Bad PMS Symptoms

Bad PMS Symptoms - Ask the Doctor Q & A

Question

I'm wondering if you've ever heard of anyone with PMS symptoms as bad as mine before. The headaches are so bad that I don't want to get out of bed. They are so bad that I don't want to answer the phone at work. The cramping is so bad that I just go into the ladies room and wait for them to pass, because I don't want to be bothered by anybody. My cravings aren't too bad, but I also break out with pimples on my face before my period, and I think people at work notice, so that makes me more self-conscious. On top of that I will feel really tired, dragging and moody for a whole week or two before my cycle. It's not just PMS either, because during my menstrual cycle it's almost as bad, but the PMS part of it is the worst.

~ Ashley

Answer

Ashley, I don't like to compare women's symptoms, because the only thing that really matters is how much you are suffering, and how much your symptoms interfere with your ability to enjoy life and relationships, your ability to meet your responsibilities, and just how well and happy you feel overall. I've met, and helped, many women with severe PMS and PMDD, and it sounds to me as if your symptoms have a major impact on your life. Not wanting to get out of bed; not wanting to answer the phone at work (which I assume is part of your job); going to the bathroom to wait out your cramps; acne that makes you feel self-conscious all sound like they would really upset your whole life.

I'd like to remind you that you can do something about feeling this way. Sometimes people think—and health care practitioners can sometimes reinforce this idea—that pain and not feeling well are normal and to be expected. I couldn't disagree with this philosophy more. It is natural and normal is to feel well, and to be able to live and enjoy life to your potential.