Every woman’s body handles PMS and the monthly cycle differently. You may experience cramps, backache, fatigue, irritability, sore breasts, or mood swings. One of my weird PMS symptoms is a bottomless stomach.
As much as 85 percent of women may experience strange cravings or an unending appetite before their periods, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Part of the problem may be emotional: if you are a mood eater, and turn to food when you aren’t feeling happy, you may be munching because your period is making you cranky.
If the problem with cravings seems to be mostly emotional, try to keep a careful eye on what you eat and when. If you find yourself feeling uncontrollably hungry, try filling your belly with a glass of water or a cup of tea. Distract yourself with a short walk before you turn to the snacks. If you are still hungry after all that, your body may actually need some fuel.
You may want to check your vitamins, if you need help controlling the cravings. A research study from the University of Columbia found that 48 percent of women found PMS relief by taking 1200 milligrams of calcium daily. The Duke Center for Integrative Medicine suggests a magnesium supplement — up to 800 milligrams daily can ease PMS symptoms. If your period brings you migraine pain, the magnesium may help that, too.
If your PMS symptoms are overwhelming, you may want to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Birth control pills can help regulate your cycles, ease cramps, and relieve other symptoms. I know that when I am on birth control, my cramps are far less intense than when I am not. And I also appreciate the regularity of the monthly cycles; without the help, my period comes pretty irregularly.