conception meridian, 2. "ciliao"(BL32) bladder meridian, and 3."diji"(SP8)spleen meridain.
Sorry, still looking for a chart I can give you a link to. Once I can find a chart then you can look up those points and massage away.

The other type of pain, Xu, has the following symptoms: long/slow pain, slower blood flow, sore body, general fatigue, diziness, and a reduced appitite. For Xu you need to add more yang energy. This type of pain is caused by too much yin energy. You can increase energy flow by massaging these points: 1."guanyuan"(CO4,or RN4), 2. "kihai"(CO6 or RN6), 3. "zusanli"(ST36), and 4."sanyinjiao"(SP6).

Other than that drink lots of water, reduce your caffine intake, and have someone give you a foot massage. Foot massage and reflexology really help me. Massage around the middle and along the sides of the foot.

Mingshi- if your local drugstore carries some CTM medicines you can try out "Tianqu Tongjing Jiaonang" (med name, I think manufactured by OTC). It works best for the "shi" type pain but it helps with "xu" too.
Hope that helps. I will post the link to the acupuncture chart as soon as I find it. Happy Keiko!
I apologize if I was too explicit.

[Firebird]

Okay here is an interactive chart. Hope I helped.
http://qi-journal.com/tcmarticles/acumodel/AcuModel.asp

[Alison2805]

oohh, I now have an excuse to ask guys for massages, whether it helps or not!! With the sync-thing, I have heard its that everyones cyle just adjusts till they all match. We found it hilarious at boarding school when 20 girls all get their periods at the same time. It only took a couple of months after each holiday to do it. But it doesnt apply to people on the pill however. Ive always been interested in what evolutionary advantage caused this phenomonon to happen... sorry, Im a nerd.

If I skip periods, the next one will be lighter than usual! Bonus.

[Solinde]

Ive always been interested in what evolutionary advantage caused this phenomonon to happen... sorry, Im a nerd.

I've heard once that it a way for the alpha female of the herd to make sure that noone else got to breed if she didn't get to, by making sure that noone get in heat unless she was in heat. Don't know if it's true though, and the issue never came up at my evolution class here at university. I'll check the class literature, to see if it has any ideas.

[ekajati]

What about heavy flow problems over pain or is that too gross for here? That's the main problem for me, and so far I've just been lucky re when practice nights coincide. Day 2 is usually the worst, and as it's 2 hrs for practice I'll probably just have to skip it.... or go for a layering effect.... bleeeeargh!

[Solinde]

What about heavy flow problems over pain or is that too gross for here?

I honestly don't see why that would be gross. If people are that easily disgusted, they should stay out of this thread. Anyway...as I wrote somewhere before, there is a medication (at least in Sweden) that you can buy over the counter that lessens the blood flow. From what I understand it basically helps coagulation so that the body can heal faster. The active ingredient is called tranexamic acid, and there ought to be something like it where you live.

[mingshi]

Thanks all those who's been contributing. You've proved the very reason why this forum should exist!

As for myself, I've looked through the suggestions and had tried/been using some of the described methods. Yet I always don't really feel safe to take medicine as a long-term solution. Maybe periods are supposed to be painful and heavy and it's unnatural/harmful to suppress it too much. (Don't shoot - tell me I am wrong...)

I am also rather concerned about the heavy flow problem - like the occational + unpredictable times on my Day 2 when a super tampon can leak within 1 hour (under keiko time). Padding may work as you could suggest - but hey may be not - you know how much you have to move around the dojo!! So to save any fuss or embarassment I'd prefer skipping the practice. But then I'd never know which Day 2 is that bad - vigorous exercise was never recommanded...

Keep it coming!

[Solinde]

Maybe periods are supposed to be painful and heavy and it's unnatural/harmful to suppress it too much. (Don't shoot - tell me I am wrong...)

Okay, I'll bite. You're wrong. :wink: I'll refer to the aforementioned (sp?) course in evolution, and especially to the textbook, which claims that women are not "meant" to have as many periods as we do today. We're "supposed" to be pregnant most of the time. :wink::eek:

[Ignatz]

Okay, I'll bite. You're wrong. :wink: I'll refer to the aforementioned (sp?) course in evolution, and especially to the textbook, which claims that women are not "meant" to have as many periods as we do today. We're "supposed" to be pregnant most of the time. :wink::eek:
And of course this is the same thing that leads to the pack getting on the same cycle, makes it convenient for the crusty old "silver backs" :cool: Also lets in some secondary genes because big daddy can't be everywhere at once so the second best "war face" imprints upon the gene pool too.
At the risk of offending anyone, nowadays it seems like the only people who are breeding are the ones who shouldn't be.

