When do you start feeling PMS?

[Anonymous]

I always start feeling PMS a week to 9 days before my period is due. Doctors think it's normal, but the way I feel is really disruptive to my life (excessive bloating, pain in the lower abdomen, mood swings, etc.). Does anyone experience the same early PMS?

I was told once I have a child (still TTC after 3+ years), PMS won't be as bad. Any personal experiences?

[Anonymous]

I have a similar pattern, which I personally also don't feel is normal. I have PMS about 7 days before and then it clears up right before my period starts-- actually I know i'm about to bleed when I feel euphoric for a couple hours and then normal again. I strongly think it's PMDD since it REALLY disrupts my life.

Hate to tell you this, but it got WAY worse after #1 was born...

[Anonymous]

Ugh, so no relief even after the birth of a child...

PP, so do you take any medications? I tried herbs, acupuncture, midol to no avail.

[Anonymous]

I don't take any meds, although I've been told there are anti-depressants that can help (that you can take all month or on certain days) and that Yasmin birth control is helpful here, too, in regulating hormones/swelling/psychological impact of PMS... although I'm guessing if you are on this forum you don't want BC.

Serious and strenuous exercise is always helpful. I also wonder if there are nutritional things you can do to help- I haven't tracked it but suspect no sugar/caffine/etc. might be of use to me.

[Anonymous]

I tried no caffeine/sugar/spicy foods diet and the only benefit I noticed is the weight loss. No change in PMS symptoms at all.

[Anonymous]

I cut out salt. Really cut it - no pretzels, no soup, nothing with the even the slightest amount of salt. I was on a fresh fruits/veggies diet mainly (since just about everything has salt). It's a real PITA to stick with it, but it really did help with the bloating/cramping. I tell myself it's just for a few days that I have to eat blah foods.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cut out salt. Really cut it - no pretzels, no soup, nothing with the even the slightest amount of salt. I was on a fresh fruits/veggies diet mainly (since just about everything has salt). It's a real PITA to stick with it, but it really did help with the bloating/cramping. I tell myself it's just for a few days that I have to eat blah foods.

So when exactly do you start the 'no salt' diet? Right after ovulation or a week before your period is due? I crave salt when I am PMSing, but willing to try cutting it out if it helps me reduce PMS symptoms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I cut out salt. Really cut it - no pretzels, no soup, nothing with the even the slightest amount of salt. I was on a fresh fruits/veggies diet mainly (since just about everything has salt). It's a real PITA to stick with it, but it really did help with the bloating/cramping. I tell myself it's just for a few days that I have to eat blah foods.

So when exactly do you start the 'no salt' diet? Right after ovulation or a week before your period is due? I crave salt when I am PMSing, but willing to try cutting it out if it helps me reduce PMS symptoms.

(The poster you quoted)
I know, it's so hard eliminating (or even cutting back) on salt when all I want to do is stuff my face with cheetos. For me, personally, it's about 5 days right before my period is due which is when I get major PMS discomfort. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I have the same thing - can I add wanting to remove my breasts from my body because they hurt so bad i have to keep them practically bandaged to my chest, oh and the ridiculous eating, oh and the spurts of crying and lashing out - awesome - and it definitely starts around 9 days before period. grrrrrrrrrrr

[Anonymous]

pp here forgot to add - it is the same or worse for me after having a child

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have the same thing - can I add wanting to remove my breasts from my body because they hurt so bad i have to keep them practically bandaged to my chest, oh and the ridiculous eating, oh and the spurts of crying and lashing out - awesome - and it definitely starts around 9 days before period. grrrrrrrrrrr

OP here. So sorry you feel this way and I can definitely relate in regards to lashing out. My husband and I constantly have fights during my PMS period. After almost 12 year of marriage he still hasn't learned that he would never win when I am PMSing.