I have PMDD and dysmenorrhea. My ADHD meds are virtually ineffective during my period, and between the depression, pain, and fatigue, I am not able to get much done at all during my period. I have not responded well to antidepressants or birth control.
There are a few things that somewhat help - exercise, raspberry leaf tea, blackstrap molasses, eating clean, Epsom salt baths, Midol. I still spend the majority of the time glued to the couch with a heatpad. I can sometimes get a few things done with a portable heatpad but still not much.
About once a week. We’re more concerned about the impact on our waist lines than our finances.
One thing we try to do to save money is to order meals for leftovers. As an example, a $14 burger will almost always be one meal, while a $14 Thai curry typically lasts for 3 meals or more. Even within specific restaurants, bowls or plates offer more bang for your buck than sandwich entrees.
We also often roast vegetables or other side dishes in the oven while waiting for delivery, mainly for health but it’s also typically cheaper.