[Naginatagirl]

nowadays it seems like the only people who are breeding are the ones who shouldn't be.

LOL Offence? Nope. Just humour. :silly:

[Willow]

Okay, I'll bite. You're wrong. :wink: I'll refer to the aforementioned (sp?) course in evolution, and especially to the textbook, which claims that women are not "meant" to have as many periods as we do today. We're "supposed" to be pregnant most of the time. :wink::eek:

Yes, and that's not so great for kendo either...:disapp: Hard to fit the do on when you're 8 1/2 months gone ( that's a joke, btw)

Another thing to be aware of with heavy blood loss is the loss of iron that goes along with it. This really affects stamina. The week after the period can be worst for this until the iron stores start to build up again.
If you have heavy periods and you find that you're having trouble with endurance during keiko, or trouble with fatigue after class it might be worth checking your iron levels. Don't just rely on a doctor looking at your eyes/gums. I did for ages and only found out that I was dangerously low in iron when I tried to donate blood at the blood bank. They referred me for a blood test and I've been on iron medication ever since -and yes, the problem stems from heavy periods.

[Lone Kitten]

Thanks all those who's been contributing. You've proved the very reason why this forum should exist!

yep... damn right!

[runsyi]

I am also rather concerned about the heavy flow problem - like the occational + unpredictable times on my Day 2 when a super tampon can leak within 1 hour (under keiko time). Padding may work as you could suggest - but hey may be not - you know how much you have to move around the dojo!! So to save any fuss or embarassment I'd prefer skipping the practice. But then I'd never know which Day 2 is that bad - vigorous exercise was never recommanded...

Keep it coming!

That's one of the things I liked about running. When my mileage was really high I'd usually have lighter periods.

What kind of super tampons are you using? Amongst American brands O.B. is not bad, Tampax Pearl is not that good (I usually end up leaking with those), and I'm just trying Kotex now but so far so good.

I usually wear a pantyliner, black panties and shorts under my hakama during my period, just in case. If you soak through all that then you have monster periods and should be excused from keiko, of course.

[Kitsune]

How do I deal with my period pain?

I usually leave out offerings of chocolate, tortilla chips and salsa, midol, and lock myself in the toolshed for about a week....


How do I deal... Well, I couldn't deal with it, so now I takin a special pill that cut out those days for three months, I'll just have my period only 4 times a year, so no more pain, no more suffering and no more skip kendo.

Good question anyway.

[Munnin]

Thanks all those who's been contributing. You've proved the very reason why this forum should exist!

Was there ever doubt?

How many of you have tried the Nuva Ring? It seems to have helped my wife out allot with reduced pain and more consistent period times. She still gets mood swings which are of course more difficult to gauge the degree of.

[Alison2805]

what the hell is a nuva ring? :O

[LarsCW]

I know from my girlfriend she uses Morvil and Ibuprofen against the cramps and when she's nausious.
She doesn't do kendo thou only some tai chi and running.

[Munnin]

what the hell is a nuva ring? :O

http://www.nuvaring.com/

It is placed in the same way that a diaphragm is but instead of being a blocking apparatus it actually works the same way the pill does but at much lower dosage.

My wife has been very irregular even when on the pill, except she would often get the mood swings and cramping without the bright red finish. Now she is very regular and the pain has been lessened.

[Lone Kitten]

http://www.nuvaring.com/

It is placed in the same way that a diaphragm is but instead of being a blocking apparatus it actually works the same way the pill does but at much lower dosage.

My wife has been very irregular even when on the pill, except she would often get the mood swings and cramping without the bright red finish. Now she is very regular and the pain has been lessened.

interesting - i'd still prefer the pill - it's worked really well for me! Call me old fashioned but i'm not too keen on messing with my body's natural way of doig things. Taking the pill is about as far as i'l go.

[Kitsune]

I do prefer a pill too and my pill it's my best choice I have cos my period only comes once every 3 month, the ring is once a month and it's hard to explain my feeling, but I can tell prefer my pill, thank you very much.

