I'm 35, and I've had severe menstrual pain since my teens. I got a Mirena in April of 2011, and it's significantly reduced my pain. Before the Mirena, and during my adjustment to it, cramp bark (suggested above by knittinggoddess) helped a great deal. I took Aunt Flo's Period Relaxer, it was very effective, and it didn't give me the stomach pain that ibuprofen and Aleve did.
The Mirena was a freaking miracle, as far as moderating my cramps and bleeding is concerned. I still have very regular periods, but they are far lighter and less painful. (Not light by any means, but manageable.) And I only needed two doses of cramp bark this time!
I have severe depression that seems to get worse with oral contraceptives, but the Mirena didn't have this effect. I have also tested negative for fibroids, adenomyosis, cysts, etc., basically any explanation for my pain other than possibly endo. I've not had laproscopy yet and as the Mirena is working, I am going to leave it for now.
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The Mirena was a freaking miracle, as far as moderating my cramps and bleeding is concerned. I still have very regular periods, but they are far lighter and less painful. (Not light by any means, but manageable.) And I only needed two doses of cramp bark this time!
I have severe depression that seems to get worse with oral contraceptives, but the Mirena didn't have this effect. I have also tested negative for fibroids, adenomyosis, cysts, etc., basically any explanation for my pain other than possibly endo. I've not had laproscopy yet and as the Mirena is working, I am going to leave it for now.
Good luck, I sympathize.