Muscle cramping is most commonly associated with an imbalance in calcium, magnesium and potassium levels. Try taking a Magnessium supplement. This used to work wonders for my sister when she would suffer from cramps. Also Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Eating a banana is something that a nurse friend of mine tells everyone to do when they complain about cramps. Spinich, amoung other leafy green veggies, is a great source of calcium. Stay away from most powdered calcium though, plant source is the most easily used by the body and won't built up on your artery walls. Ground up rocks are what plants are supposed to eat to make calcium we can eat. We're not supposed to eat ground up rocks:) I'm sure you can find a good magnesium supplement at a local grocery or health food store. Try researching these different minerals online. You'll learn all kinds of fun new stuff.

"And if you google pilates for sciatica you can find exercises to try at home." "Another important factor is getting or keeping weight off the stomach, and strengthening the stomach muscles. A big belly with weak muscles can put a lot of stress on the spine." I have had one bout of sciatica that came on suddenly and was incredibly painful-quoted the above insights because what has worked for me is Pilates. I was taking group lessons and when the trainer went out on her own I followed her. She is very good at getting me to move and stretch past what I would do on my own without straining or overdoing it; Pilates of course is also all about strengthening one's core muscles and I've not had any more sciatic problems. Thank goodness for that, it was one of the most excruciating pains I've ever experienced. Ann

i know that exact feeling. I had "phantom" periods for 6 months after giving up the pill back in April. I had every symptom to say that my period was well on its way, cramps ,bloating, the whole she-bang, but it would just never come. 6 months later i finally got one. Just part of the FUN that comes with Perimenopause! my GYNO never once mentioned that this was a possiblity. as a matter of fact he assured me my periods would be heavy and possibly painful after giving up the pill. not that at 48 i would get thrown full into the peri situation. geez thanks for the warning! not!

Don't be scared - go to the emergency room asap! There are a number of reasons you are hurting.