[Munnin]

First of all if something is working don't change it. I have seen enough odd ball human chemistry to know that you don’t screw with something that works. The pill has always caused my wife problems usually high blood pressure and occasionally even worse mood swings. She went on the ring late last year and for the first time in our 18 years of marriage she has been regular and not in significant pain during her period. So as you can imagine I am quite enthusiastic about it.

[Kitsune]

I can see that. Never thought someone could have problems with the pill. Myself never got any problems. The only problem was the days of my period when I used to pass out with pain, so I change my pill for this one that cut out the period for two whole months... I'm also enthusiastic I think

[Oxygen]

My periods usually don't include alot of cramps, but for a couple of months ago I had one so bad that I couldn't move an inch. In the middle of the night... I had to get some pills. They sure made me sleep, but I've never had worse pain :dead: I'm just hoping that it won't get like that every time. I'm not on any pills, so my period are irregular still...

As for kendo practise, I don't go if it's the second or third day. I feel guilty and all that, but not feeling comfortable when doing kendo is doing bad kendo for me... My mood swings of course, I don't get very emotional, but I do get irritated/angry very easy, and I snap to people (poor folks...).

Kendo training are not the same in the period time...

[Willow]

The disavantage of using any sort of hormonal control is that you miss out on the short burst of testosterone that you get when you ovulate (It's designed to make you want to make babies - guys have it all the time...) It makes any sort of physical activity unbelievably easier. I do my best kendo then. When I used to do more running, it always felt like the'lead' had been taken out of my legs. You guys are so lucky you have this. Girls have to do it so much harder to make up for the lack of testosterone. We are so tough... If you guys suddenly lost all your testosterone you would die when you realised how tough it is.

[Kitsune]

I asked my doc about that and she said that's not quite accurate, so... I'm feeling right and having energies, and with or without pills I would be pretty much the same.:smiley:

[Willow]

Yes , I think it's a very individual thing so it's a much better idea to go with your doctor's advice.
In my own case, however, I felt quite lethargic when i was on the pill and really noticed a difference to my energy levels when i switched contraception methods.
I am totally addicted to that little bit of testosterone I get for a couple of weeks each month. I'd love it to last longer but i think I would have to - become a guy... Or take anabolic steroids... and I'm really not that keen to grow a beard....
Of course the downside is that the pill is really the most effective form of contraception, and pregnancy is not all that great for energy levels, kendo , running etc, etc

[Kitsune]

That last you said... REALLY REALLY TRUE!

[Alison2805]

hahahaha!!! Now a beard would put off an opponent! Hehehe..

[maniaclady]

I used to use the nuva ring. It was great. You can't even feel it. But there are silly moments during sex. Very low dose hormone and effective.

I have had surgeries to cauterize endometriosis and remove cysts. If you have extreme period pain; I would get checked for endometriosis or cysts on ovaries. The surgery helped but I believe my endo has returned.

I was on birth control pill to control my periods and mood swings since I was 14 and decided to try no hormones for a while. It has been about 2 years hormone free and things seem to be trailing off or possibly regulating themselves.

I have tried numerous hormone control over the years and found the ones that reduce your period can cause long term hormone imbalance and definitely don't recommend them. They made me gain considerable weight and I have still not been able to get the weight off. It may seem great to not have your period but there is a reason why we have them.

I am trying now to listen to my body more and give it what it needs including rest, better nutrition, and of course exercise. I think I'll try that tea. It sounds great

[Razeasha]

I just always used a tampon and a pad.
The pain, well I never found a solution to that one...I just took an iron suppliment, and maybe a tylanol and tried to ignore it, of course I skip mine often, because I'm malnourished...

[Tatsuko]

of course I skip mine often, because I'm malnourished...

That's not good. In fact, it's a pretty bad sign. I hope you're seeing a doctor about it...

[Willow]

I just always used a tampon and a pad.
The pain, well I never found a solution to that one...I just took an iron suppliment, and maybe a tylanol and tried to ignore it, of course I skip mine often, because I'm malnourished...

Malnourishment and kendo don't go together. It's very important to make sure you're giving your body enough energy.

