Ladies of the board...

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Ladies of the board...
10
Fri, 05-11-2007 - 5:58pm

... guys you can skip this... :) It's a girl thing - you wouldn't understand.

Okay then - girls... HOW on earth do you all deal with PMS?

I don't get the really bad kind (PMDD), and I don't even get all that b*tchy really.

My worst problem is the food cravings - and it's almost like you could set a clock by my cycles. Through the month, I eat healthy - lots of fruits and veggies, I always feel good, I exercise and I feel good about it.

AND THEN - like clockwork - 10 days before - it's like someone flips a switch. I am ALWAYS hungry - stomach is ALWAYS rumbling. And I CRAVE crap food - sugar, fat, burgers, fries, grease - stuff I don't even want through the rest of the month. And the cravings are like an addiction - I will sweat and shake until I just get something to ease the craving. And I gain about 3 pounds of water. (I know this because I have one of those scales that measures your body fat and hydration.)

Does ANYONE have ANYTHING they can suggest? Like does anyone have it this bad and if so, what do you do?

Avatar for cl_shywon
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 05-11-2007 - 7:37pm

The only time I ever crave sweet stuff is when I'm PMSing.

Avatar for filiasan
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-29-2004
Fri, 05-11-2007 - 9:48pm
Don't hate the cravings, alright? There's something good about it. I found out that a lady's metabolism rises around ovulation. Just think of it as your free weekend. As for myself, I go through all the crap that comes with menstruation. Even with the cravings, if I'm cramping I won't eat. It's a bad thing that I can easily fall into starvation around that already strenuous time.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Sat, 05-12-2007 - 12:49am

>There's something good about it. I found out that a lady's metabolism rises around ovulation. Just think of it as your free weekend.<

I know, I read that as well...

Problem is... I go WAYYY overboard. For example, just today, I had a sourdough burger from Hardee's, large fry, large coke, a piece of cake at work, chicken fingers and a margarita for dinner.

So that's my calorie count for the ENTIRE weekend then. And that was only one day!

I wish there was a way to control it. Yeah, I know the guys (like my BF) say "well just don't eat it." Right... and why don't YOU just try not thinking about sex! See how easy THAT is! It's HORMONES!!

Maybe I should have a hysterectomy. That might solve the prob! ;)

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
Sat, 05-12-2007 - 10:02am
I'm kind of the same way.
Avatar for filiasan
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-29-2004
Sat, 05-12-2007 - 7:10pm

I don't think there is anything you CAN do about it. Menstruation is a horrible time, and you just have to ride it out (and worry later).

Of course if I guy said that to me, while I was dealing with my period, I'd be a little meaner.

"Well, just don't eat it."

"Well, my boobs are big. Now don't think about sex."

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Sat, 05-12-2007 - 8:06pm

I can get a little testy during that time too.

In fact, with this... >"Well, my boobs are big. Now don't think about sex."...

... I'd have to add "... oh and by the way, you ain't getting any tonight either."

I hate this TOM. It's horrible. And I hate that I so little control over it.

Avatar for filiasan
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-29-2004
Sat, 05-12-2007 - 9:53pm
Positive thing about being single: you don't have to try to make "your guy" understand.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2006
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 6:15pm

1 suggestion, see if your ob/gyn/doc can put you on continuous hormonal contraception or a pill like Seasonale that only has 1 period every 3 months.

another comment, a hysterectomy won't help,but you know that, besides if you remove the uterus, you still have your ovaries, the source of the hormones...and if you remove those, you will be in menopause!!!

finally, I like the advice that says not to fight it...then I add, just exercise or work out more...I mean treat yourself to an extra day at aerobics, dancing, swimming or whatever physical activity you enjoy. you'll probably feel better on more than one level, ie burning the extra calories you ate, releasing positive endorphins from exercising, and so forth....better yet, have more sex, if that's an option.

good luck

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 10:55am
Try Bach Rescue Remedy. It's a wonderful calming supplement.


iVillage Member
Registered: 02-09-2007
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 4:48pm

"Does ANYONE have ANYTHING they can suggest? Like does anyone have it this bad and if so, what do you do?"

What I do is find someone I really can't stand and let loose with the venom...

Can we do that online? I already have a target!!