Seeing a pattern

[NOMOMERLOTMAMMA]

Hello everyone.

I've noticed that when I am experiencing PMS (which I don't always, maybe every other month) I start having thoughts of drinking. You know, just when I'm feeling pretty good and think that I have a handle on any cravings etc, BOOM, the thought that crawling into a nice big bottle of wine and snuggling into the oblivion sounds like a pretty darn good idea. This happened to me last night, but I came home, took a bath, read my BB, spoke to A (another alkie in recovery) about how I was feeling and I feel better today.

I'm off my antidepressants, and have been feeling just great without them. I'd hate to have to take them for a feeling that happens every other month.

I'd like to avoid this feeling altogether.

Karen

[Paulie]

I could have written your post, except for I get it every month . And I to am off antidepressents that I was on in 2006.

My disease feeds off the hormonal stuff. Being aware that is what is happening is huge for me.

Thanks for sharing, once again.....I know I am not alone.

[NOMOMERLOTMAMMA]

And it's nice to know that neither am I Paulie! Thanks.

Karen

[caraway]

I definitely get that problem. If I have a relapse, thats when it'll be. I'm 52 now so I don't expect to have this problem for much longer!

[nandm]

A suggestion I have is try taking a calcium supplement. It helps with the symptoms of PMS. Plus as a woman it will help prevent osteoporosis which is a problem for many woman as they age. It has helped me with cramping, bloating, moods, etc.... I know there is a medical explanation behind it but I can not find the article as it was one I read several years ago.

[cmc]

My gyn had me use a progesterone cream and it worked within minutes of application. I still use it sometimes with her permission even though I'm post menopausal. It's OTC but I would never use it without consulting my physician first. The cream is supposed to contain 2% progesterone but those types of products are not regulated.

B vitamins and essential oils help alot of people, but never made a difference with my pms moods. Except for eating ice cream nothing else helped.

When I had few bouts of depression I successfully used antid's. After that cleared up I didn't want to be on them for a problem that occurred only 7-10 days of each month.

[51anna]

That is the one upside of menopause.:rof

My hormone fluctuations caused my depression which was barely bearable, to become absolutely horrible.

[hope3]

My PMS varies the older I get.

Boy, I can tell when its within a week

I get nuts...you are not alone...

Thanks for the good advice all...

hope3

[Fluttering]

hey merlo

Many of us expereinced similar cravingfs and often at bizarre times. They will become less do pass . The more we pick up the tols given to us the stronger we become.

Keep on keepin on.. You are doing the deal....and very soon the promises will come true for you....

Hugs

[indigo]

For me an early menopause is now a blessing. Sorry for all you women who are still suffering.

[Wine-not!]

Wow,
i'm glad to see i'm not the only one that has this problem monthly...i have actually tracked it, and i way overindulge in drinking during the week prior to my period and the week of. it is my worst time of the month, and i feel like my pms symptoms are so strong...i get every symptom and then some. i get so anxious, depressed, and i hurt from the top of my head to the soles of my feet!! i want to find a way to make this more tolerable. i will try some of the calcium tabs someone recommended!

[RecoveryRed]

I want to thank all of you for sharing your experience with this. I am working on 2 years clean, and ever since I got clean I have been dealing with a monthly depression. I feel the same way--that I don't want to go on antidepressants for just a few days of the month. I am still praying and talking to fellow addicts about it, but I plan to see a psychiatrist to get a professional opinion. I love that because I am clean, whatever I do will be MY CHOICE. And it's people like you guys in recovery that have taught me to use the tools I have - like seeking a professional opinion. Thank you.

Red

[missyouso9167]

I'm so sorry for all of you going through this, I do have to agree with Anna though it is definetly one of the upsides to menopause, the other is I haven't had to buy tampax in 9 years, I could have taken stock out in Tampax... MM great for you being off your antidepresents, glad to hear your feelling good without them, and a nice warm bath always helps me to feel better too, Im glad to hear everything worked out, GOD BLESS