I realize this is the second post of the day, but I’m PMS-ing really bad. I’m angry, impatient, irrational, depressed, sad, blame throwing (I’m managing to keep that internal for the most part). Really, really angry. For no reason at all.
I’m not usually like this, but I have had these emotions the last three cycles, so when it showed up yesterday, I kind of knew what it was. It’s worse today, and is getting worse rapidly.
I know there are things to do, stuff to eat/take that helps but I’ve never paid much attention to those conversations, because it wasn’t an issue for me. But I have a very big week ahead of me, and I’d like to not make an idiot of myself in social situations…..
So, what works for you? What do you do to avoid biting everyone’s head off the week before your cycle? Step up, I need help. I’m going to Google after posting this, but I much prefer the tried and true advice from people I know (or pseudo know, or at least that know me :-).
April 17th, 2007 at 10:52 am
laura, the combination calcium, magnesium, and zinc, along with evening primrose or fish oil caps have really helped me with those “issues”. No caffeine, extra protein in the diet, and drinking extra water also helps.
April 17th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Thanks. I just took my multivitamin powder and fish oil in a protein shake.
April 17th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Have you tried Pamprin or Midol? It will at least help the physical symtpoms. Also, get out and excersize. Get your heart rate up to 145 and keep it there 30 minutes. I’ve found that while I hate doing it, it always clears my head, and seems to get those endorphins to pop so I’m not insane. And I get PMS REALLY BAD, like “I’m-going-to- divorce-my-husband-bad.”
April 17th, 2007 at 11:16 am
a lot of the pms pills do more harm than good. I find stepping back works for me, (hello casabella) – but if you don’t have time to get a sitter, and pamper yourself, then I recommend vigorous exercise to get some endorphins flowing, and to burn off some of the steam. I am horrible about taking supplements. But I have heard that there are those as well as dietary relief. I am sure google will answer that abound!
April 17th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Although I do not advocate medication, it is something to consider it if everything else fails. I used to get psycho with PMS and every month it would get worse and worse. I refused to take meds because I am against all meds on principle. Now I am on meds and regret all the time lost, all the jobs lost and all the pain caused.
I hope that the natural remedies and excersise help and you don’t have to resort to chemicals, though.
April 17th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I know how you feel. I’m feeling the same way, and it’s not even my period! Actually, I’m through menopause and I still get the occasional attack of pms. So my suggestion today is – lots of alcohol. No, I realize that’s not too practical with a nursing infant. Oh well, hang in there and time will heal all bad moods.
April 17th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
ACK! I know this feeling quite well. I am interested in what everyone else says because nothing I have tried has ever worked. I did the evening primrose oil etc and it didnt’ seem to make much difference for me…..maybe I need to stick to the exercise. That does seem to clear my head and make me feel better. And making sure to drink all my water. That’s a big one. I never thought that it would affect my mood as much as it does…but it does!!!!
April 17th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
At the risk of sounding like….. Julie Andrews…..
I make lists in my head, “10 things that make me happy”– i.e. having my cat, who hates everyone, run to greet me when I get home, my kids laughter, the minnow story (ask me that one sometime), a day off from work, the color blue….”10 things I’m thankful for–” They can be very basic, i.e. my house, my job, and sometimes when I’m really bad…. no one is in the hospital… no funerals to go to today… no one is in jail…
I still feel really cranky, but it helps.
April 17th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
By way of update, I’m feeling a little better. I’m not angry right now, just sad. And I burst into tears when someone called and changed the specs on something I needed to do.
This might all change when the kids get home and start bickering. But right now, with just me and Clark on a quiet afternoon, I’ve mellowed a bit.
Thank you for the suggestions and kind words. They’ve certainly lifted my spirits.
April 17th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
I did not have time to search, but I like the newsletters I get from these guys, and I am almost certain they have talked about PMS – Evening primrose oil, natural progesterone cream, Milk thistle and one other thing,are in my usual monthly arsenal. BUt I am perimenopausal. I never dealt with PMS until I turned 39 – yuck. I also remember that the first few really regular cycles I got when my body started cycling again (usually when my babies were about 12 months – 15 months old) were doozies – and then they gradually went back to their former selves. Good luck.
April 17th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Hi Laura! I’ve been lurking for about a year now. I love your blog and find your honesty about your body struggles inspirational in that you keep at it. (I’m also impressed by how you find time to knit/spin while caring for all those children!)
I actually did some research on the underlying causes of PMS in the brain as a biology undergrad and have kept up with what is being said in the journals. Some things that seem to keep popping up are:
1) Get enough sleep
2) Get enough lean protein and back off on the simple carb binges
3) Exercise (even 30 min. a day on the treadmill helps)
4) Get enough calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc to keep the neurons firing right
5) Take a vitamin B supplement (the B’s work to regulate hormones in your body and helps fight stress)
Of course just being self aware is half the battle and will help you switch gears when you recognize you’re having issues.
I hope that helps!
Peace out!
April 18th, 2007 at 6:04 am
Hello Laura: Not sure if you are still breast feeding Clark (by the way he is one of the most adorable babies I have seen:+)…but has he changed his patterns of feeding? I know that when my babies started to decrease and change their patterns I would find myself unusually cranky pre menstration. It helped once I made the relationship and understood. But it was sad too…as they were starting to wean themselves and this special time for me was coming to an end. Anyways…food for thought. Take care :+)
April 18th, 2007 at 6:46 am
Laura, I hope you are feeling better!:)
April 18th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Fish oil, fish oil & more fish oil (1 tbsp a day). You can purchase it in orange flavour & there’s no hint of fish at all. It’s good for your skin & brain too! I also recommend raw seeds like pumpkin & sesame – sprinkle some on your salad.
April 20th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Oh Laura, I’m catching up on your blog. I really feel for you. I get an intense day or two of anxiety before my cycle and HATE it. I’m seconding the vit B. Trader Joes carries a B 100, and you might consider Inositol, which is in the b family but not usually included for some reason. The problem with the vitamin therapy is that it may take a few months before you notice a difference, so you might have the meds or a glass of wine to take the edge off until you get there. I’ve noticed too that when I am in the process of loosing weight I have stronger symptoms. I think from comment 14 that I should up my fish oil! God bless.