Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    I know what you mean by our emotions splashing over other people,
    especially the ones we love the most.  I have a problem there, too.
    But lately I have been doing a lot of talking to myself...telling
    myself that this condition won't last and I will feel better soon.
    And to keep my big mouth shut and not to say things that I normally
    wouldn't say if not for PMS.  It helps a little.  But it is still
    difficult to deal with. 
    
    One other thing I do at this time of the month is to take Vitamin
    B complex.  That helps me with my irritability.   
    
    I am anxious to see other remedies that some of you have.
    
    Toodles,
    	-Dotti.

  I'll second the B vitamins!  My PMS symptoms are that
  I become extremely bloated, mildly cranky, and crave sugar,
  salt, chocolate, and sex.  The B vitamins relieve the
  water retention completely, and that seems to take care
  of everything else (except the cravings for chocolate and 
  sex!). I've read that B6 is what has the diuretic effect,
  though I haven't tried using just that.

  By the way, I also tend to go into a housecleaning
  frenzy, which leads my SO to ask if I'm "due" which reminds
  me to take the vitamins.  It's a pretty weird symptom,
  but at least my apartment gets cleaned once a month!
  

    I do the housecleaning thing, too, but have not run across many
    people who are familiar with that.  My doctor, who is very
    conscious and supportive, said that it surprised her because people
    often feel more *dysfunctional* at that point in their cycle.
    
    I can make myself clean at other times, but the kind of cleaning
    I do at that point in my cycle is inspired--it almost feels like
    it's "hardwired", and would be impossible to do anything else. 
    At other times I have to *think* about cleaning, and how to do it,
    and where to put things, but when it is PMS related it is totally
    intuitive and easy.  I don't understand it.  (This is the one symptom 
    I would *not* trade!)
                                                        
    When I have had other urgent conflicts (like studying for a final)
    it has been very distressful to me not to be able to clean.  It
    feels like I could do anything else if only I could clean first.
    
    I also crave sugar and heavy carbohydrates (pasta!).
    
    

    I am truly amazed!  I thought that I was the only one who went into
    a housecleaning frenzy and that I was just odd.  BTW, I've always
    thought the housecleaning frenzy was a sort of "nesting instinct"
    - you know, like animals do sometimes just before they deliver babies.
    A lot of animals including several hamsters we have owned do this.
    
    Now a question - because it's something that I've never totally
    understood - when exactly is PMS supposed to happen?  Before, during
    or after that time of the month?
    
    Sally
    

 > ... when exactly is PMS supposed to happen?  Before, during
 >   or after that time of the month?
    
    Before....PMS stands for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.

    My water retention problems are for the entire week before
    my period starts, so that's what I consider prime PMS
    time.  

    I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago, and I still get PMS.  It sure
    surprized me!  The Doc says its entirely possible to continue  
    having PMS into menopause.  I take a vitimin complex containing
    Lecitin, applecider viniger, kelp, and B6.  This complex is one
    of the best diuretic (sp) that I have ever taken and cause no  
    depletion of potasium that other over and under the counter diuretics
    can cause.  BTW, depletion of potasium is a critical problem that
    can result in hospitalization.
    
    vivian
    

    I would have responded to this note earlier, but I'm due in a week
    and feeling just awful!!!  :^)
    
    I've used the B complex vitamins and they help, but they upset my
    stomach.  My gyn recommended a high protein/low carbo diet for the
    two weeks before my period, and that seems to help a lot, too. If
    you regulate the carbo intake before the cravings start, they aren't
    nearly as bad.  (But be careful...this kind of diet takes adjusting
    to and I always feel tired for a couple of days when I start --
    always best to talk to your doctor first!) 
    
    I also go into a cleaning frenzy -- but at the moment I start my
    period!  I wouldn't trade it, either!!  At that moment, I also feel
    like a black cloud is lifting.
    
    About a year ago, David Letterman had his first "film festival"
    and one of the films was by Andrea Martin and another woman from SCTV
    (can't remember her name, but she's blonde) and they were two women
    producing a show under the influence of PMS.  It was hysterical
    -- and accurate in their portrayal!!!  Anyone else see it?
    
    SM  (Feeling a little "bloated" today!)
    
    

I've heard that the best way to deal with water retention is to *drink lots of
water*.  This is a big problem for dieters, too.  Water also does a lot of
other good things for you, so it doesn't hurt to try it.

I think my major symptom of PMS is the moodiness; it's prime-cry time for me.
I start thinking of all the bad things in my life (which is really only my
job now) and making them seem like the end of the world, although I'm really
very happy now.

By the way, isn't the "S" in PMS for "stress", not "syndrome"?

Jill

    Re: -1
    
    The "S" is for Syndrome.
    
    By the way,  I've heard that the "technical reason" this syndrome 
    happens is that the water being retained swells a portion of the
    brain, thus the "moodiness".
    
    S
    

    I wish I had a "cleaning fit" my house could use it. Instead I get
    migrains. The dr. has started me on some anti-depressant medication
    in a very low dose and I have not had a period migrain since. Now
    if I could do this without the pills it would be great. BTW, the
    dr. tells me migrains around the time of your period are very common.
    If you have this problem see a dr. - mine is female BTW and whether
    it's true or not I feel she understands better than a man would.
    While I'm not fond of the pills it sure beets the headaches. Liesl

    Of course I meant "BEATS". Liesl

Oh, what the h*ll... I'll throw in my two cents as well....

