One for the ladies - period, bloating, cramps & cravings

13

Replies

  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    This part of my life is in my past now (YAY!, but BOO! to hot flashes), but honestly, maybe things were different for people my age. Oh sure, I had cramps and tender breasts (try having cramps before ibuprofen was on the market with having endometriosis)... but having your period wasn't a big deal. You put on your sanitary protection and got on with life.

    I honestly never paid any mind to my cycle other than when we were trying to conceive, and it's not because it was a cakewalk, it's just because that's how it was treated while I was growing up... just another day, week, whatever. It wasn't some THING.

    You all have issues and that's fine, I'm not invalidating you. I'm suggesting gently that maybe it's best to not dwell. It happens ever month. Surely, as you've been dealing with it for many years now, you've learned some coping strategies.

    Franci, I will say this to you once. You are constantly complaining that you're hungry. Eat more protein and less treats. More vegetables and less fruit. I'm stepping over the line here and really don't care. Surely you've read the boards enough to know that fiddling around with macro balances can help greatly with hunger.

    I'm also aware from your posting history that you're unlikely to make a change to your eating habits, but make no mistake, your hunger is likely due to your dietary composition.
  • flrancho
    flrancho Posts: 271 Member
    I also have endometriosis. I find that exercise does help my cramps, even if its just going for a walk.

    Cravings and weight gain is normal, fortunately mine go away after two to three days or so. Sometimes I cave, sometimes I don't. Don't feel bad about giving into a craving or eating something bad, just try not to go overboard with how much you are having. Easier said than done, especially during that time of the month.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.
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  • misskarne
    misskarne Posts: 1,765 Member
    I crave salt. I've never figured out why, but during that time, I want salt, salt, nothing but salt, the saltier the better. I'll aim for takeaways and McDonalds just for the sodium content. And I admit I'm not very good at getting a grip on it. I'm still struggling with it quite a lot.

    I'm an unlucky one though - exercise actually makes my cramps worse. :s
  • justrollme
    justrollme Posts: 802 Member
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.

    I actually think this is the reason I want hot things/heating pad, etc., too. It's kind of like..."I'm so uncomfortable that I want allofthecozythings." For me, at least, chocolate (and even tea) also falls into that cozy category, even though that does sound kind of weird.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    Agree
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    edited October 2015
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
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  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    edited October 2015
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    Self-fulfilling prophecy. Yup. Completely agree. Like justrollme, my comfort when I was young was a heating pad and cup of tea (remember... the no ibuprofen? heat was good pain relief). When you're uncomfortable, you want pampering and comfort.

    A lot of us self-soothe with food. I think doing it at that time of the month is no exception.

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    Yep
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    edited October 2015
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    Francl, then you obviously don't fit my theory. I only stated but one of many possible reasons in my post.

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    edited October 2015
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    I find it amazing that you continue to point fingers and call everyone else closed-minded, while you resist responding to the idea that there could be a psychological problem at play. It is sad that there is a stigma attached to the idea of mental therapy in our society, but honestly, there's nothing wrong with exploring that avenue.

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    edited October 2015
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    Your out of line here.

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
  • Unknown
    edited October 2015
    This content has been removed.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Op, could these strange things have any connection to the supplements your taking ? ( I won't call you out on it, but you and I both know what I'm referring to)
    These mlm products really can be harmful and are low quality . please rethink your current supplements before you end up ill.
    Many people on here have tried anything and everything to lose weight. Many have all fallen for mlm scams, diet pills and fads. People here can tell you that its all unnecessary. For weight loss all that's needed is a calorie deficit .
    But back to your period issues, please talk to your doctor about this . there might be something else going on . better safe then sorry !
  • justrollme
    justrollme Posts: 802 Member
    edited October 2015
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    If I am one of the people who came across as suggesting it's all in your head, you have my sincerest apologies! I didn't mean it that way at all.

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    edited October 2015
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).



    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    If eating an entire pizza isn't comfort food then I don't know what is. Bread is one of my favorite things. Maybe bread isn't comforting to women?

    [Edited by MFP Mods]
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    _Waffle_ wrote: »
    Francl27 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    So how do you explain that it just started happening out of the blue for me about a year ago when I reached a normal weight (and after losing my period for a few months, actually)? I can think of one time when it happened when I was still obese (and I had to eat a whole box of pasta for it to go away..)... just one. That's hardly 'years'.

    But sure, let's jump to the mental health conclusion without acknowledging that it could be the most reasonable explanation, which is that our body is going through hormonal changes at that time (maybe Google 'hormonal changes at ovulation' because it seems that a lot of you could benefit from a refresher in basic science).

