Ask Betsy

Dear Betsy,
I have very painful stomach cramps every month and heavy periods. My doctor says it is normal and there is nothing wrong with me and to take Panadols. No one understands how bad it is and even my mum is not sympathetic and shouts at me to stop feeling sorry for myself and go to work. My job is in an office where I sit down at the computer all day and this doesn’t help the pain. What can I do Betsy? Will it ever get better?
KM

Dear KM,
There won’t be a single female reading this who doesn’t sympathise with you. We have all suffered this to some degree or other.
Great news that medically you are fine, so stop worrying and find a way to relieve those cramps that works for you.
Taking Panadols or paracetamol is a good place to start but ask your pharmacist for other over the counter pain killers that specifically target your discomfort, you may find them better. 
As you sit at a desk then it would be fairly easy for you to buy a small hot water bottle and fill it with hot water and keep it on your tummy area.
It is fairly easy to do this discreetly and you can refill it during the day. Some women swear by regular exercise to help them cope with period pains, so try some brisk walking or other exercise you enjoy. 
There is a good essential oil called clary sage that is helpful with such cramps. Try mixing three drops of clary sage with a teaspoon of sweet almond oil and rub it into your tummy and lower back . 
(You could mix some up and put it in a little bottle, take it to work with you and pop off to the ladies room if you feel the need to reapply it during the day.)
Have you looked at your diet? Some nutritionists believe that eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and good quality lean proteins will help lessen hormonal maladies. Cut down on sugar, salt and junk foods and especially caffeine in cola drinks and tea and coffee for the 10 days or so before your menses are due.
For many women this is a time when we want comfort foods such as chocolate and cookies but try to minimise this and have some fresh fruit or a handful of nuts instead. Try soothing herbal teas such as chamomile and mint and drink at least two litres of still mineral water a day as this will help avoid fluid retention which may exacerbate your condition.
I would also advise getting up from your desk every hour and walking around and have a quick stretch for a minute or two. 
Keep yourself busy and try not to sit there focusing on your pain.
Talk to your mum again and ask her if she has any secret family remedies that might help you. I am sure like all mums she has something up her sleeve!

Dear Betsy,
I was a passenger on a Gulf Air flight via Bahrain to Oman recently and was thrilled to get a copy of GulfWeekly which I had not seen before. We don’t have anything like it in Oman.
It was very interesting to read about the problems others face and your clever replies. Even if the person reading your column has no problems of her own, it will make her realise that others are suffering in our world and make her appreciate her good fortune.
I used to study in the US and these problem pages are quite normal in magazines and newspapers there but in our conservative society it must be quite challenging to write such a column.
Now I need help with my problem! Where can I buy Gulf Weekly in Oman?
Mrs N  Simons

Dear Mrs N. Simons
I am happy you enjoyed reading the GulfWeekly and thanks to Gulf Air for supporting  our distribution! Yes, one of the functions of a problem page can be to help others who may have similar problems, now or in the future, and also, as you say, to help then rest of us count our blessings.  You can continue to enjoy GulfWeekly online by visiting us at www.gulfweekly.com. 
Do you read GulfWeekly Online from a distant location? Email me and let me know where you are and what problems affect your life in your part of the planet.
betsymathieson@hotmail.com