As I journey through life, I’ve noticed that my PMS symptoms seem to be multiplying. At the moment, I’m grappling with a relentless headache, acid reflux, irritability (seriously, I’ve warned my family to keep their distance), sore breasts, a bloated belly, cramps, and the latest addition to my list: back and shoulder pain, as if I’ve just completed an intense workout (spoiler alert: I haven’t).
Why must my hormones wreak such havoc? Thankfully, once my period kicks in, the symptoms usually fade away, and I feel rejuvenated. But until then, all I crave is the comfort of my pajamas and a cozy hideaway under the blankets.
In my 20s and early 30s, PMS was primarily characterized by irritability and weight gain, which was enough to derail a week of my life. Now, as a busy mom juggling family and work, I can’t help but feel like biology is playing a cruel joke on me with these intensified PMS symptoms.
It all began six months after my first childbirth when I experienced my first postpartum period. Initially, I was relieved to find that my cramps were less painful than before. I theorized that the stretching of my uterus during pregnancy had some benefits. However, I soon realized that the cramps felt oddly lower, almost as if my uterus had taken a dive into my vagina or butt—yikes.
Not long after, I started facing digestive issues. My hormones seemed to target my colon, leading to a frustrating bout of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which worsened during PMS (and ovulation, but that’s a story for another day). A few years later came the acid reflux and headaches. And now, here I am, gingerly moving around my living room, clutching my aching back.
I sometimes wish I could hit pause on life during PMS and the first day of my period. Productivity plummets, and I’m not the most pleasant company. Today, my husband (bless his heart) suggested I retreat to the den with some chocolate while he handled dinner for the kids. That simple gesture practically saved my sanity and probably theirs too.
Many cultures have unique rituals related to menstruation, and I find the idea of a “menstrual hut” particularly intriguing—where women gather for a few days during their periods. While I don’t support the segregation of women due to their natural cycles (menstruation should never be seen as “unclean” or taboo!), I love the notion of women taking a ceremonial break. In some cultures, synchronized cycles allow women to come together, share stories, and vent about life’s challenges. That sounds divine.
My mother assures me that things will improve after I reach menopause. She recalls her own PMS mood swings vividly—I remember them too, unfortunately! But I also know that her journey to menopause wasn’t all smooth sailing. It felt like I heard tales of her hot flashes for a decade. Honestly, the thought of “the change” terrifies me just as much as “the curse.” Yet, if it means an end to the monthly barrage of dreadful symptoms, I’m all for it.
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In summary, navigating the ups and downs of PMS can be a challenging endeavor, especially while managing family life. While I long for a pause button during these difficult days, it’s a reminder of the resilience we all possess.