Does anyone else but me become a threat to their own safety?  The day I start
I become an accident looking for a place to happen!!  I have cracked my
head, sprained my ankle, jammed my fingers, and bruised my coccyx (sp?) on
my first day!!!!  It's gotten to the point where I'm afraid to leave the
house??!  I've never done anyone else bodily injury, but is that next?

Oh, Liesl... I sympathize with the migraine, althou' mine are BCP-induced...
and they don't really qualify as migraine, I don't think.  Just bad
headache  My doctor gives me an Rx for something called Esgic, which
takes care of mine with just 1 pill!! It doesn't make me sleepy or dopey
(could you tell :*)) and I usually only take 1 a month.... but it cuts
the headaches guaranteed every month.  My Dr. says they're a common side
effect of the BCP's.

I've never had serious PMS symptoms and I rank myself among the fortunate.
I sometimes cry more, sometimes get testier, and sometimes retain water,
but I don't have any symptoms that I can count on with any regularity.
I didn't start mine until I was nearly 17 years old and had killer cramps
until I turned 25.... and it's been relatively painless since then,
with only an occasional hard time....

Like now, with finals in my two night classes, which is why I'm on here
so late on a Saturday night -- programming projects due!!!

When I am feeling yucko (my first day) I consider myself very lucky to
have a hubster who is extremely sympathetic and comforting... even moreso,
tho', I enjoy the fact that he doesn't get weird on me when we discuss
the topic.... It's a nice change.  Most guys I used to know didn't want
to acknowledge it ever REALLY happened, wouldn't have sex during it,
and HEAVEN FORBID I buy Tampons when they were with me...

My father was great.  He used to come home from work carrying a GIGANTIC
box of Moddess feminine napkins under his arm, no bag!!!  You remember
those big bright pink boxes??  When I got old enough to understand
what was happening my mother offered that no one would DARE say a word
to my 6'5", 250 pound Dad!!! Hee hee... he could be so cool when he
wanted!

Bugs

    Well, I think I have PMS....can someone please define the
    symptoms for me?  Is it when you feel like you are in a 
    dark hole and there is no way out?  Do you feel the entire
    earth is resting on your shoulders?  Do you want to go home
    and beat your kid and kill your SO?  Do you nitpick and start
    fights over nonsense?  If so, I think I can say yes.
    
    By the way, my periods are so perfectly timed, that they almost
    inevitably fall during the full moon.  Double whammy!!  I often
    think that I should be locked in the closet for a week.  
    

    Re: -.1
    
    I feel exactly the way you describe at times, except I'm not female
    and it sure can't be PMS, and it is not that regular (every few
    weeks, however.) This is not a joke, and I am not trying to be cute.
                                                     
    I think that PMS certainly exists, but many of these feelings are
    the result of being HUMAN - not male or female. Some people just
    have moody ups and downs, and I sure am one of them.
                                                        
    Maybe the mood cycles are more regular in women. But if anyone, male
    or female, has any ideas on how they cope with this, I definitely
    would like to hear about it.
    
    Bruce

    Re: .14
    
    Since I HATE to think of myself as a "victim" (meaning that I was
    not completely in control) I didn't want to admit that my moodiness
    was caused by PMS.  What finally convinced me was that when I finally
    got my period, I could feel the SUDDEN snap back to my usual
    good-natured self.  Some people may not feel the change quite so
    drastically, but it convinced me, and now I *can* do something about
    it!
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Sheila
    
    

    re: .14
    
    You have said EXACTLY, how I feel.  And the full moon bit, me too.
    As I said in an earlier note, B-Complex helps.  And cutting down
    on salt intake, even though I crave it more at this time.
                                                        
    Also, I try to ignore it!
    
    
    

    I think one thing that helped a lot of PMS sufferers was the
    discovery that there is a valid biological cause for the condition.
    That it's not "all in your head" or "because of incomplete acceptance
    of your feminity" or "[insert other pseudo reason here]".
    When doctors and health professionals were able to understand
    the causes of the symptoms (excess protaglandins for one) they
    were finally able to come up with some reasonable suggestions for
    dealing with them.
    
    Historical foot note: Lydia Pinkams remedy was a 19th and early
    twentieth century specific for "female complaint" (i.e. cramps)
    .....what was it primarily made of?

    Re: -1
    
    Calcium???
    

    NO! :-)

    Stronger than calcium?  How about brandy?  ;-) 
    Maybe it was potassium......am I close?
    
    bs
    

    brandy was closest - 200 proof alchohol with a little flavoring!
    
    (hi bobbi)

    Amazing - makes me wonder about alcoholism in women. 
    
    Angeline

    
    I just get even more sensitive than I normally am.  Comments that
    I might normally laugh over or ignore I take right to heart and
    feel hurt and wronged and that 95% of the human race is made up
    of mean, spiteful monsters.  I don't lash out at others.  I just
    feel hurt.  Just being able to realize that these feelings are
    connected with PMS helps me to control them.  I realize that this
    has been happening since high school, but didn't connect it for
    years.
    
    Unfortunately, PMS never makes me feel like doing anything domestic.
     Neither does anything else.
    
