While Kamryn always struggled with PMS symptoms, including intense mood swings, bloating, breakouts, migraines, and cramps, it's become more difficult to function recently. "It seems over the years the cramping and migraines got significantly worse to the point that I could not leave my bed or couch and my appetite would be suppressed," Kamryn told POPSUGAR. "I also could not use screens, like a phone, TV, or laptop because of the migraines." Her doctor couldn't necessarily find anything abnormal to explain her symptoms, but suggested naproxen, which she takes in conjunction with CBD to manage the pain. Still, her periods made it difficult to attend her social work classes and work shifts.
"My social work professors would allow extensions on papers or assignments within reason and only wanted the best for me and my health," she said. "However, other professors would not sympathize and penalized me for missing class with grade deductions, and further penalized me for not wanting to go and spend money on a doctor's note to verify my 'illness.'" When it came to skipping work, Kamryn's boss was more compassionate. "She understood that it was something I could not control and would just ask me to be transparent about everything. In return, I wasn't questioned or punished for any missed shifts," she said.