    About the obese people who are posting that it's just excuses, let's just say I hope karma bites you in the a** and it starts happening to you as well if you ever reach a normal weight. That's all. For the others, well, maybe you'll start having the same issues when you get older too... or not. Either way I hope you'll learn empathy and to be a bit more open minded to the fact that just because it doesn't happen to you, it doesn't mean that there aren't people who go through it, and that they're not necessarily making it up or making excuses. For men, well... I just envy you LOL.

    Anyway, I'm sad that @jnv7594 left the boards because of this thread. It was nice to see someone who wasn't completely close-minded for a change.
    shell1005 wrote: »
    Could these intense cravings maybe also be a psychological thing? Every month you know you're going to have uncontrollable hunger and want to eat anything and everything. You've been doing this for years, and come to accept it as being normal, when perhaps it's just something you have talked yourself into happening.

    I'm not down playing this at all or saying pms cravings do not exist, just trying to get a better understanding.

    I wholeheartedly agree with this. I am not down playing that there is a physical increase in hunger and cravings, but it is also a behavioral/psychological thing. When many women have their period and go through the symptoms....seeking out comfort food is a natural reaction. I have to have chocolate because of PMS...that sounds clearly emotional to me. It doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it what it is.



    That's funny because it's not comfort food at all that satisfies me during that time... just bready things. Chocolate? nope. Ice cream? Nope. Just give me all the bread (which I really have no problem eating in moderation the rest of the time.

    But whatever. Wasting my time. Clearly it's all in my head. It just happens in my head exactly at the same time of my cycle every month.

    If eating an entire pizza isn't comfort food then I don't know what is. Bread is one of my favorite things. Maybe bread isn't comforting to women?

    Bread is also my fav! :) I love pizza!
  • kk_inprogress
    kk_inprogress Posts: 3,077 Member
    When I know I'm more prone to struggle, I keep myself busy. Like I said at the top, I tend to exercise and drink more water because it helps me keep my mind off food. I don't have the same problem you do, but I still understand cravings. You're less likely to want to eat all the things if you're busy.
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    Francl27 wrote: »
    jnv7594 wrote: »
    You have no concept of what PMS hunger is like, no. And PMS hunger is like no other hunger I have ever dealt with in my life. For some of us, it's constant and unrelenting for a week no matter how much you eat. I can eat an entire pizza and literally be hungry an hour later. When I am going through my PMS hunger phase, I get so hungry I can't concentrate, I can't think clearly, I can't sleep, I feel faint, and that is AFTER I eat a normal amount of food. The rest of the month I'm fine, and it actually balances out because I lose my appetite once my period starts. You need to quit lecturing women on a subject you really know nothing about. This is not like regular run of the mill hunger that people experience when cutting calories. I've experienced both and this is much, MUCH worse.

    You're wasting your breath, lol. He just has no clue.

    I have plenty of clue. It's not normal. Not every woman deals with this. If it's that bad, really, you should see a doctor and have your hormones checked, because it sounds like th symptoms of someone who's BC pills are the wrong type.

    You must really hate women, don't you?

    Is this the way you normally respond to someone who holds a different opinion than you?

    Poorly played and poorly done.
  • I'm suddenly regretting clicking on this thread. Sheesh. I feel like women were just set back 60 years.

    I went through menopause early and I can tell you that it gets much, much worse.
  • Nikkei74
    Nikkei74 Posts: 48 Member
    I'm lucky in that I don't get any sort of hormonal cravings, but wonder if maybe something like dark chocolate coated nuts might be helpful in satisfying the need for chocolate while filling you up better than a block of milk chocolate? Adding cocoa to strained yoghurt (Greek yoghurt or labneh) might be worth a shot too.
  • hannahkingfitness
    hannahkingfitness Posts: 51 Member
    I use to have the worst cramps, I couldnt work or study for the first 3 days of my period every month. Since following a healthy diet and exercising regularly I can now control my pain with panadol! So, That may be some motivation to keep on track.

    I personally like enjoying smoothies while im on my period.
    I use Frozen banana, Handful of spinach(you can't taste it), 1 tsp peanut butter, Chia seeds(I soak a tbsp in some water for 5 minutes prior), Almond milk and ice. It's super filling and I think it tastes great. Of course if you're not a fan of almond milk you could use light milk or maybe part almond part cows?

    Remember you can enjoy a slice of cake if you must but just limit it to that, Don't eat it every day for your entire period and don't eat an entire cake! haha. :)
  • hannahkingfitness
    hannahkingfitness Posts: 51 Member
    Remember if you're carrying extra weight, Your hormones are likely all out of balance. The more you stay on track the better your body will be able to balance them.
  • RSavage83
    RSavage83 Posts: 15 Member
    thorsmom01 wrote: »
    Op, could these strange things have any connection to the supplements your taking ? ( I won't call you out on it, but you and I both know what I'm referring to)
    These mlm products really can be harmful and are low quality . please rethink your current supplements before you end up ill.
    Many people on here have tried anything and everything to lose weight. Many have all fallen for mlm scams, diet pills and fads. People here can tell you that its all unnecessary. For weight loss all that's needed is a calorie deficit .
    But back to your period issues, please talk to your
    doctor about this . there might be something else going on . better safe then sorry !

