What Do You All Do for PMS?

I must admit, perfect me becomes pretty snappy, grumpy, moody, thoughts racing, and usually a good migraine to go with it...

I've been using Evening Primrose Oil, in addition to a whole foods multivitamin and Fish Oils. It seems to have taken the edge off, but not all.

Also, eating vegetables high in vitamin A for me helps: sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squashes, etc.

Ok, when I have PMS and am super moody, I get the darkest chocolate that I can find (70%cocoa) and get a coke, put 2 liquid advil gel caps in the can, shake it up and drink it. I always get the start of a migraine when I am super PMS so this helps avoid it and gives me a chocolate fix. Hope this helps.

Oh, and it has to be coca, cola not generic and same for the advil liquid gel caps.

Molly

(Don't let your husband know you posted this question...)

I just yell a lot and wish everyone would leave me alone and not look or talk to me.

I am lucky I don't have bad pain. But I do get grumpy! I just eat a little piece of dark chocolate to destress.

I take a nap and get alone time if I possibly can. I do a lot of self-meditating. I choose not to confront issues that I know I am sensitive about until a time I know I can be more diplomatic.

These supplements suggested here helped my PMS. But I know some people are worse in their PMS than I. For them, it took birth control pills. Also, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is classified as having severe symptoms. They are looking at an exaggerated reaction to the hormone level changes, or too little progesterone, or the drop of seratonin. It may take a daily antidepressant for that. I'm not a doctor. Just reiterating what I've heard from doctors and articles. A good OBGYN may be able to help you or perhaps you can find one that specializes in it. I presume your friends and family members are no doubt rooting for you to find something helpful. :-) Good luck.

I actually bought the creme Caroline suggested. It seems to be helping but I got it more for the hot flashes. Either way, it's something.

Raspberry leaf tea works for me. And nettle tea as well.

Some supplements help women naturally. I did not know this when I had PMS, so I took an anti-depressant that pretty much cured me. I went off of it after a hysterectomy and did have withdrawal issues, so if you choose this route be sure to go off slowly.

For the past few years I have noticed myself becoming EXTRA moody during PMS. I felt angry and snapped at my kids/hubby then felt guilty. My doc suggested calcium & D and I think magnesium, but what really helped me was started to workout again! I take kickboxing and I feel great! So much more energetic and less moody. I will soon add yoga to my workout routine too... yay! I don't know if you do workout, but I think it helps a lot!

hot baths, red wine, chocolate, science fiction (in book form or on TV)

sometimes, 4 advil

Exercise, even when I don't feel like it, and I don't feel like it during my PMS week, but I do it anyway and it helps. Then chocolate... But overall, less sugar and more protein help me, also, since my blood sugar seems to drop easier then. And sex, gotta have orgasms during PMS, just gotta ;-)

Yes PMS one week pre period is normal for PMS suffers. Usually once the period starts things start to level out. Best time is one week after your period and then it all starts to go downhill......lol
Stress of course aggravates it. And not sleeping well makes it horrible.
Try a natural progesterone cream. Works wonders.
Here is the one I use: http://www.amazon.com/Emerita-Pro-Gest-Natural-Progestero...
You should check out the reviews, most seem to use it for PMS though you can use it for peri or menopause.
C.

I think I may be the only female who is happy go lucky when I have pms. I don't get moody, irritable or grumpy. I'm actually super happy and talkative. I know, it sounds weird...but thats how I am. Everyone knows when I am pms'n too, because I'm so nice and happy. LOL.

Although, I do get super duper bad cramps to where I can't walk (had them today actually), I just take a couple of muscle relaxers, sit with a heating pad on my stomach and I'm good to go within a few hours.

over the counter med. i think its called Premysyn

Yoga and vitamin B12. Everyone is different though. Yoga just helps me clear my mind and at least I can learn to relax. If I can't get to the class (often : :) I can just breathe and do a few relaxing poses to calm myself. Hope you find something that helps.

I usually take Ibuprofen for cramps and if I'm really bloated, I take a Diurex capsule 1-2 times a day but you have to drink lots of water for it to be effective. It might sound crazy but I have a pair of 'fat jeans' that I keep around for that time of the month because they fit when I'm retaining water so I don't feel gross and angry having to squeeze into my regular pants. And I let myself indulge in sweets if I crave them so I don't feel even crabbier.

I used to take prozac starting 10 days before my period for 12 days. It hhelped so much!!!! I'd be taking it now but im pregnant so i dont have to . : )