    Lorna
    

    re .27
    The main thing that makes me feel domestic is having my mother-in-law
    or parents come to visit. 
    Although I had experienced the clean like a maniac condition but
    had never associated it with the time of the month.
    interesting...
    Bonnie

    One thing we really haven't gone into in any depth is the irratibility
    side of PMS. I know I used to get mad a lot easier "at that time
    of the month". (I remember my son asking me if I were about to get
    my period when he was in grade school!) Little irritations seem
    bigger, and unintentional remarks appear vicious, and we remember
    and exagerate all of our so's flaws. As Lorna put it the world
    seems populated by monsters. I know I no longer do this, and don't
    really remember when I stopped. I suspect that it has mostly been
    due to growing older and putting things in perspective more, (and
    probably due to changes in my body chemistry after 40, sigh). What 
    methods do other women use to stop yourself from getting unreasonably 
    upset? and how would you advise a man who see's his so/co-viviante 
    turning into a shrew each month?

    Bonnie

    Re .29
    
    I come right out and tell my SO "my period is due in the next five
    days, and I'm extra sensitive right now.  Please excuse me if I
    fly off the handle, and I'd appreciate your being a little more
    gentle with me."  I realize that's a lot to request, but he understands
    that my bitchiness and taking everything *so seriously* has a physical
    cause, so he really does try.  (He's a smoker, and its the same
    thing as my keeping quiet when he snaps at me during a nicotine
    fit -- except I don't have a choice about my symptoms).  I also
    consciously withdraw from a lot of social contact that I find
    irritating.  
    
    BTW, I do feel that relief when my period finally starts -- no more
    emotional symptoms, though I'm fatigued because of heavy cramps
    for about 24 hours.
    
    Gloria

    Yeah, I tell my husband too please bear with me because I am going
    to have my period and he does of course now he comes down with the
    symptoms himself.  He gets cramps before I do and breaks out and
    then he realizes I'm due.....he tells me he can hardly wait to feel
    the labor pains! 
    
    I do get crabby but there isn't anything to do to stop it except
    not to get involve in any social contact - meaning stay away from
    controversial subjects, people etc. because I might say something
    that I don't mean.  It's tough though.
    
    bs
    
    (Hi Bonnie)
    
    

    I am a victim of downwardly spiralling thoughts.  It starts off
    with one slightly negative thought, followed by another one.  In
    about 1 hour, less if I am bored, I can work myself into a complete
    state of depression.
    
    I am usually very optimistic, and don't look too hard at the dark
    sides of things.  When I am in  a pre-cursory state (my SO's joke)
    it feels like all those dark sides of things take over my mind.
    It feels like I am seeing the REAL truth, the dark side, and I 
    might as well cash in my chips.  
    
    "I'm bored at work today" can evolve into:
                             
    They don't give me any challenging projects
    I guess they don't trust me
    They probably think I'm a jerk
    They're probably right
    They want to see me fail
    
    In my last job this happened too
    They wouldn't do this to a man
    They're talking about me
    I can't possibly get ahead here in this group
    I must be a loser
    
    My SO must think so too
    My friends probably think so
    I am a loser
    I don't have a right to take up space in the world
    Anybody except me could have handled all this much better
    
    ...etc..ad nauseum
    
    And if I start to do this, and check the calendar, I see the
    correlation.  I would never experience this kind of thought pattern
    at other times of the month.  Being bored at work would be being
    bored at work, with no hidden meanings.  If I didn't like the
    situation, I would start thinking about how I would change it, and
    not feel like a victim.
    
    By the way, I understand that Michelle Harrison has written a very
    good book on PMS.  She also has a practice in Cambridge, Mass. devoted
    to PMS.  A friend of mine recommends her highly.
    

    Has anyone read anything written by Penny Wise Budoff, M.D.?
    My doctor recommended I read, "No More Hot Flashes and other Good
    News", one of her books.  So far I haven't read it.   Any feedback?
    
    And re:  .32 - Holly I too, spiral downward.  Sometimes I can ignore
    it and sometimes, WOW, it just carries me off to la la land.  That's
    when I stay home alone, away from everyone until it passes.  Thank
    gawd it always does -- at least until next month.
                                 
    

    
    
     This is great! My wife just started working at DEC so she hasn't
    had a chnace to explore this note. But she will soon! 
    I go home and tell her all the things that are covered here!
    
    When I first met my wife and we were living together I noticed a
    change during certain days of the month (my first wife was rotten
    all the time ha ha). No I really love this woman and boy some times!!!
    
    Being the observant type of male that I am I told her that it m
    must be your "Friend"! Of course this was said right at the height.
    Will I ever learn?  But as time went by and after all was over we
    started discussing this. 
    I brought her information on this new thing called PMS and sure
    enough she agreed that something was going on.
    
    When she had to take the pill it usually came up when she had 5
    pills left. Some months were worse than others. I really started
    to walk on eggs.
    Now she doesn't take the pill any more, My turn, and I can't count
    the pills, butr this note really helps!!!
    Especially the cleaning part. Now this is a new one to us, but it's
    the truth.
    When I told my wife about the cleaning part she was amazed. But
    couldn't agree more.
    Sorry for rambling on but you know I do love women, all women, and
    thought I did know quite a bit.
    This helps to reinforce what I know and sure adds a lot more!
    