    I'm not on supplements. I think you read that from another user.

    My Dr. has prescribed me meds for my pain. I've tried them all. The ones I take make the endometriosis almost bearable. I was merely asking if anyone who experiences bad cramps finds exercise to be soothing. I've always shied away from exercising during my first 3 days since the pain is so intense but I'm looking for new ways to do things.

    I really didn't start this thread to whine about my period. I was just asking people for their opinions. Apparently some of us are either crazy or weak... this isn't where I thought this post would go. I'm thankful for all of the interesting and informative posts but this turned into something nasty and I'm sad that I started this. This was my first post. I'll be super careful of any further questions I have...

    It could be psychological... it could be low magnesium... it could be something else. All I know is I have cravings only for chocolate for 2-3 days every month. I'm fat... and I asked for advice for help and support. If I had all the answers or was "good" at this... I probably wouldn't be on a diet board... I'm 31 but I have to re-learn a healthy lifestyle... and I'm curious. I think some of you need to be less judgy. Stop putting others down to make yourselves feel better.

    Goodnight all... tomorrow's a new day!


  • Francl27 wrote: »
    Francl27 wrote: »
    jnv7594 wrote: »
    You have no concept of what PMS hunger is like, no. And PMS hunger is like no other hunger I have ever dealt with in my life. For some of us, it's constant and unrelenting for a week no matter how much you eat. I can eat an entire pizza and literally be hungry an hour later. When I am going through my PMS hunger phase, I get so hungry I can't concentrate, I can't think clearly, I can't sleep, I feel faint, and that is AFTER I eat a normal amount of food. The rest of the month I'm fine, and it actually balances out because I lose my appetite once my period starts. You need to quit lecturing women on a subject you really know nothing about. This is not like regular run of the mill hunger that people experience when cutting calories. I've experienced both and this is much, MUCH worse.

    You're wasting your breath, lol. He just has no clue.

    I have plenty of clue. It's not normal. Not every woman deals with this. If it's that bad, really, you should see a doctor and have your hormones checked, because it sounds like th symptoms of someone who's BC pills are the wrong type.

    You must really hate women, don't you?

    Why? I'm a woman. You're daft if you think every woman deals with this. These are on the far end of the range of symptoms, and I would advise anyone dealing with it to see their obgyn. The only time I ever had to put up with that is when I was on BC. My body just did not tolerate the extra hormones.

    You're right, not all women deal with that either. But whether it's 'normal' or not, you can't deny that it DOES happen... and saying it's an 'excuse' is inappropriate, rude, and clueless, whether you're a man or woman.

    But for what it's worth, both my GP and two GYNs said it just happens and there's nothing you can do. One mentioned the pill but as far as I remember, it made things worse for me. The last one mentioned Prozac... That's it. I rarely had those issues when I was fat though... now it's every single month for pretty much a week (and I end up 2000 calories over that week, usually).
    mccindy72 wrote: »
    ZoeLifts wrote: »
    Francl27 wrote: »
    jnv7594 wrote: »
    You have no concept of what PMS hunger is like, no. And PMS hunger is like no other hunger I have ever dealt with in my life. For some of us, it's constant and unrelenting for a week no matter how much you eat. I can eat an entire pizza and literally be hungry an hour later. When I am going through my PMS hunger phase, I get so hungry I can't concentrate, I can't think clearly, I can't sleep, I feel faint, and that is AFTER I eat a normal amount of food. The rest of the month I'm fine, and it actually balances out because I lose my appetite once my period starts. You need to quit lecturing women on a subject you really know nothing about. This is not like regular run of the mill hunger that people experience when cutting calories. I've experienced both and this is much, MUCH worse.

    You're wasting your breath, lol. He just has no clue.

    I have plenty of clue. It's not normal. Not every woman deals with this. If it's that bad, really, you should see a doctor and have your hormones checked, because it sounds like th symptoms of someone who's BC pills are the wrong type.

    Yeah, I was just about to add something similar because I was beginning to wonder if I was odd that I don't feel the need to eat everything on sight for a week once a month. Sure, I can sense a few extra cravings here and there, so I eat some dark chocolate pieces and move on and I'm fine. I would also suggest you see a doctor for this because this just does not seem normal.

    exactly this. I had PMDD, endometriosis, and fibroid tumors in my uterus and still didn't have this appetite issue. Overeating like this is not normal, and not a period type thing, either.

