How to Deal with the Social Consequences of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Lauren August 19th, 2007
I don’t need a calendar to know that I’ll be having my period in two weeks or less. As with all women who bleed from their uterus, I experience the usual pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms: breakouts, bloatedness, low energy, cravings for chocolate, and bouts of irrational crankiness that range from mild irritation to frightening breakdowns. While there is no set-in-stone cause of PMS, doctors hypothesize that the surge of hormones during the menstrual cycle may be the primary factor at work. Some of the really unlucky ones experience a more severe form of PMS called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, where a lack of serotonin in the brain intensifies the symptoms of “normal” PMS.
What I really can’t stand about other women and myself is how PMS is often used as an excuse to act out. I’ll admit that I’ve played the PMS card at moments where I snap because I simply can’t control my moods, and then I feel rather ashamed of myself afterwards. Here’s how you can keep yourself from going crazy and driving your friends away during the two weeks before your period.
Find a healthy outlet for all that pent-up stress and irritation. Write long, rambling blog entries if you must. Just make sure those entries don’t contain attacks aimed at other people, as this will only start drama that you really don’t need at this point.
Shy away from salty food and drink lots of water. Salt retains the water in your body, and drinking lots of water can help you flush out the toxins and de-bloat. De-bloating is good because it doesn’t make you feel as blimpy, and we all know that feeling skinny equals feeling good and happy.
If you think you really can’t control your mood swings no matter what you do, avoid people and social situations at all costs. Do not discuss heavy issues with your friends, boyfriends, or that guy you’ve been seeing while your emotions are as unstable as a 7.0 earthquake. It shall only lead to disaster and you’ll probably end up saying or doing a lot of things you’ll regret later on.
Health nuts and doctors who obviously never held a cigarette in their lives say that smoking may aggravate irritation and symptoms of PMS. I shall ignore that advice because I am a nicotine junkie and smoking gives me a certain measure of calm. Smoke away if you must!
How else do you deal with the social aspect of PMS?
1) Put the MAN in woMAN. Watch action flicks such as Mortal Kombat and Battle Royale. Allow yourself the satisfaction of seeing heads roll.
2) Just be a girl. Surround yourself with girly friends who know the pains, and will patiently sit out the whining and give you a few tabs of advil.
3) It has been scientifically proven: sugar and salt help alleviate PMS anxieties. Need a PMS packet on the run? Bag some M&Ms and salted peanuts.
Gahh I hate PMS. For a few years I didn’t think it exist and it was just an excuse for girls and women to be bitchy. I was so wrong and everytime that special time of the month comes by it gets worse! Thanks for the tips though.