    Thanks mucho!
    Cal
      

	Do the previous replies stating the physical basis for PMS and
	the resultant emotional, sometimes irrational, behavior give
	credence to Freud's statement:

		'Biology is Destiny'

David
	

    re .36
    
    David, I can't agree with Freud that "biology is destiny".  After
    all, when I do have difficulty in relating to people because I have
    a physically caused emotional symptom, I try to control it, and
    to function as "normally" as possible.  
    
    And there's a Catch-22 regarding PMS -- the "world" (sorry for the
    generalization but this is my perception and experience) expects that I
    will continue to function normally, despite severe mood swings and
    physical symptoms that would make my SO drop moaning on the couch.  If
    I slow down or complain outright, I feel *guilty*, of all stupid
    things, because after all "it's just my normal physiology".  And
    I also feel I've betrayed my sisters by giving in to the "raging
    hormones".
    
    This is really a can of worms; didn't some women in the U.K. get
    suspended sentences or something with a plea of "diminished capacity"
    due to PMS?  Does this imply that women as a gender have a time
    every month when they do not function at full capacity?  Or do most
    women (myself included) put *extra effort* into everything in order
    to function well at these times?
    
    Does anyone know of studies done to find out if men have cyclical
    hormonal imbalances, like those which cause PMS?
    
    GLORIA
    
    
    

    Since several people brought up migraines, I'd like to encourage
    anyone with migraines to try preventive methods rather than medication.
    
    Biofeedback is being considered, more and more, a mainstream treatment
    for migraines. I'm here to tell you that it works -- I've only had a
    couple of them in the four years since I was in therapy. Find a
    therapist who can help you learn both the specific technique
    (basically, you learn to increase the temperature of your hands) and
    some general methods of relaxation. 
    
    Also, migraines can be a reaction to certain foods. I forget which
    ones. Look for books on headaches in your public library, and
    you should be able to find this information.
    
    This doesn't mean migraines are not a symptom of PMS -- mine were
    definitely tied to my cycle. There are several things that contribute
    to migraines, and menstruation may be the one extra thing that triggers
    them. Actually, in some women migraines occur during the period, and in
    others they occur halfway between periods. When you find a method of
    controlling migraines that works for you, you just have to be
    extra-careful to use that method during the time(s) of the month that
    you're prone to them. 

	    					Val

    It's interesting you mention bio-feedback for migraines. I had heard
    about using it to increase the temprature in your hands to decrease
    blood flow to the head and ease the pain. I mentioned this to my
    dr. and she pretty much ignored me and gave me the pills. I have
    another appointment this week and will press the issue of bio-feedback
    more strongly. I'm afraid not to take the pills cause the headaches
    are so bad but I hate the idea of taking pills forever. 
    
    On the subject of women being incapacitated part of each month...
    we must be pretty strong to suffer so and still keep going :-). Why
    is a normal body process causing us so much stress and pain? It
    seems like we must be doing something to encourage it beyond normal
    means. Diet could be a cause, my dr. says CHOCOLATE is one cause.
    I will die before I can give up chocolate!!!!!!! Liesl

Gloria Steinem wrote a great article a few years ago (1981 maybe) in Ms.
magazine called "If Men Could Menstruate."  She pointed out that if men had
a monthly cycle it would probably be considered a biological fact that made
them superior rather than "unreliable or moody." 

Women would be inferior because they weren't governed by the moon.  It 
would lead to creativity and brilliance rather than mood swings.  Women 
would be considered incapable of grasping physics and mathematics because 
they didn't have this rhythm of the universe inside of them.

Basically the monthly malady would be exalted rather than denied, 
belittled, or seen as temporary insanity.

Boy, Gloria! You hit on something I've been arguing with myself for
YEARS over!!!  Do you simply accept the diminished capacity (depending
on what that means for you) or do you fight to maintain a normalcy,
thereby DENYING what is happening to you?

I'm 33 years old and I've stopped fighting.  If I have a REAL bad time
I sleep late in the morning, curl up on my nice waterbed with a cup
of tea, and send my supervisor a message telling him I've elected not
to try killing myself today (see my previous note on self-annihilation
during my period in this topic).  I down a few Tylenol to help the cramps,
if I feel motivated I do something around the house, but I don't try to
perform when my body is out to get me!

I don't like playing the role of martyr, which I did for so many years!!
I will no longer ignore all that is happening to my body BECAUSE it
only happens to women, BECAUSE it happens every 28 days, or BECAUSE I
can't control it!!

It happens! If it makes me feel lousy, I don't push myself as far....

*unless* I have to (project due, previous commitment, etc.) and then
I try to function as normally as possible.

So I guess I don't have it all worked out yet....

But I've stopped feeling guilty for taking it easier when I feel lousy!
And that was a big step for me.  

Karen

    re 41: That essay is part of a paperback of essays, etc. by Gloria
    called something like "blah blah blah and Every Day Rebellions".
    It can be had at bookstores ranging from New Words to Wordsworths.
    	Mez

Re: .41

     
     .  I fully appreciate what an annoyance PMS must be but try to look 
	at it this way. 
	
	PMS is a sure sign that you posess the most awesome and, if you will
	excuse me for getting spiritual, the most sacred ability in the
	world - the ability to create life ! 

