Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

Does anyone have any tips to reduce pre AF pain?

I am about 5 days before she is due and I have terrible cramps, bloating, and moodiness. I feel bad for DH because I just feel gross right now, and then during AF I feel gross, so that's almost 2 weeks out of every month that I don't feel like getting it on.

I've been to the doc and she says everything is fine so I don't think its serious. I've been taking ibuprofen but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips otherwise.

Sorry if this is the wrong board for this! We are TTC though so I figured I would post it here.

Thanks!

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

You can try Vitex at any health store. It is an herbal remedy. For cramps a heating pad works great.

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

My doctor prescibed Anaprox for me. You take it as soon as you get the first twinge of getting your period and then twice a day for there on. If you cant get the prescription, try Aleve. It is the same thing only OTC strength.

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

Vitex also known as Chasteberry or Chaste Berry....you can buy it at GNC...

It will definitely help with your PMS....

Vitex and PMS
Clinical studies using vitex extract show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, after only one month. Vitex tincture, at an average daily dose of 42 drops, was prescribed for 2447 women who had a variety of menstrual disorders, including PMS. Although this was an uncontrolled study, both patients and physicians reported that vitex significantly improved symptoms. At the end of the study 31% of patients had complete relief of symptoms, and 55% reported significant improvement. "The doctors and patients were satisfied with the treatment in over 90% of cases, i.e., symptoms either disappeared altogether or were significantly improved. The good acceptability of the preparation is also shown by the long duration of the treatment, with a mean of 5 months, and up to 9 years in some cases...The tolerance is exceptional: only 2.3% of patients experienced unwanted effects with the treatment..." [1]

In another uncontrolled observational study 1,542 women were given 42 drops of vitex tincture (Agnolyt) each day. Among the patients, 33% had complete relief of symptoms while 57% reported improvement. Again, their doctors rated vitex tincture as very good, good, or satisfactory in 93% of the cases. [2]

Women with PMS may want to use vitex either alone or preferably as part of a comprehensive herbal formula. Clinical studies using vitex show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, often after only one month.

ETA: I have used it for a year and it did wonders for me!!

Message edited 8/29/2007 9:06:40 AM.

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

Thanks ladies! Is Vitex ok if you are TTC?

I have stopped taking airborne (which I used to really rely on to prevent colds) because of the high dosage of Vitamin A which they say is unsafe if you are TTC.

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

I think that vitamin B6 is supposed to help with PMS.

Message edited 8/29/2007 10:00:59 AM.

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

Re: Not sure if this is the right place but it's about AF...

vitex is fine with TTC and some people even say it has helped them TTC b/c it regulated their hormones. there is a ton of good information on the internet about it...and hearsay too.