Alleviating PMS?

[thegrrrl2002]

For the past five months I've been taking calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplements religiously in an attempt to try and get the whole PMS thing under control, and enough time has passed for me to definitely say OMG IT WORKS. In a moment of desperation I did some on-line research and found that a couple of respectable studies showed calcium supplements made a genuine different for some women. The studies recommended 1000 mg/day, and I know that because of my dairy allergy I wasn't getting anywhere near that. However, a 500mg/day supplement works for me, without making me nauseous. Calcium supplements usually don't agree with me, but I found the calcium citrate version to be much gentler on my stomach. I still have to take it with a full meal though. The studies were less conclusive on magnesium, but the two work together so I figured what the heck. (BTW, don't take magnesium supplements separately. Like, say, right before you go to bed. Because then you'll wake up in the morning experiencing the full laxative effect. Eek!)

But thank god, what a difference. My worst symptoms were water retention and sore breasts, sometimes up to 10 days worth every cycle. And of course, irritability although whether that was a separate symptom or simply the result of having very very very tender breasts that basically hurt when I moved or blinked or breathed, I can't be sure. But it made me pretty damn mean. Especially when I would wake me up during the night because I moved and managed to smoosh a breast against the mattress. But now they just get a little sore a day or two before hand. Plus? My cramps are less severe. Which totally rocks. I think my period is lighter, too. My body is happy. I'm happy.

Calcium. It's magic! Give it a try!

Comments

[kensieg.livejournal.com]

I take calcium daily too to help my arthritis and to prevent osteoporosis. It works well for me.

The only thing that helped my cramps was my hysterectomy. I was told and it may work for you that exercise helps cramps.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I knew I should have been taking calcium all along, because I wasn't getting enough in my diet. Although my bone density has been pretty good so far.

And yes, exercise definitely helps! That helps everything. *g*

[oxoniensis.livejournal.com]

I'm desperate for something to help, so I'll definitely try this. I've been taking evening primrose oil and starflower oil, but only for a month, so I can't say if it's had any effect yet.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I hope it works for you! I've heard conflicting reports on primrose oil. My sister gave it a try and it didn't do much for her. Plus, it's kind of expensive, isn't it? I was contemplating it at one point, but I didn't quite have the cash for it. Probably back when I was in grad school.

Good luck!

[oxoniensis.livejournal.com]

It's not cheap, but I'd willing pay whatever it takes to feel good all month, rather than wretched a week out of every four. I took it years ago, and didn't notice much effect, if any, but I was slack at taking it, and I had low dose capsules I was supposed to take three times a day. This time I've gone for one a day high dose ones, and I'm taking it religiously, so I'm hoping.

Anyway, thanks for the tip!

[neevebrody.livejournal.com]

Will have to give this a try. I can take almost any of it except the water and breast pain. Sometimes mine is so bad it radiates through to my back, and you're right, even breathing is a pain (much less wearing killer bras - but in my case the alternative is not pretty). It's gotten a little better since I've gone back to walking, so I'll add this in and see what happens. Thanks!

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

There is nothing worse than sore boobs, I swear. It makes me crazy. Especially when it used to start up mid-cycle and I knew I had almost two weeks of it to endure. I was so relieved to find something that helped. Good luck, I hope you get some relief, too!

[feather-autant.livejournal.com]

Calcium is awesome, isn't it? Good for the bones, easier PMS, and studies show it helps you lose weight. Win/win all around. \o/

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I know, the weight loss thing is such a bonus! I think it made a difference for me in shedding a few pounds. My pants fit! Although I did backslide a bit over Christmas. *g*

[i-am-the-crime.livejournal.com]

I'm more than willing to give it a try if the results are that good!

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Good luck! It really has helped me. I'm such much more mellow now. *g*

[spes-abrin.livejournal.com]

I've had wonderful results with Calcium as well (and I also take Calcium Citrate because my body handles it better). I recommend taking a regular Calcium supplement to all my female friends. Good for the bones and better periods. Where's the downside to that??

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

::nods:: I was amazed by how big a difference it made. Right away. I thought it would take a few cycles.

Nope, no downside at all! *g*

de lurking

[(Anonymous)]

Hello!

Calcium works for me too (Calcium citrate that is) and also, ibuprofen once a day one week prior to your period. Also a multi vitamin, because I can't stand taking to many pills. I also experience the sore breast, cramps, mood swings and bloating. The ibuprofen helps regulate the hormone levels during that time and I noticed a significant decrease. My doctor also recommends an increase in protein (for iron) and increase in dark leafy vegetables one week per and one week after. This seems to help me but than again each women symptoms differing greatly.

Re: de lurking

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

I've tried the ibuprofen, but it doesn't seem to do much. Except when I have cramps, of course, then I'm the queen of ibus. *g* Eating a healthy diet in general seems to really help, too--maybe it's the iron? Time for some more leafy greens, then! Thanks!

[agentotter.livejournal.com]

Cool! Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try that. Do you think it's best to do a multivitamin, or take individual supplements? I started taking a one-a-day women's thing, and it sort of made me... weird. Like my sleep patterns got all bizarre and I felt strange all the time, so I stopped taking it. I figure I was probably getting too much of something. But I know I'm always deficient in calcium (also allergic to milk) and iron, too.

kuwdora also recently told me that omega-3 is good for cramps and stuff... she takes fish oils for PMS symptoms and said it works great.

multi-vitamins

[(Anonymous)]

I prefer multi vitamins to supplements, one cause I'm lazy and two because my doctor isn't a big fan of supplements. But she is a big fan of a healthy diet (veggies, multi grain, fish etc, etc)...she feels that you get the majority of daily dosage via diet and maybe a multi vitamin a day. I take my multi-vitamin after breakfast or after a full meal and then you don't get all weird (it happen to me to). Hopes this helps you...one little note, exercise also helps prior and after, but most helpful exercise during my period is yoga. Again, lifestyles vary so try to find a good balance.

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Omega3 is good for everything! They've worked really well for the husband's depression. I take them, but not regularly. I should get back into it because this damn winter is making me seriously cranky.

I would think it wouldn't hurt to take a multi, especially if you feel like your diet is lacking. But if it made you feel weird, maybe there's something in the fillers that's not agreeing with you? Have you tried different brands?

[agentotter.livejournal.com]

Huh. I know my doctor at one point had told me to take fish oils -- this was back in my early teen years -- so I did take them religiously for awhile, but at some point stopped. Probably out of laziness, but I'm not sure what he had me taking them for in the first place. ;D I do know that I'm usually iron-deficient, though -- I always get either turned away or just skate under the wire when I go to give blood -- so I know there are problems in my diet that need addressing. I need to go see a GP at some point before I lose my insurance, anyway... I wonder if I can get tested or something to find out if I've got vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It might explain a lot about my fatigue and stuff that's been going on.

I have tried different brands of multi and not had problems before... somebody else suggested recently that I should make sure to take it with a meal, so I've been doing that and not having any more problems. I tend to take any and all necessary meds at night just before bed and I probably should get into the habit of taking them with dinner, instead. I don't think there's anything I'm taking that I wouldn't be better off taking when I've got food in my gullet. ;D

[springwoof.livejournal.com]

the Spouse will bless your name if this works, 'cause my PMS is pretty evol...

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

::laughs::

Yeah, the husband appreciates it very much. And he'll remind me to take them if I forget!

[machinistm.livejournal.com]

Sounds encouraging! I'm definitely giving it a try, thanks for the heads-up :)

[thegrrrl2002.livejournal.com]

Good luck, I hope it works for you!