	It never dawned on me until I took part in the birth of our two 
	children. The idea that one moment my wife could be just like me 
	but with a big belly and the next to witness the emergenst of a
	feeling,thinking (however primitive at that point), and loving
	human being from her absolutely blew my mind. 

	Given that menstruation and PMS can sometimes be a pain, a good 
	case could be made for reveling in it.

David	

    
    
    	RE: .44 
    
    		True, as long as the woman *has* the capabilities 
    	to bear children.  However, there are many who suffer PMS
    	who do not have that ability! 
    
    		Myra
    

    I've had migraines for many years now (and I'm only 28). Three years
    ago, I got involved with the Mind/Body program at Beth Israel Hospital
    in Boston. They have a 10 week program with monthly updates. The
    purpose is to give patients a toolkit for dealing with stress. We
    focused on yoga and meditation (which I still practice), but the
    program included lots of stress reduction exercises, readings from
    books, learning to deal with anger, and so on. The whole Mind/Body
    program has had a sometimes-subtle but profound effect on my ability
    to cope, and my migraines have diminished significantly (from a
    few a week to less than one a month). I'm quite relieved that there
    are non-pharmaceutical alternatives for dealing with these monsters!
    
    Liz

    Re: .44
    
    >PMS is a sure sign that you posess the most awesome and, if you will
    >excuse me for getting spiritual, the most sacred ability in the
    >world - the ability to create life ! 
    
    Somehow, that just doesn't make me feel better.
    
    It takes at least two to create life (more if you bring in the
    scientists).  Carrying it around for nine months is no party; giving
    birth is a long and unimaginably painful process (if it's more painful
    than cramps, I have no desire to experience it).  And what if you
    don't use this ability?  You still pay the price.
    
    Just because I appreciate the intended results of the situation
    doesn't mean I have to appreciate any of the steps along the way.

    Regarding migranes......I had migranes since I was 13.  About 3
    years ago, my doctor prescribed inderal (high blood pressure 
    medication) I took them for about 3 months and haven't had a 
    migrane since. The hardest part was getting the dosage correct 
    but after that stabalized, it was marvelous.  To this day I still
    am thrilled with the prospect of waking up in the morning without
    dreading the monthly migrane.  (I don't know how many of you out
    there have had a hysterectomy, but the truth is that you still go
    through monthly cycles, get the *bloats*, migranes and PMS.)  I
    was sure surprized to find out!!!!  
    
    Vivian

    
    Re .44, really, the "awesome, power to create life" is not something
    we are all thrilled to possess.  I am thrilled with my 12 1/2 yr
    old daughter but would be quite dismayed to create any more life
    at this point, so it's no consolation for PMS to say nothing about
    having horrible cramps for 3 days out of every month and helping
    to keep Tylenol in business!
    
    Lorna
    

    
    Re .40, I regard the fact that something as normal as menstrual
    periods and giving birth are so difficult and painful as proof that
    the universe and life happened by some haphazard, crazy chance,
    and humans came about by imperfect evolution!!!  I figure if there
    was a God/Goddess somewhere with a perfect plan for the universe
    and everything had a meaning, that the reproduction details would
    have been worked out far better than they have been!
    
    Lorna
    

    re: .37
     Yes, some studies have been done which indicat that men go through
    hormonal cycles.  Unfortunately, they ar few and far between.  Also,
    men probably don't recognize any cyclical patterns either because
    they aren't as pronounce, not cuturally acceptable (ie. expressing
    emotions) or there isn't any overt physiological change.  I'm not
    sure which but I'd be willing to bet that it is some combination
    with all three.  Any boy going through puberty can tell you that
    he breaks out in zits on a regular basis which is probably a response
    to "raging hormones."
    
    I think that it is interesting to note that men and women are receptive
    to each other's hormonal cycles.  A couple of replies have made
    reference to that and some recent studies have documented same said.
     On that score, I know that I experienced "morning sickness" even
    across town.

    I've heard it said that when a woman gets PMS, it's no big deal
    - she just acts the same way that a man does every day :-)

    (For those of you who think there's not enough humor in this file.)
    
    	-Ellen

    I read all the notes on PMS and have not found "one" that tells
    me exactly what I can do to relieve these awful symptoms.  Do we
    woman just accept the fact that we have PMS and that's it?  Is
    there anyone out there that has gone to a Doctor and been prescribed
    medication, diets, etc. that will solve this problem?
    
    I'd like to find a cure for the PMS that woman are suffering with!
    
    

For crampiness, ibuprofen is what works for me.  It's what's being sold
over-the-counter as Advil, and various other brand names.  The CVS house
brand is by far cheapest, almost half the price of the name brands.  The 
over-the-counter dosage is 200 mg.  Motrin is a 400 mg. dose of ibuprofen
for which a presription is needed.  I just take double.  While aspirin
doesn't bother my stomach, I find ibuprofen very often will.  I just try
to take it with food.  It seems to be pretty slow acting, too -- if I'm
already suffering, it takes about an hour before I feel relief.

CQ

        By the way, regarding Ibuprofen products and the cost thereof...
        Consumer Reports recently revealed that, unlike for most
        other drugs, there are no objective performance criteria
        for Ibuprofen.
        
