Girl Problem

ivyjbres

Seriously guys, If you don't have a medical degree, you want to step out now.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

I'm not looking for medical advice, just sympathy, and maybe a good substitution for chocolate!

So I have more than one TOM when I get stressed. I just had one, started pms-ing the day after it stopped, and now 3 days later, I'm starting again! Now this is problematic, not just because, well... tampons cost money, but also because I have had an on-again-off-again stomach condition since I was 19. For that reason I try and avoid painkillers since they can damage my stomach lining further. But that pretty much leaves chocolate as my only method for pain relief.

And I know chocolate in and of itself isn't bad- I for one am a proponent of it being considered a vegetable product. (Hey it comes from a bean, right?) But all of my meals yesterday consisted of chocolate and ice cream! I've totally suspended calorie counting while I'm in the process of moving apartments; so its not the lack of weight loss that bothers me, but that I've eaten so much chocolate that I can't even enjoy it anymore. I feel like I have too keep eating it to keep going and not rip people heads off with my bear hands....

(sigh) I feel better now. Thanks.

ngr1973

so sorry to hear what you're going through - remember you're not alone in this and chocolate does work.

My favorite chocolate treat (because it is less calories but still satisfying) is super high end (meaning very rich and not filled with artificial flavoring) dark chocolate dipped around banana and frozen. I keep a few plastic wrapped in my freezer for moments when I really need it.

Good luck!

glittersoul

Try stuff with magnesium in it. That (imo) is why ppl crave chocolate.

Here is something to explain it further:
http://www.mgwater.com/calmagab.shtml

Premenstrual chocolate craving is a phenomenon that has puzzled a great many women who are not controlled by this overwhelming urge at other times of the month. Yet chocolate, which is highest in magnesium of all foods, is often a sign of magnesium deficiency. If your diet is high in calcium you may have poor calcium absorption as well. The answer is not to eat more chocolate, but to increase your magnesium by eating more whole grains, nuts, seafood, and green vegetables, and by increasing your magnesium supplements. Your chocolate cravings will vanish when you have enough magnesium in your diet.

HannahPastoor

Have you tried yoga? If you look up yoga on youtube there is a ton of different kinds. I bet there is a video for cramp relief.

bedazzledmom

I have been "self medicating" my pms with chocolate for a while now. Haven't found any suitable substitute yet! (mind you, I haven't really looked for one :laugh: )

pretentiouskate

Heating pads.

Seriously, I sometimes have cramps that make it difficult for me to walk or even sit up - use a heating pad. The chocolate isn't doing anything for you physically, it sounds like maybe you just are giving yourself a mental free pass to eat sugary crap.

bedazzledmom

Try stuff with magnesium in it. That (imo) is why ppl crave chocolate.

Here is something to explain it further:
http://www.mgwater.com/calmagab.shtml

Premenstrual chocolate craving is a phenomenon that has puzzled a great many women who are not controlled by this overwhelming urge at other times of the month. Yet chocolate, which is highest in magnesium of all foods, is often a sign of magnesium deficiency. If your diet is high in calcium you may have poor calcium absorption as well. The answer is not to eat more chocolate, but to increase your magnesium by eating more whole grains, nuts, seafood, and green vegetables, and by increasing your magnesium supplements. Your chocolate cravings will vanish when you have enough magnesium in your diet.

They should sell Chocolate Covered Magnesium Supplements!

pkgirrl

Yeah seriously try some yoga. It sucks making yourself get all stretched out when all you want to do is swallow a bottle of advil and curl into a ball, but I promise it will start to feel better really quickly once you start. Hope you feel better doll!

Mariposa187

oh dont i know the feeling. I have no health insurance so i cant afford my depression meds or several other meds i need and chocolate used to be my best friend. My husband knows right away when i start to go in a downward spiral he buys my some form of chocolate (usually candy or cheesecake). He likes to be extra generous during my TOM because pain meds mess up my stomach as well. I have used it heavily for the past few years but i cant stand to gain anymore weight. I use menthol cough drops to cut down the cravings and i have a stationary bike to pedal off my frustrations.

I had to gradually decrease my chocolate eating... u can try different things so you dont ruin the joy of chocolate becuase it really is a joy!

I hope this helps and I wish you the best during your moving... I remember moving it is so stressful and we only moved five mins away from where i used to stay...

Dont you just love being able to vent on mfp?!

pinkgigi

I feel for you, 2 years ago I had 12 weeks of continuous bleeding.

I found that exercise really helps. Babe you won't feel like going, but the extra blood flow in your bits will help heaps. I also use heat pads, the extra sugar from chocolate may actually be making it worse by contributing to sugar highs and lows.

For me, the extra cravings during PMS mean that my body actually needs more food, so I know that if I eat right during that week, I will lose more weight.

Hugs to you.

GG

Townsend143

Honestly, the best thing I've found for cramps is sit-ups... believe it or not. Also try a heating pad. I also get that chocolate craving but I just have to limit mine to maybe a couple of Hersheys kisses and I suck on them to make them last longer. Good luck!

cvaneaton

:flowerforyou: Hope you are feeling better soon. Cramping and stress sucks but hey you are trying and you can get through this.

Hugs to you!