Period anxiety

I'm quite curious what 'rewards' you're referring to? I'm not being funny, but quite literally, it is the most off-putting and inconveniencing biological drainage... LOL

We have had success with Applied Behavior Therapy. Hiring a BCBA to prepare and implement a step by step plan to manage periods helps reduce anxiety as she learns to approach it in a methodical planned manner and experience the “rewards” as she becomes more proficient with the plan. 

You do not engage with my argument, you just negate my entering this discussion merely for being a man. Your experience counts as just that, it is just your experience, it is anecdotal, not something scientifically or medically evaluated, or statistically investigated. Extrapolating your personal experience to everyone else, including people who might benefit from using hormonal contraceptives, is not especially helpful. For example, I tried St. John's wort, it changed me into a raging, anger-fuelled maniac, with a fuse about a micron long. However, I'm aware that it has been useful for other people, so I do not make blanket statements that everyone should avoid it. You should not do the equivalent.

Right about now is when the autistic need to resolve is at conflict with a need to control and be right and is working against you. Take your need to prove - anything - out on a NT board. You came at me & tried to shut a woman down who has 50 years of being female and stuck dealing with it. 

It's no secret Right Now, at this time-point in history, women are being ignored when they come forward and say the Pzfiser jab had ad extraordinary adverse affect on their reproductive system. I love science but one has to do a good deal of research to find out who's benefitting. I am TIRED of men shutting me down and then having the arrogance to accuse me of it when I bite back. 

Take your boots off and sit this one out, or go take it out on someone else, please. There's no way I'd recommend something that I haven't benefited from or that hasn't been around for centuries, let alone something on the market that hasn't been available since the 70's & still going strong even against the current. Thankfully somethings exist for those of us who would be crippled without.

'Mansplain' is shutting me down again. I was merely pointing out that though all drugs - and 'natural remedies/herbal remedies' (if they have any effect at all) - have potential adverse effects; that everyone should look at the actual data and not believe scare stories. Hormonal contraception is overwhelmingly safe, though this is a universe where nothing is absolutely safe. You can kill yourself if you drink too much water in too short a time period, for example. I worked for 34 years in biomedical research, I have authored papers on the molecular causes of drug resistance and 'rational drug design' aimed at overcoming drug resistance, so I think I have more than enough background knowledge in order to comment when someone makes exaggerated claims about drugs that have passed all the statutory tests for safety and have a good record of safety in use.

This is not 'mansplaining' it is reasoned argument from someone with a relevant professional background.

I would not take any form of pill again nor am I able to recommend due to my experiences but I do accept that some pills work for some. 

I tried the pill & the mini pill during my teens and early 20s. I had mood swings, weight gain, bloating, and they did not stop my period.

How is your daughter taking medication? I really dislike taking tablet medications and the tablet gets stuck in my throat which has resulted in me at times vomitting.

I was recommended an implant that is inserted in the arm. I was told this stops some women’s periods. It’s was horrendous and made me nauseous being able to see and feel this small tube in my arm and it gave me irregular periods and longer periods that would last weeks. I wouldn’t recommend unless your using it to stop chances of pregnancy and don’t mind irregular periods. 

I would 100% agree with Junipers advice. Prepare and plan ahead. 

Each female is different and it could be trial and error to see what works best for her body and mind. 

Perhaps again, you're reading into something that isn't there. I shared my experience (along with countless other women I have known over the last, nearly 50 years) and suggested being mind-full. Look at options. I'm not sure what issue you take with that. 

It's simply not for EVERY-one. There's literally no need to presume what I'm saying or accuse anyone of 'scare headlines'. Share your story, perhaps don't mansplain on this thread? 

Astrid said:

Maybe if she saw it as being a beautiful part of her instead, as in it is the body working correctly and I was told that it is good for you and ones health. So that is positive. 

Not everyone is in a position to do this. The original poster's daughter clearly finds it too distressing, and some of us have medical issues that make it impossible to see menstruation as a positive thing- PMDD is very common in autistic women, and then of course there are those of us with conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

I'm glad that you're able to see it as a good and healthy natural thing- for lots of people, it is! But some people will always struggle with their periods and positive thinking can only go so far.

I'm a former biomedical researcher, I have helped to design drugs to overcome drug resistance, so I have a valid and informed viewpoint. I do not appreciate attempts to spuriously 'shut me down'.

Like with so many things, the cancer risk thing is not as bad as made out by the news to sell panic. It is a very small statistical risk, balanced by a very small reduction of risk of another type of cancer IIRC and is certainly a smaller risk to life than certain foods or not getting enough exercise. And well worth it if the alternative is poor mental health.

Personally I can't see it as positive, it is icky and inconvenient. It is not actually all that natural for women to have periods every month for decades, I heard on a podcast, because for most of history women would have spent more time pregnant or breastfeeding, so may well not have had that many periods. Not that I would find that in any way preferable!

But I am happy for you that you found a way to be positive about it.

Hi there, I read on here someone suggesting the pill! no dont do that, the pill increases chances of cancer. 

The best thing is to carry wipes with her to freshen up. and tell her it is her body functioning normal. 

I used to treat myself when I was on my period so that I did not mind it as much. I would have a carmel shortcake as my treat for the first day of the period. I still have treats when it is my time of the month :-) 

Maybe if she saw it as being a beautiful part of her instead, as in it is the body working correctly and I was told that it is good for you and ones health. So that is positive. 

They're definitely not for everyone! I like reusable pads for sensory reasons (disposables make me itchy) but I understand they're not ideal for people who would prefer to deal with the blood as little as possible.

It might be worth trying progesterone-only (aka the mini pill), though you do have to be extra strict about taking it at the same time every day. It's taken every day without any breaks at all and for a lot of people that means no period at all- I've been on it for just over two years without a proper period, and it's been great. I have had occasional spotting, but I think that's because I'm stopping my periods due to a medical condition rather than just for sensory reasons- some people don't bleed at all.

There are certain brands that have to be taken within a 12-hour window rather than the usual 3-hour window for the mini pill, and I'm on one of those. It can cause mood issues so may not be an option if she's also dealing with PMDD, which is quite common for autistic people, but it's worth considering otherwise.

Thanks for your reply. That’s what I think too but I think she hates sensation if things coming out so wants to sit still and tense muscles to keep it in. :( 

Oh very interesting. Can I please ask what type and brand of birth control. She’s begged doctor in tears a few times asking for periods to stop but if she swaps she can’t cope with spotting whilst a new pills settles in 

Thank you what a kind thought out response. I bought the book last week. She’s assured me she’s read it now. Booked looked very good. I might try to buy her the reusable pads to try but think she might prefer disposable cause she can wrap them up and straight in Bin without having to deal with anything extra 

Thanks, yes she does this just now. Think she does 4 packs together so that’s potentially just under 3 months without the worry but she worries for the full week before periods come and if she gets spotting during taking the pill-she also going into hiding and panic mode. 

Thank you that is a very kind and thought out response 

I'm afraid you're off topic a bit regarding what I've shared. How has the pill affected (good or bad) your cycle? 

For any reported risk of adverse effects, or increased disease risk, in using any drug, always, always, always look at the actual numbers. Usually, the scare headlines beloved of all media reporting hide something much less alarming.