Bloating and misery one week before my period?? This is new. Is it normal?

[panicqueen]

Hi... I am feeling pretty anxious about ovarian stuff, etc., as for the past 3 months, I've started to get really bad PMS symptoms (bloating, cramping, etc.) one week prior to my period.  I have never had it this far in advance.  I always would just get it a couple of days before my period.  Now, like clockwork, I am bloated and miserable this early before it.  Is this a sign something is very wrong?  My breasts have also gotten larger and I seem to be retaining more fluid.  I can't lose weight and it's driving me crazy, as I ride my bike 5 times a week.  I did just turn 34, so I am not sure if it could be my body changing as I am getting older?  I have my well woman  on Monday, so I will ask my dr., but I am a nervous wreck.

Thanks in advance!

[BellaLuna]

Hi!

I only used to get mild PMS symptoms a few days before my period...and then in my late 20s it all changed! I am 30 now, and about 7 days before my period I get PMS so badly that I have seen multiple doctors over it. I get: bloating, nausea, fatigue, increased anxiety, painful swollen breasts, and mood swings. Some days it can be very severe and almost debilitating. I had lots of tests done and everything came back normal. The only thing my doctor said they could do for me was to either put be on Zoloft (ssri) or birth control. Tried both in the past and had terrible recations ... I guess im just super sensitive to meds and changes in my hormone levels.

So I've kinda learned to just deal with it, and I take it really easy on myself during these times. I find time to do calming activities I like, drink lots of soothing herbal teas, and remind myself that it will pass. I am pretty sure its just your body changing as you get older...at least thats what I keep telling myself! Take Care and feel free to message me back if you have any other questions/concerns!

~Bella :)

[msgb98]

Oh so normal--at least for me.
Wait until you get to be in your 40's and things really change.

[BellaLuna]

Oh no! Don't say that msgb! I dont know how much more I can handle!!!   

[Slangevar]

Wait until you get to be in your 40's and things really change.

Soooo true. I started having new PMS issues in my mid-30s (after I finally went off the pill).  No biggie. Then I turned 40.  It was like someone turned up the PMS volume to 11. It was so bad, I actually went in to get checked for ovarian cancer.

My gynecologist said, "Nope... this is just what happens as you age and your hormones change. It's gonna get worse before it gets better!" 

Things that might help:

1) Try eating super healthy, low-carb, no-sugar meals in the week before and during your period.

2) PMS can be heightened by vitamin deficiencies... especially B-complex vitamins. Take a B-complex every day in the week before your period and it will help. (Advice from my gynecologist.)
 
3) For painful, swollen breasts, try taking evening primrose oil. My breast doc recommended it... I take 1000 mg with breakfast and never have breast pain. (If I forget to take it - bam - breast pain comes right back.)

4) Exercise, exercise, exercise. Sweat-producing exercising (e.g. aerobics, pilates, a quick walk or jog) will regulate your cycle and flush any excess hormones out of your system. (Excess estrogen is one of the biggest causes of PMS.)

5) Along the estrogen line, avoid any foods or plastic products with estrogenic effects. Buy only organic meats; never cook food in plastic; stay away from bottled water in plastic bottles, etc.

6) Remember to hydrate. The water will help to flush the estrogen and excess hormones out of your body. Along these lines, try to limit alcohol consumption just before & during your period. It pumps up your hormones and dehydrates your body.

That should help, but don't be surprised if you find yourself eventually dealing with other unexpected issues... breast lumps; weird abdominal pains; mid-cycle bloating, nausea and/or sore throats; acid reflux; heightened allergies; fatigue, etc. (I'm not listing these to make you dread hitting your 40s... just to head off the inevitable anxiety attack.)

[msgb98]

Oh no! Don't say that msgb! I dont know how much more I can handle!!!   

I am just stating my experience. I am going thru perimenopause. Each person has a different way of experiencing things.
I have a younger sister who went thru menopause at 35 but that was due to cancer treatment.
I am having different experiences than my mother.
Friends of mine have not even begun.
I had a health issue at 35 and well I was on blood thinners for 2 1/2 yrs and it kind of did a number on me.
I see my doctor when something different is happening and well she chalks it up to perimenopause which can last about 10 yrs.
Every one is different and I am not saying what I am going thru is what the next person will go thru.

[BellaLuna]

LOL.. I hope not. I'm hoping this is as bad as it gets for me!

Hopefully the worse is over for you too. :)