Are you perimenopausal? Do you suffer from Fibromyalgia, Lupus or another arthritic condition?
If so, you may have noticed your pain levels have increased during your cycle. Perhaps you have more severe migraines, more intense pain, etc.
People with Fibromyalgia get a different type of migraine than the usual kind. These migraines don’t just affect the head; they are whole-body-encompassing, including all the joints and ligaments. Literally any moving body part hurts, along with the fuzzy, hazy headache that begins slowly, creeping over the body and consumes you.
If you suffer from these debilitating migraines, you know exactly what I mean!
Any stage of menopause can ascorbates these types of migraines, making them more intense and cycle-dependable. Meaning, you know you’ll get one when your cycle hits.
I have logged my cycles and symptoms for over a year. What I have learned about my body is the predictability of these symptoms to be true. Now, when my cycle begins is not as predictable! I am perimenopausal so I may start at 23 days or as long as 36 days. However, what is predictable are the symptoms once the cycle begins.
I am not usually a medication taker…but, when I feel that migraine “sitting” on the shelf in my head, I have learned that 600mg of Ibuprofen will help ward it off, if I catch if soon enough! Once I take the meds, I can literally feel the battle of the pain fighting with the Ibuprofen and that pain is worse than anything!
I have to sleep it off.
The pain is way too intense-even for this high-pain-tolerance personality! A quiet room, a warm cloth over my eyes, or a helpful back or neck rub, will all help to ease the pain.
Knowing this about Fibromyalgia can help you with planning out your weeks.
I have found keeping a low-key schedule the week my cycle is due is best. Is this always possible? NO!! Life sure seems to get in the way!! But, I do try to have some control over these times of the month by not planning doctor appointments, outings and family-get togethers. It really makes a difference, if you can!
So, try keeping a log of your symptoms! You’ll be surprised at how much you can manage your pain!
God Bless you in your pain journey!
