What helps with awful physical PMS?

[redbrickhovel]

Since having ds who is now 16 months, I have had awful physical symptoms of PMS- almost like pregnancy symptoms for 10 days before it starts (nausea, boobs inflating a few cup sizes, bloating, nipples tingling, extreme tiredness & lethargy etc). Then, when it does, a horrible heavy feeling like (apologies) my insides are about to fall out which carries on for about 5 days with very heavy bleeding. I also get incredibly irrational and fly off the handle a couple of days beforehand (which is why, when I was convinced I was pregnant this month, dh stated that he was 100% convinced I wasn't because I'd got all irrational- thank goodness he was right as definitely not the right time to have another).

I haven't wanted to go back on the pill, partly because ds was conceived whilst I was taking it, and also because I'm now not keen on pumping a load of hormones into my body. Tried the implant which caused horrendous headaches and not keen on the coil etc for the same reasons. Trying to convince dh that sticking with condoms for the moment is the best plan but I suppose the contraceptive choice is a bit off topic.

Has anyone taken any supplements or had success with lifestyle changes (I eat healthily, get regular exercise, don't drink too much caffeine anyway) which I might be able to try to mitigate the horror that PMS brings?

Thanks in advance and have a for thoughts on a Saturday night!

Have you tried evening primrose oil?

Chocolate. Good friends. Wine. Soldier on. It's horrible I've tried everything and nothing changes it :-(

Vit B, magnesium & evening primrose oil or Agnus Cactus balances hormones.

Organic sanitary pads worked wonders for me after reading about them on here. I was a bit sceptical, but apparently most sanitary pads have chemicals in them which are absorbed through your skin and actuakky encourage heavier blood loss? My periods became noticeably much lighter when I switched.

Also try reducing carbs and salt in the run up to your period, that can help.

Evening Primrose Oil made a noticeable difference for me.

Holland & Barrett/ local health food shop, here I come.. Will try EPO in the first instance and hope for the best (with the backups Slothlorian suggests..). That's interesting about the organic - I don't use SP normally, but I might look into it. Thank you!