Horrible PMS with bloated belly and cramps. Is there anything that can help?

[Anonymous]

I've always suffered terrible PMS symptoms. But lately they got even worse, to the point that I cannot be around my husband, do my work and everyday activities. My stomach is huge that I cannot fit into my clothes, my mood is constantly bad and I feel cramps like my period has already started. Aside from the painkillers, what else can I take to survive this horrible time (usually lasts for a week)? Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Hormonal birth control will help with all of that. I don't know where you are in life, that is, are you done having kids? If you are done you might talk to your doctor about ablation. I don't know if it would help with the mood because you would still have the hormones, but you wouldn't have the cramps because you no longer build up a uterine lining.

[Anonymous]

OP. I am still TTC, so cannot go on birth control or ablation.

[Anonymous]

acupuncture helped me a lot. i have greatly reduced mood issues, breast tenderness, and cramps. my flow is also lighter and more even (i.e., fewer clots).

no BFP yet but acupuncture is worth it for me just to manage the PMS!

[Anonymous]

I am 37 years old and have been experiencing the same symptoms for years. It's awful! My stomach gets severely bloated to the point where I look like I am 6 months pregnant. It's so awful! It is like this for 10 days prior to my period. I only feel better 2 weeks after my period and then it starts all over again. I wish I had the answers, but I do not. It's awful. I feel for you.

[Anonymous]

Acupuncture didn't help me get pregnant, but it did help with eliminating the cramps that I had. I assume you're already making dietary changes to alleviate bloating?

[Anonymous]

These are symptoms of the increased progesterone after ovulation. If it's suddenly gotten worse, it could be a sign that your hormones have changed in your cycle (though I'm assuming not a cause for concern).

Prune juice can make things move through your system faster which may reduce the gas/bloating.

[Anonymous]

red raspberry leaf tea changed my life. It's not that unpleasant and actually helps many women conceive. It balances the hormones. I am the least crunchy person out there, but this stop worked wonders for me. Begin drinking at least 2 cups a day starting with the first day of your menstrual period and continue through ovulation. Some women drink it the full cycle - in fact I think wisdom widwifery suggests that, but I stop at ovulation in case I got pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Acupuncture eliminated all of my PMS - I go every week and love how I feel! I'm not pregnant yet, but we are trying naturally and my temperature is also getting better according to my acupuncturist, so it feels like we're getting closer!

[Anonymous]

Trying a gluten free diet may help as well. I have eliminated all of my bloating by eating GF. Other symptoms have disappeared as well - irritability, fatigue, joint pains. The diet is not as hard as some people think.

[Anonymous]

Midol helps me. I remember taking it as a teen, and now at 32 yrs old I've found it again. Helps tremendously, if only for the diuretic to relieve the bloating.