    It's definitely linked to hormones. Mine isn't linked to my period though... it usually peaks 10 days before (typically on the day I ovulate and a few days later). I'm *very* sensitive to hormonal changes though - I did IVF and ended up producing 38 eggs on the normal dosage, instead of the normal 10ish, and progesterone pills made me pass out. I guess that now that I'm smaller it's even worse somehow.

    I remember you saying this before. Hyper stimulation does NOT mean you're a special snow flake who is super sensitive to hormones and forced to eat all the foods . It just means they misjudged your dosage ( which is common in obese and/or younger women. I have no idea if you were under 30 and/or obese when you tried IVF but I suspect that you were because ovarian hyper stimulation is a common side effect in those two groups.
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    So here is something interesting. I just had my IUD out in August because my 5 years with it were up. During those 5 years I didn't have cramps or real periods (as in, very light, not painful). I also had no cravings. After having it out I had my first real period since 2010 with painful cramping and cravings. I'm wondering about a hormonal link between the extra hunger and having your period because now that I have no BC hormones at all in my body, I'm feeling the way I did before I had my IUD (and I wasn't on BC then either).

    I do think that there could be some merit to increased hunger or cravings during the month that is directly related to physiological changes within the body.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    RSavage83 wrote: »
    thorsmom01 wrote: »
    Op, could these strange things have any connection to the supplements your taking ? ( I won't call you out on it, but you and I both know what I'm referring to)
    These mlm products really can be harmful and are low quality . please rethink your current supplements before you end up ill.
    Many people on here have tried anything and everything to lose weight. Many have all fallen for mlm scams, diet pills and fads. People here can tell you that its all unnecessary. For weight loss all that's needed is a calorie deficit .
    But back to your period issues, please talk to your
    doctor about this . there might be something else going on . better safe then sorry !

    I'm not on supplements. I think you read that from another user.

    My Dr. has prescribed me meds for my pain. I've tried them all. The ones I take make the endometriosis almost bearable. I was merely asking if anyone who experiences bad cramps finds exercise to be soothing. I've always shied away from exercising during my first 3 days since the pain is so intense but I'm looking for new ways to do things.

    I really didn't start this thread to whine about my period. I was just asking people for their opinions. Apparently some of us are either crazy or weak... this isn't where I thought this post would go. I'm thankful for all of the interesting and informative posts but this turned into something nasty and I'm sad that I started this. This was my first post. I'll be super careful of any further questions I have...

    It could be psychological... it could be low magnesium... it could be something else. All I know is I have cravings only for chocolate for 2-3 days every month. I'm fat... and I asked for advice for help and support. If I had all the answers or was "good" at this... I probably wouldn't be on a diet board... I'm 31 but I have to re-learn a healthy lifestyle... and I'm curious. I think some of you need to be less judgy. Stop putting others down to make yourselves feel better.

    Goodnight all... tomorrow's a new day!


    Since this is all you are looking for, maybe start with something low-key. Going for a walk or yoga for example. I'd try something low impact for sure if you are having cramping pain. Then, if you feel like you could do more, you could try something a little more strenuous. I have done yoga while cramping, and I hated it just as much as when I did yoga and didn't have cramps. :laugh:

    Sorry, I don't have a lot of experience to help, but I also like using a heating pad when having cramps and am just lounging around. :flowerforyou:
  • chaoticdreams
    chaoticdreams Posts: 447 Member
    OP - I gain anywhere from 3-10 lbs the week before my period. I haven't found anything to help with this, it's just how it is for me and lord knows I've tried everything I could think of; Epsom salt bath, dandelion tea, drinking insane amounts of water.... nada. I just expect it, don't freak out about it, and move on knowing that if I just keep on keeping on after it's all over, the scale will be down again. Hormones are lovely aren't they?

    Other than chocolate, I never crave anything, and I don't really crave the chocolate anymore these days for some reason. It may be the magnesium I take or it could just be the weight I've lost changing up my hormones. I'd ask your doctor about things that could help with that. I do get hungrier, but I read somewhere that your body naturally burns more calories during your period which can cause that. Not sure if that is true or not, but it makes sense to me. I normally don't go over my calories during PMS, but if I do I don't let it get to me and just eat a little extra. It's usually only a day or two I feel that way, certainly not enough to make me overeat to the point I put back on fat. Every woman experiences PMS differently, or at least I know I am different than my friends. My main issue with it is I get incredibly weepy and cry at everything. It's seriously annoying.

    The only thing that I can do for cramps and breast tenderness is Advil or ibuprofen of some sort. I tried the exercise thing, but never felt like it helped. Plus when cramps are super bad, my motivation to move is severely diminished. Heating pads work for me too sometimes, but I'm rarely at home to use them.

    Other than that, I can't really add any extra advice. HUGS
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