To ask for your PMS/peri menopause toolkit?

[Acunningruse]

PMS symptoms have been getting much worse the last few months and I think it may be the start of peri. I feel so low for 10 days- 2 weeks a month that it's affecting my work and my family. I've started taking a well woman vitamin every day and seen some difference but wondering if there's other/better supplements out there and what else I can do to manage symptoms?
Thanks

I know it’s a time of need etc but YABU - there’s a Menopause forum with plenty of daily replies?

I mean this one is a good starting point?

www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/4648677-peri-menopause-supplements

Hi OP - you have my sympathies it's hard isn't it ?
As the PP said maybe ask for this to be moved to the Menopause topic and you will get some support .

If you are feeling that low I would consult your GP , you don't say how old you are but it's worth exploring HRT for symptoms affecting your daily life .

For sleep - melatonin or Tesco’s stress relief

Cut down (or stop) caffeine and alcohol and make a determined effort to get some physical activity every day. Doest have to be expensive gyms or classes just something like brisk walking, cycling, or jogging for an hour will have a massive positive effect on sleep and wellbeing.

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Ideally outside as a mood-booster.

Clean eating (awful phrase) but ditch the refined carbs and processed food, cook from scratch most of the time and up your veg and fruit.

Reduce booze.

if your periods are all over the place and you are 45 ish then consider HRT.

Ask your doctor for HRT. it was the best thing I did. I was in so much pain, I was so angry all the time, in agony from my joints and muscles screaming at me, horrific periods that meant I couldn't leave the flat, no ability to sleep because my brain wouldn't switch off, using the loo five times a night, restless legs syndrome driving me up the wall, sobbing daily, nausea and sickness, migraines, forgetting everything and just plain being miserable.

Physical activity ideally weight bearing

A wool duvet

But the real difference is HRT plus vaginal oestrogen. Massive difference in less than a week.

Give up drinking, exercise. That’s it for me.

Definitely some sort of physical activity
A brisk 20 minute walk will do wonders.
Get some Vitamin D, iron
Try to eat healthily - with some treats
Cut down on alcohol
Cut down on caffeine

I take cold packs to bed with me. I make sure my room is cool and have a very light single duvet.

I find I can fall asleep a little easier if I can get my body temperature down.