        The first over-the-counter Ibuprofen products were Advil
        and another (starts with "I", but it won't come out of my
        fingers because I want to say "Ibuprofen").  Anyway, apparently
        each new brand must be tested against one of these two...
        and cannot be sold unless it proves at least as effective.
        
        Therefore, even aside from the fact that the ingredients
        are identical, the cheapest Ibuprofen is guaranteed to be
        at least as effective as the big name-brands.
        
        	/dave

re .56

I believe Advil's first competitor was Nuprin (or the other way around.)

rule of thumb:  if you think it begins with "x", chances are it doesn't.  :-)

(forgive me if I'm wrong and there was another)

Jill

    re: Caffeine
    
    I thought it was in Midol (don't have a bottle here to check). I
    remember hearing/seeing Midol was basically aspirin, caffeine, and
    a surprise something-else. If caffeine increases cramps, why'd they
    put it in?
    	Mez

    Caffeine helps *reduce* my cramps.  My antidote: a cup of strong
    black tea with two aspirin.
    	-Ellen

    Caffeine is well known to increase anodyne potency.  Many people
    take anacin with a cup of coffee.

    Dr. Judith Wurtemann at MIT is conducting a study on PMS.  She is
    looking for participants in the study.  You can contact her nurse
    Ronnie at 253-3087.
    
    Dr. Wurtemann is famous for her study on the effects of carbohydrate
    on diet and weight gain.  Apparently there is a relationship between
    craving carbohydrate and PMS.  If I have intrepreted it correctly
    the lack of a chemical called Serotin in the brain might be responsible
    for both conditions.
    
    If you have any questions, contact me by mail (I am on vacation
    next week).
    
    

    I just discovered this file, and THANK GOD there was a note on PMS!
    I am currently suffering my "week before my period" symptoms--at
    work, I feel I hate everybody, and wish everyone would just leave
    me alone.  I have always fought what they now call PMS, because
    I thought I was a wimp if I didn't.  Now that I know what it is,
    I try hard to take the precautions that I've read.  I walk daily
    for 45 minutes, I try not to have sugar, caffiene, or salt, and
    I take 50mg of B6 3 times a day.  Finally GETTING my period, with
    the cramps, and heavy flow is actually a relief to me--at least
    it's not the moodiness!
    
    I have a question--knowing this about yourself, and depending on
    the day, how do you handle work?  I can tell my boyfriend that I
    am suffering, and he understands and is helpful.  It's when I get
    to work that I have problems.  I literally feel as tho I have ground
    glass under my skin--everything and everyone irritates me.  It's
    very hard to act "normally".  My most overriding emotion is anger.
    At what, I'm not sure, but I have to constantly hold it in check
    so that I can get thru the day.  I feel like I'm holding on to a
    tiger (by the tail) until this passes.
    
    Any help??
    
    Jane

        It may sound strange for me to respond to a question on how
        you cope with PMS at work, but... 
        
        Although I've never suffered with the problems that some women
        experience monthly, I do have a similar problem. My thyroid
        doesn't work properly and I have to take artificial hormones
        daily. Occasionally I miss them and my hormonal system revolts
        on me. I get really edgy, easily offended, and flame far too
        readily. What hurts most is that I almost NEVER realize what's
        going on until the evening when I find the pill still in its
        case. All of a sudden I realize why I felt so terrible, and feel
        like an idiot for not realizing it while it was going on. 
        
        After several years of this, I have finally come up with a way
        to recognize it. If I find myself craving a Coke as if I'm going
        through caffein withdrawl, there's a very strong chance I missed
        my pill. At times I call my wife and have her check. This
        symptom doesn't work all the time, especially if I've been
        drinking more Coke than usual and actually am getting hooked on
        it. 
        
        Having gotten to the point where I know why it's happening and
        that I'm only in partial control, I've come to a better control
        of it. I take especial care to keep a check on myself, to be
        restrained, and to question my anger and nervousness. I listen
        as much as possible to my most soothing CDs. (God bless the
        inventer of the portable CD player!) I go for walks rather than
        sit and stew. In short, I try every method of stress control and
        stress relief I can think of or master. It helps and I get
        better at it over time. 
        
        An advantage I have is that my problem is not very common and
        there are few stereotypes about it. This means that when I do
        blow off the handle, I can go to the victim the next day and
        say, "I feel like a fool. I screwed up my medicine and it left
        me semi-human. Regardless, I shouldn't have yelled at you I'm
        sorry." and they don't just write me off as having been "on the
        rag" (you should excuse the expression--I find it distasteful,
        but I fear you will still get this sort of reaction from some
        people today).
        
        I have found that so long as I don't use it as an excuse to be
        ill-mannered and am genuinely trying my level best, people are
        fairly understanding. It has also helped me to be more
        understanding about the hormonal storms that women can
        experience but which I can't experience at first hand.
        
        Hang in there. Manage your stress as well as you can and when
        you can't, own up to having been out of line regardless of the
        extenuating circumstances. Most of us will be supportive and as
        understanding as we can. After all, we each have our bad moments
        and some of us haven't even a clear excuse for it. Take it easy
        on yourself, and we'll all muddle through. 
        
        If you come up with any tricks of self control self-awareness,
        or stress relief, please post them here. Those of us who
        experience similar things will be very grateful. 
        
