Does this sound like I need to go on "the pill?"

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I started my period when I was 11 and a half, and when I was 14 and it started to fall into a regular cycle (somewhat) I started having these awful, awful cramps that lasted until I was about 18 or 19. These were cramps that hurt in all my private areas, my inner thighs, my stomach, and they were so strong that parts of my body would feel numb and voices and noises would sound as if they were far away.

Not only that, but now that I'm 20, my cycles have become somewhat irregular....about a month ago, I was "aching" for at least a couple of weeks before my period actually came, and I was incredibly hormonal up till then. Whereas my period used to come every three weeks, I can now go 4 - 5 weeks before it comes.

Would going on the pill change any of this or make my cycles more "regular?"

the pill would definitely make your cycles more regular. pills set up for 4 cycles per year would make it so you suffer less often. those containing drosperidone could help PMS symptoms.

I know of a few women who take the pill for menstrual problems and it seems to work well for them. Read the side effects carefully though. Make sure it's worth the risks for you.

I take agnus castus to regulate my periods. They went haywire a few years ago (19-50 days). within a couple of months of taking them, my periods became completely regular. I only take them for the first 2 weeks of each cycle (in case I might be pregnant and you shouldn't take them if you're pregnant). It has been taken for centuries and there are no known serious side effects, which definitely makes it a better option than the pill.

However, I must say that having very painful periods, as you describe, is not normal. Have you spoken to your doc about it. You may need investigations, to check for some conditions, including infection, which could be easily treated. However, I have endometriosis (although it's been in remission since I had my daughter) and what you describe sounds like what I went through each month - the pain started 2 weeks before my period was due, so if my period was 3 weeks late, I had pain for 5 weeks. There are treatments for the condition and you needn't suffer like you are just now, even if it's just a matter of getting the right pain relief (ibuprofen worked well for me).

Good luck.

Thank you, cathylynn, I'll look into the drosperidone, too.

InkBlott, thank you too - when I do get a gynecologist, I'll definitely bring it up with them.

Sarah81, I'll be sure and read the side effects carefully, when/if I start them...thank you.

And thank you for your advice, too, MummyofPeanut...I'd never considered endometriosis before, but now I'll research it. I always had a feeling that my painful periods weren't normal, but no one ever really made a big thing out of it when my periods were so bad that was vomiting, or had to come home from school, so I just figured it was due to anxiety or my not taking ibuprofen fast enough, etc. So, thank you for validating my suspicions, too!

Thank you, everyone!