[ender84567]

as a guy i dont know squat, but the ex used the wear pink fluffy cotton panties during hers (which usually lasted 2weeks :disapp: ) and she swore they made her cramps go away, but maybe she was a nutjob, IDK. Just figured i had to get $0.02 in on this one (i do on everything else)

[Alison2805]

pink fluffy cotton panties???? What the?? Ive never even SEEN fluffy panties, let alone tried them

Hang on... two weeks????? thats a bit much...

Im leaning towards the "she was a nutjob" theory

[lucy]

Im leaning towards the "she was a nutjob" theory


Me too. Sounds weird... :surprise:

[stephanie dee]

Period pains = hot water bottle and chocolate. Then a quick walk. Then more chocolate. All gone!!

[TheChessQueen]

If the supertampon doesnt do it wear a pad along with it. As for the pain, take a few midol... Then spar against the biggest newbee that hits like a sledgehammer. You'll forget your cramps quite quickly as worry about the bruises from missed do attempts and kote and the large lump on your head.

Cheers :)

[Kitsune]

Period pains = hot water bottle and chocolate. Then a quick walk. Then more chocolate. All gone!!

OOOH, envy you... for me is like lots of chocolate, not going out of my bed, lots of pills, still can't going out of bed, more chocolate, more pills, more pills, more pills... after one day pain's gone.

[stephanie dee]

OOOH, envy you... for me is like lots of chocolate, not going out of my bed, lots of pills, still can't going out of bed, more chocolate, more pills, more pills, more pills... after one day pain's gone.

I hate period pains. They are such a waste of time!! I tend to do that, spend a whole day aching and complaining... argh! Not worth it!

[Kitsune]

Completely agree it is a waste of time

[lucy]

OOOH, envy you... for me is like lots of chocolate, not going out of my bed, lots of pills, still can't going out of bed, more chocolate, more pills, more pills, more pills... after one day pain's gone.

Same for me... Agree with you, it's a waste of time. :angry:

[Shogun]

V. Interesting article Lloromannic, you're a true gent! Not a man-troll at all.. perhaps we should make you our mascot!


I wanna be a mascot to! :cry:

[Ignatz]

This is a handy guide, based upon my many years of experience, that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other for use during these times.

DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Wow, you sure look good in brown!
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine

DANGEROUS:What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
SAFEST: Here's my paycheck.
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.


DANGEROUS: What did you DO all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn't over-do it today.
SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some more wine.

:D

[Old Warrior]

This is my handy guide, based upon my many years of experience, that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other for use during these times.

DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
SNOTTY REPLY
GOOD RESPONSE - I'm going to Kumdo dear

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SNOTTY REPLY
GOOD RESPONSE - I'm going to Kumdo dear

DANGEROUS:What are you so worked up about?
SNOTTY REPLY
GOOD RESPONSE - I'm going to Kumdo dear

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SNOTTY REPLY
GOOD RESPONSE - I'm going to Kumdo dear

DANGEROUS: What did you DO all day?
SNOTTY REPLY
GOOD RESPONSE - I'm going to Kumdo dear

Rule 1: When you can't win - get lost

[Theodore]

Here's a medical pearl. "Anatomy is destiny."

[neko kenshi]

Some of my friends use birth control to lessen and regulate their periods. Ask your doctor. *shrugs*

[xvikingx]

Rule 1: When you can't win - get lost

Amen to that brother!

[rottunpunk]

Some of my friends use birth control to lessen and regulate their periods. Ask your doctor. *shrugs*

i did ask my doctor
apparently im too young to decide that i want my womb et al. cut out
*shrugs* :D
:p

[Neil Gendzwill]

Less drastically, the pill helps some women level things out.

[tamaki]

I HATE to lose practices of kendo(or parties,the sea or whatever else) because of period pain,so I just take a painkiller if the pain is too strong(paraketamol makes the blood flow stronger,but I take it if there's nothing else) and I just go to practice.When engaged in keiko,eventually I forget about the pain and the annoying whole thing.(I always wear black shorts or something,though,because of the leaking-:dead: )I have noticed that when exercising strong(like kendo/running) my blood flow stops for a day or two.Then I just hope its a sunday where we dont have practice.If not,too bad.But I dont think its a reason to skip practice.All of the girls here NEVER skip,unless its like,they have a serious injury or something like that.So,yeah,I think it can be done:tongue:

By the way,all these pills that change your menstrual cycle or stop it etc are very dangerous.A friend of mine,she's a surgeon,and she used to take these pills when she had to operate because she couldnt handle the pain and all,and now she can't have children.Be careful of what u put in your system!
I used to take contraception pills for 3 years because my period came at its own will(like,once every 3 months- polycystic overees),and I got weight(5 kilos) which is difficult to get rid of.I am not taking those pills again!

