How I Overcame Dysmenorrhea and Said Goodbye to My Period
This content was automatically generated by gpt-4o-mini (No human review). The original post is in Chinese.
Counting the days, it’s been 115 days since my last period, to the point where the Garmin Connect APP thinks I’m pregnant, automatically popping up a Pregnancy Tracking window on the menstrual cycle tracking page. During these three months, I’ve been very happy, free from dysmenorrhea and menstrual troubles, even saving money on sanitary pads and tampons. I used to be a girl who suffered greatly from dysmenorrhea; every time my period came, I would be in so much pain that I couldn’t get out of bed. How did I overcome dysmenorrhea and get rid of my period? That’s what this blog post is about.
The Dysmenorrhea Phase (2009-2017)
I remember getting my first period during the summer after my first year of middle school (at 14 years old). My memories of dysmenorrhea during middle and high school are a bit hazy, but I distinctly remember suffering from it during the first couple of years in college. I recall traveling alone to Australia during the summer after my freshman year, and when my period came, I was volunteering and in so much pain that I could barely stand. The older lady (around 50 years old) I shared a room with took great care of me and even made me hot ginger tea. During those years, whenever my period came, I couldn’t live normally; it felt similar to having a cold or fever, needing to lie in bed and rest a lot. I tried drinking brown sugar ginger tea, staying hydrated, and using heat pads or hot water bottles on my stomach.
At that time, my menstrual cycle was 34 days, about 5 weeks, and I would bleed excessively every time. On the first day, I usually just used panty liners, but from the second to the fourth day, I had to use overnight pads during the day, and I often had trouble sleeping at night, needing to get up in the middle of the night to change my pad, or else I would frequently leak. Sometimes, I would even pass blood clots; a sneeze could cause a whole clot to drop out, and it was the kind that was solid, about the thickness of a pinky finger. Because of my dysmenorrhea, I visited a gynecologist, and the diagnosis was primary dysmenorrhea, meaning it wasn’t caused by any other underlying conditions. It was just how I was born, a matter of personal constitution, and there was no cure. The doctor prescribed some traditional Chinese medicine, like Longxuejie tablets. Of course, they didn’t help; I still experienced dysmenorrhea with no change at all.
Treating Anemia (2017)
2017 was a turning point for me. During a routine blood test at the university hospital, I discovered I had severe anemia. The reference value for hemoglobin (HGB) is 110-160 g/L, and mine was only 88. To further confirm the cause of my anemia, the doctor ordered a three-part anemia test, which concluded that my anemia was due to a lack of ferritin. The doctor then prescribed polysaccharide iron complex capsules, with a box containing 10 capsules, each capsule containing 0.15g of iron, to be taken once a day.
It’s worth mentioning the issue of iron intake. According to Wikipedia:
The required amount of iron varies by gender. Women of childbearing age need about 14 milligrams daily due to significant iron loss from menstruation.
Taking one polysaccharide iron capsule a day means I was actually consuming ten times the daily iron intake recommended for a normal woman. I continued this high dosage of iron supplementation for over three months. During this time, I had multiple follow-up blood tests, and I watched as my hemoglobin gradually rose into the normal range.
| Date | Hemoglobin HGB (g/L) |
|---|---|
| 2017-6-15 | 88 |
| 2017-6-26 | 89 |
| 2017-9-5 | 103 |
| 2017-10-19 | 121 |
I took a total of 10 boxes of polysaccharide iron.
Short-acting Contraceptives - Saying Goodbye to Dysmenorrhea (2017)
I am especially grateful to the internal medicine doctor at the campus hospital who treated my anemia. One time, I ran into her on campus and mentioned the cause of my anemia. She asked if I had heavy menstrual bleeding. After hearing my description of a long menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea, and heavy blood flow, she believed that the heavy menstruation was the main reason for my anemia and suggested I visit the gynecology outpatient clinic. So, after a follow-up for my anemia, I went to the gynecology outpatient clinic at the university hospital and informed them that I was referred by the internal medicine doctor, mainly seeking to address my dysmenorrhea and the anemia caused by excessive menstrual bleeding. After a routine gynecological examination (abdominal ultrasound), the gynecologist prescribed me short-acting contraceptives and suggested I take Yasmin for 2-3 months to see if there was any improvement, and then come back for a follow-up.
The dosage for Yasmin is one pill daily for three weeks (21 days), followed by a 7-day break, after which I would start a new pack. Generally, menstruation would start the day after the break, so following the instructions, my menstrual cycle would be 28 days. My gynecologist suggested I shorten the break to 3 days before starting the next pack, which would make my menstrual cycle 24 days. Shortening the menstrual cycle would mean the endometrium wouldn’t have enough time to thicken, thus reducing the menstrual flow accordingly.
So, on September 5, 2017, I started taking Yasmin on the advice of my gynecologist. However, Yasmin is not a prescription medication, and the campus hospital does not sell it, so I had to buy it at a pharmacy, and it was not covered by insurance. Initially, I purchased it at a pharmacy near the school for about 128-138 yuan per box. Later, I bought more from reputable platforms like Tmall, Taobao’s Ali Health Pharmacy, and JD Supermarket, as the prices were more affordable, dropping to around 100 yuan per box when bought in bulk.
