I am 36 now and am starting to get really annoyed by my cycle...I am curious if anyone else experiences EXTREME bloating before their period. I look 6 mos pregnant, I swear. Extreme cravings. Weepy and sometimes short tempered type PMS. And then BAM the next day you start your period. You are fairly heavy and crampy for a couple of days and then your period is pretty much gone. All that bloating and crap for a 2-3 day period??? Not even worth it!!! Then the next month you may have a longer period (4-5 days)...

I am starting to experiment with some different med's for the bloating, cramping and weepiness. And not just Margaritas or wine!!! LOL But sometimes the cramping makes me want to just stay in bed. Like I can't function? I also have one day beforehand that I will need a nap all day long. Every time I feel like that I always know my period must be coming.

aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I just hate it. I seriously am thinking about signing up for a partial hysterectomy. I need to find a good OB/GYN around here that can thoroughly check me out. It's been awhile since I have been in.

Thanks for any advice or if you can just relate to how annoying and uncomfortable it is. I know some of you have it much worse. But I am seriously about to go buy maternity clothes and wear them 2 weeks out of 4!!!

By Trina~moderator on Friday, July 4, 2008 - 10:39 am:

Definitely get in to see a GYN! It could be perimenopause or a whole list of other things. I had a hysterectomy this past April due to a plate full of female issues, but I didn't have the bloating. {{{HUGS}}}

By Debbie on Friday, July 4, 2008 - 10:39 am:

Conni, I am 40. I have noticed a difference in my period the last few years. Definitely more PMS, not as bad as yours, but more then before.

There are lots of medications for this, so I would just keep working with your doctor, and hopefully you will find one that works for you.

{{{HUGS}}}} Hang in there.

By Pamt on Friday, July 4, 2008 - 10:40 am:

I hear ya! I don't have the bloating, but I have horrible periods with clots for 2 days and then just enough of a period to be a nuisance for a few more days. Since I had Toxic Shock Syndrome in college I can't use tampons (Tampax themselves told me that) because my likelihood of recurrence is higher. So, there is nothing GROSSER than to be standing in front of a class full of students and feel a clot come out. I know, TMI, but it really is quite disgusting. I had an appointment with a GYN, but wouldn't you know...I started my period 2 days before the appointment. They could only reschedule me 2 months later, but of course I'll be on my period again. Trying to get into the doctor when I'm not menstruating is proving to be quite a challenge. Apparently she only has openings the 22-26 of each month and that timing doesn't work for me. LOL

By Luvn29 on Friday, July 4, 2008 - 11:31 am:

Conni, your entire post is why I now take Yaz even though I have had my tubes tied. My periods are now SO MUCH BETTER!!!

By Amecmom on Friday, July 4, 2008 - 05:59 pm:

My ob suggested evening primrose oil. I have found it helpful.
Ame