PMS Issue? - Possible TMI!!

**ktsmama** · 09-08-2008, 02:29 PM

Okay gals, I need a little guidance. I am 34 and have been having my period since I was 10. I have never had any "real" issues besides cramping and heavy bleeding every so often. So here is my issue, the last three periods have not been bad except for the symptoms that seem to start the week before. I have nausea, sleeplessness, severe headaches, bloating, gas, ankle swelling, hot flashes and a general feeling of YUK.

I have never had anything make me feel like I can not work, but the last three months, during this week, I can not concentrate at work.

Do any of you have any tried and true remedies for getting rid of PMS?

Thanks for reading all of this personal info.

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-08-2008, 02:52 PM

Sorry no tried and true methods but as long as we are on TMI can I ask if it's normal of have diarrhea the first day of your period?

**ktsmama** · 09-08-2008, 02:57 PM

Absolutely!! That is one of the main side effects of hormone changes.

**DJ1972** · 09-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Taking citrical twice a day has made a HUGE difference in my pms. I read an article about the link between calcium and pms and thought, what the heck it can't hurt.....so glad I did.
http://www.drdonnica.com/display.asp?article=3992
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/calcium-pms.html

**FrugalWitch** · 09-08-2008, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

Sorry no tried and true methods but as long as we are on TMI can I ask if it's normal of have diarrhea the first day of your period?

My whole life I have had horrendous period problems with extremely debilitating cramps. I always have diarrhea with my period (oh joy) My doctor told me that bad uterine cramps can set off intestinal cramps for some people and that's why I get the diarrhea. HTH

**YankeeMom** · 09-08-2008, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

Sorry no tried and true methods but as long as we are on TMI can I ask if it's normal of have diarrhea the first day of your period?

Same here.
I don't get the sleeplessness though. I get all the "early pregnancy" symptoms. Falling asleep at 9pm (when normally I'm wide awake at 11pm), cranky, catching every little bug/virus my kids bring home, feeling yuck.

Honestly, I find the PMS symptoms to be most minimal when I'm regularly exercising. Even my sleeping is evened out when I exercise regularly. Not saying you have to go out & break a sweat for an hour every day, but a brisk 15 minute walk really helps.

**janelane** · 09-08-2008, 04:18 PM

All my life I've had horrendous periods and terrible PMS. The only thing that helped me was going on the pill, and it still hasn't completely wiped out the symptoms. I'm on Yaz.

**ktsmama** · 09-08-2008, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by janelane

All my life I've had horrendous periods and terrible PMS. The only thing that helped me was going on the pill, and it still hasn't completely wiped out the symptoms. I'm on Yaz.

I am on the pill. Have been on it for about 20 years (due to bleeding issues). My problems seem to start exactly 24 hours after the last "active" pill.

Thanks for all of the replies. I think I am going to get some calcium today and start taking that today.

**FrugalMomof3** · 09-08-2008, 05:59 PM

No tried and true recipes here.... but I too have a very BAD first day period... with super swollen tummy and MAJOR cramps. Sometimes I get so bloated I look like I am about 3 months prego.

This only started AFTER I got my tubes tied after I had my now 12 yr old DD. Weird???

As for the bowel movements, I seem to notice I go more often #2, when I have my period though.

**Dancing Lotus** · 09-08-2008, 06:51 PM

I have heard about calcium helping too.

I know that when ever I get really bad cramps I drink a cup of hot tea and it almost always makes them go away.
And thanks everyone, I'm glad I am not a freak with the BM thing.

**Jellybeanz** · 09-08-2008, 07:07 PM

FrugalMomof3 that is when my minor pms issues got really bad too.. after I got my tubes tied. I figured it was also because I went off the pill at that time too.

I also get diarrhea bad too right at the beginning, had no idea it was common. I use biodentical progesterone creme ( doctor prescribed) which has helped but has not elminated the migraines, sleeplessness, dryness ( yeaa) and on and on I could go. LOL

I am going to try the calcium though , maybe that will help too. Can't hurt to try. Thanks !

And to the original poster..sorry it's interfering with life. That sucks I know.