Does anyone else have just major hormonal issues during these times? I swear in the last 6mths. or so, for the first time EVER, I can tell when I'm ovulating. Then that runs right into my period, which just is the worse time ever. I'm SO exhausted and weepy, the slightest thing can put me through the roof, and I just want to hide under the covers for about 3 days. My breasts are so tender during all of that and I'm all over my DH! It's like some primitive need to procreate, but I don't want to!! LOL Lately I just hate being a girl during these times!

By Tripletmom on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 09:26 pm:

I can relate to you, to a T.Mine has changed since I had the boys.I never had PMS,cramps or anything like that.Now a couple of days before it comes I'm really sensitive I can take things the wrong way and cry very easily.So NOT like me.I get tender breasts and back pain also.The day before I get it I can clean my house in a matter of hours.My energy level is unbelievable.Once I get it though I have no energy at all.Just tired and Blah.My next life, I'm coming back as a man!!

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 10:12 pm:

I can relate to wanting to make love, during the ovulation time and I haven't wanted to procreate, since we had Emily! LOL! I'm sure it's nature's way of trying to make sure the breed continues!

I am UGLY, when I have PMS, though. Sometimes, people around here need permission to breathe!

I have had cramps, since the beginning of time and I don't think it got that much better, after I had the kids. So ready for this to be over with. Only this month, I don't think I even needed to take any Advil with my period. Since I was on vacation, I was glad it was a lighter period.

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 10:52 pm:

Sherri...I'm the SAME way on the energy thing! The day before I'm like super woman that has EVERYTHING together, gets tons of things done, and is looking for more. It's crazy. Then I drop like a ton of bricks for 3 days.

Dawn..I've always had bad cramps, but that is one thing that has actually gotten better in the last few years. Still there, but better. Back pain is worse now for me, and bloated tummy.

By Nicki on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 01:25 am:

Ditto Reds! I didn't know the energy thing was related to that time, but now I understand. (Last month I tore the garage apart and put it back together. I can't imagine I did that now that I sit here feeling calm and collected!) I am a nervous, grouchy wreck the week before I start. It takes so little for me to cry or get angry. And all this has been worse since having dd. The sore breasts, and even spotting a week before. I just can't wait for the whole thing to be over. So, I so understand. Glad your cramping is better, but the bloating and back pain is not fun.

By Sandysmom on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 09:07 am:

Not so much with the ovulating, I don't ovulate completely, but I've been having periods every two weeks and I'm not at all happy. I can be a grouch during my period.

By Tink on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:25 pm:

Ever since my hormone levels settled down after my youngest was born (and weaned), my periods have been similar to what you've said, Deanna. The bloating, irritability, breast tenderness and general weepiness drives me nuts. Even my DH knows that I'll start my period ten days after my breasts start hurting. My energy level is non-existent for the first three days and, for me, the cramping is awful! I thought I was just a baby about it (I HATE being on my period, I've never just gotten used to it) but I know it's worse now than it ever used to be.

I've heard several times that evening primrose oil is supposed to help with these symptoms but I've never tried it. Maybe it would help you out???

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 01:06 pm:

Tink - Hhhhmmmmmmmmm...I'm going to check out the evening primrose!! I'll do anything really. It's amazing to me sometimes how much our bodies go through with all of our hormones. Yesterday I would have PAID mega bucks to just go to bed and forget the world. I feel like I'm being a big baby, too, and a big complainer, but it's for real!! At least I'm not alone. We need to start a Hormone Club for MV so we can whine to others who understand!!

By Bemerry84 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 01:42 pm:

Have you ever tried a natural hormone balancing cream? This is what got me started on Arbonne. I use it daily except during my period. I use the one with the added estrogen (phyto-prolief) as I am older than you and pre-menopausal. Most women I talk to that are using it have good things to say. My friend started using it (regular prolief) without her hubby's knowledge and after five days he said "I don't know what you have been doing but keep on doing it". It has made my life easier as I only ovulate a few times a year and on provera, now I'm provera free and all symptoms are gone or managable.

Sandysmom if you see this you may want to check it out also. Your situation sounds similar to me. Any questions feel free to email me. hassellmb at hotmail dot com.

By Bemerry84 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 02:26 pm:

The symptoms I'm reffering to are the PMS, crying at everthing, cramps, breast tenderness not just the extended bleeding.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 02:43 pm:

Thanks Mary...I will check that out on their website. I would be willing to try it for sure, if it's in my price range! Are you a consultant? Just curious.

By Juli4 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 03:17 pm:

I have always oddly enjoyed my period after kids. I have had 3 and do not have as much cramping and bloating and such. I look forward to my period for some odd reason. I do love the energy bursts though before ovlation. I miss them now that I am pregnant. I need some bursts of energy.

By Bemerry84 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 03:25 pm:

Yes, I am Deanna. I became a wholesale buyer/consultant when I needed by second bottle of phyto prolief for the discounts and now a year and a half later am trying to build a little business for when I retire in about 20 years. hahaha!!! I found a very informative site today actually looking up info on natural balancing creams because my sister started with the phyto prolief about 3 weeks ago and hasn't stopped bleeding so we've come to the conclusion she does not need the added estrogen as I do, she is 41 and I am 48, so she is switching to just the prolief (blue bottle), she does need the progesterone. The doctors name is John Lee and the site is johnleemd.com and an Arbonne executive had this site linked to hers for information. There is a little hormone test you can take and check the answers to see if you have abnormalties in hormones. It seems more and more women are having the same symtoms and it make me wonder what the heck is going on, or is it just because we are women??

By the way I saw the clip of Natalie doing the Old MacDonald song, she is absolutely adorable. She is also advanced in all aspects for a two year old, IMO. Congrats on the good job of teaching/parenting.

By Cocoabutter on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 06:54 pm:

Didn't read any of the other responses, but over the past 2 years I have been a REAL b**ch during that week of my cycle. I found these, and they seem to be working. I have been taking them for about the past 5 months.

http://www.estroven.com/pms/indexpms.html

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 07:44 pm:

Mary- Thank you for the info. I will take the test/go to the site you mentioned. I am also on the pill...so does that make things weird for me?? I've been on the pill for YEARS, just short of a few months before I got pregnant with Natalie. And also, thank you for the comments about Natalie. I will brag on her (since I'm her Mommy and an early childhood teacher , but mostly as her Mommy) and agree that she is pretty advanced for her age. Some of the things she has learned I just can't believe. Her conversation skills are amazing us more everyday! I appreciate the compliment.

Thanks also Cocoabutter for the link!