        JimB.

    Try thyroid symptoms AND PMS at the same time...
    
    <See friends!  See friends run!  >  Aargh...and it wreaks havoc
    with so's as well.

        No, thank you. The one is just sufficient.
        
        JimB.

    re .65 + .67
    
    Yeah, I'd rather be doubled over with cramps and approaching anemia
    than put up with that horrible mysterious anger that comes before.
    Because I am only now approaching a regular cycle (it seems that
    at 24 I am finally leaving pubescence.  When do we stop getting
    acne, ma?), it has only been in the last few months that I noticed
    the bad week always came right before my period.  Now, when I start
    flying off the handle, I know why.
    
    Understanding why it happens is one thing, but how to explain to
    people at work that it might be a good idea to let me work without
    interruption in the lab as I am feeling particularly unhuman at
    the time?  Right now I just laugh (sort of) and say, look, my horomones
    are being bad so I'm sorry if I snap at you, but ...
    
    The problem is that "men" have traditionally used "women's things"
    (periods + period-related moodiness, pregnancy) as an excuse to
    keep us out of critical positions, the old "what if she's got her
    period and has to make a decision, she wont be thinking straight..."
    
    *We* know pretty much how much of our thinking and feeling is affected
    by our horomone cycles (I think just fine, just tend to fly off
    the handle easier at an already angering situation if I have PMS
    when the crisis occurs) and giving "them" the opportunity to affirm
    the stupid beleif that biology is why women can't handle positions
    of authority... that is just helping the bad guys suppress us more.
    
    Ex: a friend of mine was once told that while she had definite
    management potential (and this was something she really wanted)
    but that it would be a long time coming, as she was too moody and
    unstable.  Her moodiness was PMS-related and not terribly extreme,
    she just apologized for it too much.
    
    Lee

re .65

>    I try hard to take the precautions that I've read.  I walk daily
>   for 45 minutes, I try not to have sugar, caffiene, or salt, and
>    I take 50mg of B6 3 times a day. 

    I've also   found   taking  large  quantities  of  potassium  gluconate
    supplement  works  wonders  -  read  Maggie Lettvin's "Maggie's Women's
    Book"  which  discusses  this  in detail. The potassium helps your body
    process  the  fluids, so one is less bloated and less constipated. (The
    body   dumps  potassium  right  before  the  period  and  taking  large
    quantities  helps  restore  the  balance.) She discusses the balance of
    other  minerals needed by the body too. Calcium, by the way, helps with
    pain, both cramping and back pain.

    I've heard  from  several sources that it's not a good idea to take one
    vitamin B (ie B6) in isolation from the others, one should instead take
    a  complete  balanced  Vitamin B tablet (CVS carries their own brand in
    several  strengths).  Taking  just  one  B  creates a deficiency of the
    others.

    If your  period is predictable enough and you can start the supplements
    a  day  or so ahead of time, the physical and emotional stress seems to
    be less.

-Paula

    Back when I was heavy into vitamins & minerals I read that
    potassium defficiency was a major cause of muscle cramps.
    The previous reply re. body depletion of Potassium before
    menstruation may explain, in part, the cramping. Alcohol
    can cause Potassium defficiency, too. An excellent source is 
    grapefruit juice, but the taste won't help your mood any.
    Don't forget that diuretics can deplete potassium also.
    
    

    Hi!
    
    I'm getting towards the end of my wonderful week, and boy it certainly
    wasn't fun (again)!
    
    I seem to suffer all the stuff that has been discussed here!
    
    I always get into a cleaning frenzy, too.  I think it's because
    of the extreme nervous tension that I suffer from a few days before
    I start.  I'm usually a pretty calm, layed back person (no snickers,
    Rich!) - but sure enough - comes this time of month and...
    
    			  WHAM!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Hyper Manic Strikes (Again)!
    
    I also get very emotional - I HATE THAT!!!  I can just about disolve
    into tear for anything!  
    
    I've found that the best help for all this is my SO.  I need lots and
    lots of Hugs for the few days when I'm crazy.  He's so sweet and
    understanding!    
    
    I think that Rich (SO) is the only reason I don't go and hide in
    the bedroom, with no lights on, and the door locked for the duration!
    
    
    At work I feel like machine gunning everyone who looks at me.  But
    - I certainly try not to act like it!  I think the perfect way to
    describe how I feel about people, or any living creature during
    this time (except for Rich) is...
    
    		      TOUCH ME, AND YOU DIE!!!

       Its so good to here that I'm not the only one who "goes crazy"
    during this time.  Makes me feel a little better.
    
    I think.
    
    Sigh.
    
    Only a couple more days to go.
    
    
    Corinne.
    
    
                                          

    
    
    
    mail
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    sorry about .73, i was out of control !
    
    But i would like to ask a question, how long should/does pms last?
    during my pms, my moodiness lasts about 3 days.
    i have pms pretty bad too, sometimes i'd like to be locked away
    fromeveryone because i get tired of apologizing afterward.
    i also have another question about those of you who have called
    in sick, is this just for cramps or pms? i'd like not to be bothered
    during pms but my cramps are so bad i can pass out sometimes and
    i have the dry-heaves at times too. ive noticed the more stress
    i've been under the worse they are .i've also noticed that my worst
    cramps usually wake me up in the middle of the night.
    anywany, i'm right in the middle of my pms and i'm taking all the
    advice from the other notes (vitamins,exercise etc), but the moodiness
    is still with me. would it be worthwhile to see my gynocologist?
    i've asked about this before but they just pat me on the back and
    give me pain killers - i want a solution! The pain killers give
    me a hang over and don't help with all the symptoms.
    help?
    
