Dealing wth Premenstrual Syndrome

I get serious mood swings and very bad cramps. There are times that I can not even stand myself let alone others around me. I don't know really how to deal with it. Why do we get this way only during our period ?? Any ideas? This way I can explain this to my fiance' lol cause for some reason I guess all men just think that we use it as a excuse that we are " PMS'ING " lol lol.

I get the worst breast soreness. It feels like they are engorged if you have ever breastfeed and did nurse, it feels like they are about to explode! Of course my youngest is almost 4 so there is no more breast feeding in my future. I take hot baths to relieve the pain and naproxen either as Alieve or Pamprin. I too get very moody where its hard to concentrate on anything or get anything done. I also will not make any major decisions until after my period. Unfortunatly these symptoms plague me 2 weeks out of the month.

eating ice cream helps me with my cramps. i get nausea too.
my mood changes so drastically that looking at my husband sends me into a rage. i don't even want to be near him. he understands a little bit because i circle it on the calendar and write BEWARE!! Lastly, i try not to talk too much to other people and i usually do alot of reading or other things that allow me some "quiet" time (as much as possible).

I've modified my diet as much as I'm prepared to. I don't smoke, seldom drink and get regular exercise. I like my food and I'm not prepared to be held hostage by this crap. My wonderful doctor started me on an Rx diuretic in the week leading up to my period. It was the only thing that helped with the horrible breast swelling and pain. Its been great. I also rely on Pamprin to get me thru that week as well. Mind you, it would help if the PMS didn't start as much as two weeks ahead of an expected period. I don't know why some women dread menopause. As far as I'm concerned, it will be absolute heaven! I plan to save the money I have to spend every month on pills and tampons, and instead, treat myself to a monthly pamper session.

I almost always put on a few pounds due to water retention giving me that bloated feeling for a few days before my period starts. I can easily go up 5 pounds, but it comes back off by the end of my period. Cutting back on sodium-rich liquids like diet soda reduces the bloating, but it's tough since <3 diet cola.