PMS whilst exclusively breastfeeding?

[eggontoast]

I have just realised that I have the symptoms of my period, without bleeding each month.

I keep going through phases, and calling them 'down days'. I have been racking my brain to find out what was wrong, I even considered PND!

I started writing a journal to map moods and causes etc. I realised they follow an almost monthly cycle!

I assumed, not having periods, meant not having PMS. I cannot remember what I was like before, because I have either been pregnant or nursing for about 4 years!

I am now working hard on my diet and exercise to improve the symptoms. Now I know what is causing my mood swings, lack of patience, low feelings and lethargy, I feel much much better; I thought I was going crazy!

Feeling low, anxious, lethargic on and off without reason or warning was really getting me down, especially given how wonderful I feel in between.

Anyone else? What do you find helps?

wll, i find bisuits generaly cheer me up

i think its possible to ovulate whilst BF without having a period, and it does try to re-establish itself even whilst being suppressed by the BF hormones so you will having some monthly variation.

a always, make sre you're drinkin/eating enough so that your baby isn't taking everything out of you.

I have spend the last couple of months wondering what is wrong with me; for a few weeks I am on top of the world, then it all comes crashing down.

I am trying to eat a healthy balanced diet without too many treats to average about 1lb of weight loss per month; it is particularly important to me to lose weight because I want a BMI that is within healthy range. However, I am well aware of the awful effects of low blood sugar so I am going low GI foods, cut out crap, only eat stuff that is good for me (apart from a few treats .

Also, exercising 4 x per week. This is all going really well and I almost manage to keep it up during down times - although, tend to reach for high carb options more.

I am going to eat more oily fish as I've read this helps. Also calcium and vit d (extra dog walking).

per week, not month. If only I were that patient .