[Kitsune]

Less drastically, the pill helps some women level things out.


Completely agree with you Neil.

[Aries]

I've been lucky to not have physical issues for the most part during that time of the month.My mother says its because she's stopped me from developing the western habit of drinking cold and icy liquids and eating too much sub degree foods. Apparently that has an effect on our systems. Of course I never gave up all those wonderful summer luxeries but I always avoided them during the period especially.
Somehting about the cold and hot system our bodies work on, which could explain the boiled ginger remedie mentioned before here., as ginger in eastern medicine has hot properties. (also great for caughs and sore throats)

though emotionally its hard to judge how bad/good the high and low levels of hormones will make me feel.

[e-l-m-o]

I've finally gotten so tired and fed up with everything that goes along with my period, and its interference in every aspect of my life, that I've decided to take a pill that will reduce my periods from once a month to 4 times a year. I've just started taking it, so I don't know exactly how it's going to work out yet, but I'm hoping for the best. At least this way I'll have to deal with it fewer times.

:devious:


my sister had a pill like that where it makes you start your period when you stop takin them its about 2 days later she uses them when she goes away so she doesnt have 2 put up with the period and the pain while shes away but then its very painfull and very heavy when ur on so i wouldnt take it
:D

[Mihoshi]

Some versions of the pill help regulate those with heavy flows into having one medium/regular period a month. I use it for this purpose, because my period comes otherwise every two to three months, naturally, resulting in lots of pain and ridiculous amounts of tampons.

That being said, there are versions of Aspirin and Midol that have caffeine in them which helps metabolize the painkiller quicker and would possibly help with the drowsiness. Using the latter suggestion, I managed to compete in a tournament this past weekend with almost no problems.

[Raindrop]

I use naproxen based pain killers. I know Advil is illegal in some north American parts but that's what I buy here. It's a form of a muscle relaxer, it makes me a bit flaky but it does relax the pain.

It used to be so bad that I'd pass out from the pain during my other MA practice. It's very embarrassing to tell your male sensei why you just fell over. But ever since my GP prescribed me naproxen I've been fine. I still feel loads of pain but I don't pass out anymore, and kiai helps also. ^_^;

[come_love_sleep]

Maybe I'm just really lucky--but as long as I've been keeping up on my stretches for the week leading up to my period, and as long as I'm taking my vitamins every morning, and as long as I'm drinking a ton of water every day that I'm going through it, kendo actually makes my pains less. All the exercise seems to even things out for me, somehow, and after I've really pushed myself, the cramps are less excruciating for the entire rest of my cycle.

(Now, having finally gotten the knot right on my hakama, just to realise that if I didn't do something quick I was going to bleed right through the damned thing...that's troublesome.) :eek:

[Doomcat]

That being said, there are versions of Aspirin and Midol that have caffeine in them which helps metabolize the painkiller quicker and would possibly help with the drowsiness. Using the latter suggestion, I managed to compete in a tournament this past weekend with almost no problems.
Reply With Quote

Thanks a lot! I have a turnament and my shodan examination next month and I know (cause of my pills) that I'll be in "those" days. Maybe that would help. I really hope so, I'm so scared!

(Now, having finally gotten the knot right on my hakama, just to realise that if I didn't do something quick I was going to bleed right through the damned thing...that's troublesome.)

:eek:That's so bad!. I always fear that!

[stfn]

1. I'm a guy. Just trying to help. Do not throw things at me. Please?

2. My girlfriend uses hormone patches instead of the pill since... well... four years or somethings. Since she switched, pain symptoms decreased significantly. Basically, you stick one of these things on (wherever your want, with some exceptions...) and leave it on for 3 weeks (or longer, if you want to skip cycles). Seems to work quite well, since she didn't miss a single Aikido session for ages...
In Europe, the product is being promoted as Evra (

3. As an analgetic, I'd recommend Ibuprofen-based meds over pretty much anything else. If you are pregnant or ibuprofen doesn't work out for you, Paracetamol may be an option. I've seen people taking Aspirin on a regular basis for ages, ruining their liver...

hope that helps
Stefan