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Really long period of pms insomnia, swelling and other prior to period?
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lilpocky posted:
Is it normal to have about a 1.5-2 weeks of insomnia prior to my period? I also get swollen and have emotional issues.

Is this normal?

I can say that I have a rigorous physical labor job, and I usually walk after work, so being tired isn't the issue. I generally take water pills and iron supplements prior to my period, or I get intense pain.

Also, I get off and on cramping over a week before my af actually starts.

Also, does anyone know any natural supplements, etc. that can lessen the effects of PMS? I am religiously against BC.

I'm 26 and it's been like this for a while.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Really long period of pms insomnia, swelling and other prior to period?Is it normal to have about a 1.5-2 weeks of insomnia prior to my period? I also get swollen and have emotional issues.<br /><br />Is this normal?<br /><br />I can say that I have a rigorous physical labor job, and I usually walk after work, so being tired isn't the issue. I generally take water pills and iron supplements prior to my period, or I get intense pain.<br /><br />Also, I get off and on cramping over a week before my af actually starts.<br /><br />Also, does anyone know any natural supplements, etc. that can lessen the effects of PMS? I am religiously against BC.<br /><br />I'm 26 and it's been like this for a while.
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear lilpocky: It certainly can be "normal" to have more irritability, or depression, or mood swings in the one to two week before flow. Insomnia can be worsened by mood symptoms, especially the more depressive type. It may also be a side effect of the water pills used for the bloating. Some of the over the counter water pills contain caffeine (eg an Aquaban pill contains 325 mg of Ammonium chloride caffeine 100mg and suggested dose is up to 6 pills/day). Prescription water pills (eg spironolactone or furosemide) will not have caffeine.

The off and on cramping the week before flow can also be normal. What would not be normal would be pain which is increasing over time. That MIGHT suggest endometriosis.

In terms of natural treatments for PMS symptoms here is a link to a blog on that topic:

http://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/2007/09/4-self-help-strategies-for-pms.html

lil[pocky, if your symptoms are really interfering with your normal activities and relationships you may want to see a GYN or even a naturopath for a consult. Hopefully something will give significant relief.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Really long period of pms insomnia, swelling and other prior to period?Dear lilpocky: It certainly can be "normal" to have more irritability, or depression, or mood swings in the one to two week before flow. Insomnia can be worsened by mood symptoms, especially the more depressive type. It may also be a side effect of the water pills used for the bloating. Some of the over the counter water pills contain caffeine (eg an Aquaban pill contains 325 mg of Ammonium chloride caffeine 100mg and suggested dose is up to 6 pills/day). Prescription water pills (eg spironolactone or furosemide) will not have caffeine.<br /><br />The off and on cramping the week before flow can also be normal. What would not be normal would be pain which is increasing over time. That MIGHT suggest endometriosis.<br /><br />In terms of natural treatments for PMS symptoms here is a link to a blog on that topic:<br /><a href="http://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/2007/09/4-self-help-strategies-for-pms.html"><br /><a href="http://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/2007/09/4-self-help-strategies-for-pms.html">http://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/2007/09/4-self-help-strategies-for-pms.html</a></a> <br /><br />lil[pocky, if your symptoms are really interfering with your normal activities and relationships you may want to see a GYN or even a naturopath for a consult. Hopefully something will give significant relief.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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