Menstruation Problems

Posted by bubblingiridescence @bubblingiridescence, Oct 20, 2021

I just got my first ever period two months ago. The first one was heavy and long. I wore a size three pad for the entire time, and had to change it every three to four hours due to leaking. My cramps start at the bottom of my abdomen and radiate all the way to my knees. I started my second ever period yesterday and it's just as bad. Now, I'm wearing a size 5 pad and I have to change it every four to five hours due to leaking. I am a skinny girl and don't think I should be bleeding this much if I'm drinking 3 liters of water and eating 3 normal meals a day. Pain pills don't work on the pain, but heated blankets sort of help. I am in agony 10 out of 24 hours a day and am bleeding excessively. I need some answers!

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Oct 21, 2021

@bubblingiridescence - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
First- Congratulations on your first period! You may not be happy to hear that, but it means that your body functions well.
How old are you?
In short, the cramping and heavy bleeding is due to your uterus shedding its lining monthly- it’s not needed if there is not a pregnancy to support.
Do you have a family doctor or pediatrician? A visit with a doctor is a good idea- to make sure you don’t get anemic as well as getting advice on how to treat the pain.
Common treatment includes heat, which you discovered, and NSAID- non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen and naproxen. They work best when started at the first sign the period is coming.
I hope you are able to see a doctor for reassurance that your bleeding is “normal “.
Please let me know how you are doing!