Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) Support Group
Premenstrual Stress Syndrome (PMS) is stress which is a physical symptom prior to the onset of menstruation. PMS is exceedingly common, occurring in 75% of women of reproductive age during their lifetime, characterized by symptoms of mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as bloating and cramping.
Hey everyone. I have been lurking this site for quite sometime now.
I am currently someone who suffers from pms, though not officially diagnosed - I believe I have pmdd. It has been a really hard struggle, each cycle I face - I dread the day it starts. My boyfriend and I have had countless arguements with much hostility and aggression on my part over the last seven years. I have recently correlated it with PMDD/PMS.
Lately I have been feeling as if I have taken control of the symptoms. My symptoms are quite bad, mostly to do with my behavior and mood. I often get hostile for no reason, have a very short temper and can become very aggressive. Even the smallest thing can get me raging. I crave salts and overeat often. My symptoms usually begin 14 days before my actual period.
I have found this site to be quite helpful, but there does not seem to be too many people finding things that have worked well. I just wanted to share what I have been doing for the past 2 months that have seemed to help.
1. Quit Smoking 4 months ago. Currently using nicotine inhaler.
2. Quit drinking coffee 4 months ago.
3. I have tried pms pellets that contain black cohosh from the herbal section of Planet Organic Market. That did not work for me.
4. Yoga. Last month I tried 2 hatha yoga classes. It seemed to help clear my mind during the 14 days pre bleeding.
5. Calcium & Vitamin B Supplements daily for the last 3 months.
6. Read the book "The PMDD Phenomenon" by Diana Dell. This book is excellent. It goes through the different theories and research around everything PMDD - including serotonin hypothesis, anti-depressants, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, cognitive behavioral therapies etc. etc. This book is a great place to start if you don't know what to do. It even has a short chapter at the end for your partner to read so they can better understand what you are going through. Many of the ingredients to the tea I describe below are covered in this book. Overall, this book was a very objective view and is especially great for someone considering anti-depressants to cure pmdd as it covers all the types of medications.
http://www.amazon.ca/PMDD-Phenomenon-Diana-L-Dell/dp/0071400753/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/701-5641143-5438709?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193554326&sr=8-1
7. PMS Tea. I have tried the diuretic type - but that did not work.
What does REALLY WORK for me is PMS tea from "Seelect Tea". I find drinking 3 cups at least every day starting 14 days before my period, it has helped immensely. I cannot stress enough that this tea has honestly been my savior. I have been drinking it quite diligently through the last 2 months and it has helped so much. It not been an all end all cure, but I sure notice the difference from when I wake up in a rage -- to the calming effects I feel after 3 cups. I use 1 tea bag each day - reusing the bag for 3 cups/day. I know my boyfriend has noticed quite the difference when I am drinking the tea. He keeps me in check to ensure I am drinking the tea all day long.
http://www.seelecttea.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=10&products_id=131
I hope this helps some women out there somewhat. I know I look forward to hearing what has worked for other women out there. Once you start feeling better about PMS you don't think about coming back here to share what has worked. Please if anyone is out there, we all need some support!
I am currently someone who suffers from pms, though not officially diagnosed - I believe I have pmdd. It has been a really hard struggle, each cycle I face - I dread the day it starts. My boyfriend and I have had countless arguements with much hostility and aggression on my part over the last seven years. I have recently correlated it with PMDD/PMS.
Lately I have been feeling as if I have taken control of the symptoms. My symptoms are quite bad, mostly to do with my behavior and mood. I often get hostile for no reason, have a very short temper and can become very aggressive. Even the smallest thing can get me raging. I crave salts and overeat often. My symptoms usually begin 14 days before my actual period.
I have found this site to be quite helpful, but there does not seem to be too many people finding things that have worked well. I just wanted to share what I have been doing for the past 2 months that have seemed to help.
1. Quit Smoking 4 months ago. Currently using nicotine inhaler.
2. Quit drinking coffee 4 months ago.
3. I have tried pms pellets that contain black cohosh from the herbal section of Planet Organic Market. That did not work for me.
4. Yoga. Last month I tried 2 hatha yoga classes. It seemed to help clear my mind during the 14 days pre bleeding.
5. Calcium & Vitamin B Supplements daily for the last 3 months.
6. Read the book "The PMDD Phenomenon" by Diana Dell. This book is excellent. It goes through the different theories and research around everything PMDD - including serotonin hypothesis, anti-depressants, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, cognitive behavioral therapies etc. etc. This book is a great place to start if you don't know what to do. It even has a short chapter at the end for your partner to read so they can better understand what you are going through. Many of the ingredients to the tea I describe below are covered in this book. Overall, this book was a very objective view and is especially great for someone considering anti-depressants to cure pmdd as it covers all the types of medications.
http://www.amazon.ca/PMDD-Phenomenon-Diana-L-Dell/dp/0071400753/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/701-5641143-5438709?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193554326&sr=8-1
7. PMS Tea. I have tried the diuretic type - but that did not work.
What does REALLY WORK for me is PMS tea from "Seelect Tea". I find drinking 3 cups at least every day starting 14 days before my period, it has helped immensely. I cannot stress enough that this tea has honestly been my savior. I have been drinking it quite diligently through the last 2 months and it has helped so much. It not been an all end all cure, but I sure notice the difference from when I wake up in a rage -- to the calming effects I feel after 3 cups. I use 1 tea bag each day - reusing the bag for 3 cups/day. I know my boyfriend has noticed quite the difference when I am drinking the tea. He keeps me in check to ensure I am drinking the tea all day long.
http://www.seelecttea.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=10&products_id=131
I hope this helps some women out there somewhat. I know I look forward to hearing what has worked for other women out there. Once you start feeling better about PMS you don't think about coming back here to share what has worked. Please if anyone is out there, we all need some support!
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
I also have a slow thyroid, so that does contribute to some of my moodiness too.. for that I use iodine... put a patch of iodine on the inside of my upper thigh every night. I dont know if it is working or not, but I am plugging along with it anway.
thanks again--its nice to know your not alone.
Lisa