PMS cramps, bloating, and weight gain? What's normal? How do you deal with it?

[withopeneyes21.livejournal.com]

Hello there!

I'm just starting my period (this month--i've had it for a decade now), and as usual, feel like my world's ending for 3 days. I have been on "the pill" in the past...but never for more than a few months. And that was years ago. My period is never very heavy, except maybe on the first day, and lasts only 3 days.

The worst things for me are the cramps, the bloating, and the inevitable weight gain. My waist ends up being puffed out by at least 2 inches, sometimes worse. I tip the scale at 5 lbs heavier. And the cramps are bad enough that I can't get out of bed, at times. Since I started talking calcium regularly, and take 600 mg's of ibprofin (sp?) every 6 hours (doc's orders), the cramps haven't been as bad. But they are still there. Does anyone have suggestions how to handle any (or all) of these issues?

I do exercise regularly...5-10 hours a week, including during my period. I try to drink extra water...up my potassium (bananas and multi-vitamins), and watch my salt intake. *sighs* The bloating and weight gain is inevitable. (I'm curious--does anyone else find themselves considerably heavier during their periods? By how much?)

Comments

[winifred.livejournal.com]

After so many years of similar symptoms, I just decided to go with the flow. If I'm watching what I eat, keeping active, and not going on a junk food bender, the 2-4lbs I gain during my period melts right back off.

I get pain in my back that is relieved by stretching and the application of heat (those ThermaCare patches are a godsend). Sometimes I'll take an ibuprofen or two, maybe a Pamprin if I'm also bloated, but for the most part I rely on the heat. And maybe a backrub. Mmm. Backrub...

[withopeneyes21.livejournal.com]

I love thos ThermaCare patches. What's pamprin?

I need at least 3 ibuprofens to keep the pain at a mininum--I think I actually start with 6.

[winifred.livejournal.com]

Pamprin (http://www.chattem.com/products/pamp.asp) is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) with a diuretic and an antihistamine in it to reduce cramping and bloating. Most drugstores don't display it with the rest of the pain relievers, so look for it in the same place you'd find feminine products (pads, yeast infection treatments, etc).

[flightlessangel.livejournal.com]

Yep. I gain weight. I think it's just water weight. I try to drink more water-- but it doesn't seem to help.
I feel HUGE a week before and DURING my period. I hate it. I also EAT a LOT.... I am a bottomless pit when I'm about to get it.
I would say I gain between 2-5 pounds. Sometimes more.

[withopeneyes21.livejournal.com]

I think it's just water weight too...i actually don't eat that much during my period. But there's usually at least a 3-5 lb gain for me.

I feel huge during my period too. The first day is the worst--the cramps are horrible, and I can't even fit into my "fat" clothes.

Thanks!