Quest to fight PMS....

Just some helpful tips that I found while surfing the net.

*Cut back on caffeine intake. Caffeine accentuates the edginess you feel, as well as depletes many of needed vitamins.

*Take a multi-vitamin. One thing I found REALLY helpful, was vitamin B6...take 100 mg daily and then double the dose about a week prior to periods.It also helps bloating, cramps and other nasty symptoms. B6 is one of those vitamins that the body will get rid of if we have more than we need, and the dosage above is safe.

*Give in to cravings (but if possible try not to binge)

*Drink more water and get regular exercise, even though you may feel unusually sluggish.

*Take a lot more deep breaths when you are feeling stressed.

*Cut yourself some slack; try to create breaks for yourself that allow you to be alone and rest.

*Encourage a healthier state of mind by attempting to be more positive

*Realize your state of mind is not at its best, and therefore put off making major decisions or solving problems until you feel better.

*Don't make anything a "big deal". Repeat to yourself over and over, "This too, shall pass".

*Apologize when you overreact.

*Take a more leisurely bath instead of a rushed shower, if at all possible.

*Avoid stressful situations & negative people-- Know your limits!

I hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in getting through a rather challenging physical and emotional part of your cycle. PMS is a real drag, but by being more aware of it, and making a few allowances for the way you feel, you can come to peace with it. Hopefully these tactics will lessen the stress you feel, as well as the amount you take out on those around you.