Dealing wth Premenstrual Syndrome

I can def relate. It is guaranteed that the week before my period, I am going to develop another personality. I am mean, everything in the world is a major issue. As soon as my periods comes it is like a relief. Everything that bothered me the week before is great again. It trips me out.

I dont have too many PMS symptoms but the biggest thing I get is powerful cravings for candy, breads, or my favorite coffee. I try to stay away from these things during the month when Im not on b/c otherwise I might be fat and toothless!

There might be a day that comes a week or so before my period and its emotional. I think one time I saw a bird fly away and my eyes started getting teary. I was like ok sister your periods coming soon!

I get the cramps, the mood swings, irritibility, tender brests, bloating, insatiable appetite and for a bonus, the night before my period starts, I always have insomnia. Makes for a lovely first day of my period when my cramps and all other symtpoms are the worse. Luckily, advil or ibuprofen help with my cramps - I tend to get little mini cramps a week ahead of time, so I start taking the advil/ibuprofen before my cramps get bad - this seems to help. I usually only have one day that is really bad and with meds it eases the pain a little so I can at least function. I've had my period long enough to know that when I'm feeling out of control, angry, sad for no apparent reason that it is that time. Luckily my husband understands the same - but it took him a couple of years to get it. =) I also try not to make any major decisions or have any major confrontations or discussion with co-workers at this time.

strangely, i bake even more than normal and have a weird nesting instinct every month!!!! my husband always knowsjust 1 or 2 days before because the house is immaculate.

I am normally really happy, active and try to eat healthy. When Auntie Flow is coming I am irritable, I crave chocolate (esp Reeses), I don't want to move from the couch with my favorite blankie. My temperature fluctuates, one minute I'm hot, one minute I'm cold. I have sore boobs, headaches, gain weight, get pimples on my chin. My husband does his own thing and knows to stay clear! Any little thing can set me off...I would like to see him put up with all of this!! He would probably think he was dying...:)My mom can tell that I'm pre-menstrual as soon as she gets on the phone with me. I get horrible cramps, sometimes I can't stand up. Those warming pads work miracles when you place them right below your belly button. You know what else helps? The heated seats in my car!! At least I can kind of sleep at night...

Since the birth of my son 1 year ago, I seem to have picked up a few new symptoms... nauseousness and anxiety attacks! This adds to the cramping, bloating, major mood swings and clumsiness I already have to deal with each month!!! I have found that excersising is a great relief. It is a battle to get to the gym, but once i am done with my workout I feel awesome. Cramp free and with loads of energy.