29+ years. Twenty fuckin nine years of suffering with endometriosis until a Korean male Gyno took my complaints seriously. (I love him )

If your period pain is unbearable, causing you to miss work, vomiting, heavy bleeding, immobility, crying, over soaked pads or tampons, headaches, a gerbil trying to claw its way out of your lower abdomen, handfuls of anti-inflammatory over the counters, or smokin weed until it numbs the pain demand a pelvic ultrasound during the week of your cycle for an official diagnosis while it’s occurring. If you feel unheard get another doctor and file a complaint on their ass.

Reporting pain is not drug seeking, it’s a cry for help.

There is treatment for this.

Mild discomfort is normal. Excruciating pain is not normal. Taking over 800 mg of ibuprofen multiple times a day for pain is not normal. Complaining of pain during your period and being ignored without further diagnosis to rule out other factors is not normal.

For the US folks. After a diagnosis you have the option for absence coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It grants you job protected absences for up 12 weeks per year. (I have up to a week once a month) Request the documentation from your employer.