At first, I often forgot to take Yasmin. One time, I forgot an entire day and did not take a make-up dose, effectively missing a day. After that, my menstruation became irregular, and I experienced continuous bleeding for about 10 days. I went back to the gynecology outpatient clinic and learned that I had missed a dose of the short-acting contraceptive, and the gynecologist gave me a stern reprimand. From then on, I took my medication very seriously, taking one pill every night before bed, setting an alarm, and when the alarm rang at 10 PM, I would quickly take a pill. Occasionally, if I forgot, I would make sure to take it the next day, and I no longer experienced menstrual irregularities.
After taking Yasmin, my menstrual cycle became strictly 24 or 28 days, depending on how many days I took a break. My menstruation became very regular, the blood flow decreased significantly, and the issue of dysmenorrhea was completely resolved. Additionally, I started using tampons, and I even managed to complete a half marathon on the first day of my period, which was unimaginable before. A few months later, when I returned for a follow-up, the doctor learned that I was no longer experiencing dysmenorrhea after taking Yasmin and had no noticeable side effects, so she advised me to continue taking it. I felt like I had found a lifesaver and said goodbye to dysmenorrhea from then on.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) - Saying Goodbye to Menstruation (2021)
By 2020, I had been taking Yasmin continuously for three years. During this time, my periods had become very regular, the blood flow had decreased significantly, I no longer experienced menstrual cramps, my weight remained stable, and I hardly had any acne. I learned from some articles that taking short-term contraceptive pills continuously could eliminate menstruation without any harm to the body. After discussing with some female friends, I found that they had started using various methods to achieve the goal of not having periods. So, I made an appointment at the UCSD campus health center’s gynecology clinic and told the doctor that my main request was to stop having periods because I often engage in water sports, and I frequently have trouble sleeping at night during my period (worried about leaks). After hearing this, the doctor began to introduce me to the various methods available to stop menstruation.
Before going to the campus health center, I did some research and checked the content on the health center’s website: Birth Control Method Fact Sheets. I highly recommend looking at this chart Your Contraceptive Choices. Concerned that communication in English might be an issue, I printed out the English version of the chart in advance and marked the contraceptive methods I was interested in. It’s worth mentioning that contraception was never my primary concern; for me, the most important aspects were controlling my menstrual cycle, reducing blood flow, and alleviating menstrual cramps. Contraception was just an added benefit.
To summarize the various contraceptive methods that can stop menstruation:
- Short-term contraceptive pills: Take one pill daily; if taken continuously without stopping, after finishing one pack (21 days), continue with the next pack to avoid menstruation.
- Contraceptive patch: Apply one patch weekly; continue for three weeks without stopping to avoid menstruation.
- Contraceptive injection: One injection every three months.
- Implant: The doctor implants a device under the skin of the upper arm, effective for five years.
- Contraceptive ring: Change it every month, inserted into the vagina.
- Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device): Implanted by a doctor, effective for five years.
Among these six options, the doctor particularly recommended the contraceptive ring and the IUD. Personally, I found the short-term contraceptive pills quite good; the only hassle was having to take one pill daily, which I worried I might forget. However, I had already managed to stick with it for three years. For me, methods 1, 2, 3, and 5 all required some action after a certain period, and although the frequency varied, they were all easy to forget. Initially, I considered getting the implant, but the doctor mentioned that many people who had the implant still experienced periods and advised against it. So, I chose the IUD, which lasts for five years. If it achieves the desired effect, I wouldn’t have to worry about this for many years. After thorough communication with the doctor, I opted for the Mirena IUD and scheduled the implantation procedure. Before that, the doctor prescribed me continuous Yasmin, so I took it for 2-3 months to confirm that as long as I took it continuously, I wouldn’t have a period.
It’s worth mentioning that student health insurance in the U.S. is particularly good (though quite expensive), and Yasmin is fully covered by insurance, so I didn’t have to pay out of pocket. However, the standard prescription is for a 28-day supply, and if you take it continuously, you’ll run out early, and the insurance won’t cover the extra purchase. You must have the doctor write a new prescription to receive a new pack every 21 days; I usually get three packs at a time. All of the contraceptive methods mentioned are fully covered by insurance, and I didn’t have to pay anything for the implantation procedure. I initially thought I would need to persuade the doctor, but surprisingly, she didn’t question my request. She probably thought the idea of not having periods was quite common and wouldn’t harm the body, so she didn’t discourage me at all. Instead, the doctor kindly introduced me to my options and provided her recommendations.