    

A friend of mine suffered from the PMS symptoms of nervousness, irritability 
and insomnia for several years until she discovered the apparent cause and
cure.  

As it was explained to her, the hormonal changes that occur during 
the pre-menstrual period cause the kidneys to function inefficiently which
leads to an accumulation of water in the body.  The accumulation in the 
tissues surrounding the brain exerts a pressure on it which accounts for
the above-mentioned symptoms.  

The remedy for this condition is a salt-free diet and medication consisting 
of a drug designed to "stimulate" the kidneys.  This drug, sold here under the 
name of Hygroton-K, is taken in doses much smaller than usual in order not 
to disturb the normal kidney functioning, and in this manner is supposed to
"persuade" them to operate normally during the pre-menstrual period as well.
One should eventually be able to stop taking the drug, when the kidneys work
efficiently by themselves.  This is supposed to happen after a few months.

THERE IS A REAL DANGER IN MISUSING THE DRUG SINCE IT IS DESIGNED FOR TREATMENT
OF SERIOUS KIDNEY MALFUNCTION, AND APPARENTLY IT WILL CAUSE OTHERWISE HEALTHY
KIDNEYS TO STOP WORKING PROPERLY IF "NORMAL" DOSES OF IT ARE TAKEN.

After a couple of months of such treatment my friend reports a marked decrease
in the PMS symptoms, in particular the insomnia has all but disappeared.  It is
as yet too early to determine if she can stop taking the drug.

    When I get PMS, particularly recently, the one real symptom is that
    I cry at the drop of a hat.
    
    I have decided that next time I have access to a button-making machine,
    I am going to make me a button.  It will say:
    
    PMS Weenie
    Handle With Care
    
    and I may even wear it.
    
    (p.s.  I suppose PMS Victim is more medically correct, but I'm such
           a wimp by that point that "weenie" just about covers it)
    
    -Jody

RE: -2

Yes, it is water retension which causes pressure on the brain 
which causes irritability, headaches, accident-proneness, and a 
host of other unpleasant things.  But there are many other ways 
to take care of the water retension.  I'd be real hesitant to 
fool around with my kidneys (or any other part of my body).

I had PMS and cramps before my hystorectomy.  It became really 
acute after I had had a tubal ligation.  A nurse practitioner I 
know well  told me that that phenomenon was common, but not 
researched very well.  Some 5 years later, when I had the hysto. 
because of massive hemhorrages (be careful of ibuprofin if you 
have any blood trouble -- it acts as an anti-coagulant in high 
doses -- I was taking it for bursitis) I stopped taking the 
medication my gyn. gave me _ Anaprox - which worked a treat on 
the PMS because it took care of the reason for the symptoms.  The 
hormone (please don't ask me which one, I've had a bad day) which 
gets the body ready for the menstrual cycle is sometimes released 
in overlarge doses.  More than your body needs to get things 
going.  What the Anaprox does is act like a suppresant.  It 
doesn't stop the hormone from being released - that wouldn't be 
good for you - but it helps reduce the levels of the hormone that 
get released into your body.

Well guess what -- Once I had resumed my normal life and was no 
longer taking anything for the post-op pain, I started feeling 
positively suicidal somewhat cyclically, but I didn't have any 
other signs (periods) to tell me what the hell was going on.  
Went back to talk to the nurse friend and she tells me that some 
research has indicated that women who have had tubal ligations 
and hystorectomies experience more acute PMS for longer periods 
of time -- up to TWO WEEKS out of the cycle.  Can't tell you how 
great THAT made me feel.  Talk about feeling victimized!  And of 
course the reason for the discussion was that I was on the 
emotional razor's edge.  She advised me to go back on the 
Anaprox, which I did.  I called my doctor and he issued me a 
LARGE Rx...enough for me to keep some at work, some in my purse, 
and some at home, because I never know when the sucker will hit 
me.

There are PMS clinics...unfortunately my HMO won't pay for them.  
I'm going to call MIT and find out about the study that's going 
on there.  

BTW, my husband is also very sympathetic and helpful.  He and I 
agree that he has his own form of hormonal stress.  When he's on 
the road and is naturally quite celibate, he experiences what we 
call Semen Retention Syndrome.  The problem with the 
manifestation of this syndrome is that the cure is very easy, but 
unlikely to occur when he's in a spiteful, ungracious, unloving, 
pouting mood.  I mean, who wants to make love to that!  So we 
recognize the monster (SRS) and make a conscious effort to make 
the cure process as pleasant as possible.  And then we're all 
better.

Peace
Rox

    
agree that he has his own form of hormonal stress.  When he's on 
the road and is naturally quite celibate, he experiences what we 
                ------------------------
    
    Naturally?  I don't know about that; seems more likely that they
    two of you have an excellent relationship that he values.
    
    (Sheesh, Roxanne, give yourself some credit! :-)        
    
    Holly