IUD Insertion Surgery
This is a minor procedure, and the actual surgery may take less than 10 minutes. Including the preparation before and after, it might add up to about 20 minutes. However, there are one or two minutes during the procedure that can be quite painful, specifically when the IUD is being inserted into the cervix. Fortunately, the medical experience in the U.S. has always been good. The surgery room played music, and the doctor informed me in advance about what they were going to do. When it hurt, they would apologize and also provided a heating pad for my abdomen. The level of pain during the procedure was roughly equivalent to the worst menstrual cramps. After the surgery, I rested on the table (which is like the gynecological examination chair) for about 10 minutes before walking out on my own. The entire process took about 30 minutes. Once I got home, it felt similar to when I had menstrual cramps, so I lay in bed to rest, and by the next day, there were no lingering effects.
In the first few months after the procedure, my periods were still somewhat irregular, but the flow decreased significantly, to the point where I basically only needed panty liners, although it lasted for a week or even longer. I had my IUD inserted on November 30, 2020 (commonly known as getting the IUD), and then I had a 4-day period in December, an 11-day period in January, a 9-day period in March, and a 6-day period in April. After that, I didn’t have any more periods. This aligns with what the doctor told me before the procedure, that the first few months would be irregular with some spotting, but after about six months, I would likely stop having periods altogether. I am quite satisfied with the current results!
One thing to note is that this Mirena IUD is a progestin-releasing intrauterine device, which is completely different from a copper IUD. In the past, during family planning, women were often forced to get a copper IUD. The differences between the two are significant; one alleviates menstrual cramps and reduces bleeding, while the other increases menstrual flow and worsens cramps! It’s crucial to pay attention and ensure you don’t get the wrong type of IUD.
Sanitary Pads, Tampons, Menstrual Cups
Finally, I want to talk about the sanitary products I have used. At first, everyone used sanitary pads—day use, night use, panty liners. I started using tampons in 2016 after watching a video by Wei Zai Bu Dong Ai, and I found them quite useful after trying them out. I only use tampons on the 2-3 days when my flow is heaviest; on the lighter days before and after, I just need panty liners (otherwise, the insertion can be too dry and painful). At night, I don’t use tampons; I only use sanitary pads because I heard that not changing tampons for a long time is not good (there’s a risk of amputation = =). When using tampons, I still use panty liners as well, which helps prevent leaks, and if there’s blood on the panty liner, it means it’s time to change the tampon.
Later, I bought a menstrual cup, which I also used for a while. Whether it’s a menstrual cup or a tampon, I feel completely comfortable with them inside my vagina; most of the time, I don’t even feel their presence. The menstrual cup is said to be more environmentally friendly and can be used for a longer duration, allowing for 8-12 hours of use before removal. However, since I have a heavier flow for a couple of days, I often need to change it every 4-5 hours because my flow is still quite heavy, and the cup fills up quickly, leading to overflow, so I also need to use panty liners. I find the process of removing and inserting the menstrual cup to be quite messy; my hands often end up bloody, and blood can drip from the cup onto the floor, making it less convenient and hygienic than tampons. So, in summary, I still prefer the combination of tampons and panty liners. My menstrual cup ended up sitting unused.
Final Advice
I share my experiences with dysmenorrhea and menstruation to let more women know that dysmenorrhea can be overcome, and menstruation is not a necessity. If financially feasible, consider taking short-term contraceptive pills to control your period and alleviate dysmenorrhea, but it’s advisable to consult a gynecologist before starting. Additionally, menstruation can also be eliminated since it can be quite bothersome. There are many ways to avoid menstruation; if you don’t want to undergo surgery, you can consider taking short-term contraceptive pills continuously, using contraceptive patches, or getting an intrauterine device (IUD). These can all be done at home, but it’s crucial to take them on time and not forget, or else your menstrual cycle may become irregular. If you don’t mind undergoing a minor procedure, you can consider arm implants, IUDs, or contraceptive injections, but these should be done by a doctor at a hospital.
The choice of method depends on personal needs, financial capability, and the advice of a gynecologist. Don’t start taking anything on your own (for example, short-term contraceptive pills in China actually don’t require a prescription). Personally, I have tried short-term contraceptive pills (Yasmin) and a progesterone-releasing IUD (Mirena IUD), both of which worked very well for me in terms of relieving dysmenorrhea, reducing menstrual flow (to treat anemia), and contraception. Both can also achieve the goal of not having a period. The difference is that short-term contraceptive pills need to be taken daily, which I find a bit inconvenient, and the monthly cost is about 100 RMB (in China). The IUD, on the other hand, is a one-time solution; the insertion procedure can be painful, and the cost depends on whether it’s covered by insurance, but enduring one painful experience for five years of ease is definitely worth it. One more thing, not everyone who gets a progesterone-releasing IUD will stop menstruating; I’m among the lucky ones (specific effects should be discussed with a doctor; gynecologists who perform these procedures regularly can provide some past data, such as my doctor saying that most people with an IUD can stop menstruating, but only a small percentage with arm implants can, and different products have different effects). However, with short-term contraceptive pills, as long as you take them continuously, you definitely won’t have a period, which is more reliable.
Finally, I recommend everyone take a good look at this chart Your Contraceptive Choices, which outlines the effectiveness of each contraceptive method, how to use them, and their pros and cons. Wishing all women a life free from menstrual troubles!
