PMS Horror : Please help...

[Mimi777]

HI Everyone,

Thanks for having me here and reading my post.

 

This is my first W30 and up until now I have been absolutely loving this process and the changes.  I am on day 21 today.  I just started to feel the Tiger Blood and then, boom, PMS struck.

 

I have suffered every month with radical mood swings, total lethargy, irritability (awful for me and for everyone around me).  This is the worst I have ever felt - I feel utterly depressed, low in energy, headaches, rage-y.... and so, so disappointed and self loathe-y - feelings of failure... I  was hoping W30 would help alleviate some of these symptoms.  Maybe, I have set myself crazily high expectations to see hormone regulation in month 1?

 

I was thinking I should maybe stick with the W30 beyond the 30 days and maybe will see results in the second month?  What do you think?

 

I do CrossFit 3 times a week - though last week I only managed 2...

 

I have been strict with myself with the W30 and have a supportive husband who is doing it with me.

 

We have been having things like having fish, sauteed veg, roasted sweet pot for breakfast (or, usually, sweet pots, sauteed veg and two eggs), chicken, jacket potato, sauteed kale for lunch, and then a roast chook/burgers/ground beef/ fish or chicken curry as per plan with lots of veg for dinner.  Also, approx 1-2 pieces of fruit a day. Occasionally some macadamias with coconut shavings.

 

I have a coffee every morning - we were having it with coconut cream but ditched that for home made almond milk instead.  I drink lots of water, black tea with almond milk, licorice tea, dandelion with almond milk, chamomile (neat...!).

 

For me, this part has been the most illuminating part of my W30  journey.  I have found myself panicking in the last 3 days, looking around for my usual crutches; namely, wine and sugar.  I had no problems at all up until the last 7 days, in fact was thoroughly enjoying it.  

 

My period is due tomorrow.

 

If anyone can help me around understanding what is going on with my hormones in regard to the W30, shared experiences, some realistic expectations and any tips, I would greatly, greatly appreciate it - I'm struggling....

 

Thank you in advance for reading. 

PS: Not on any hormonal birth control.  Use a mooncup. 

[jmcbn]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way - PMS can be a bummer for a lot of folk.... I can see you are already including starchy veg in your daily intake, but my first suggestion would be to up the quantity for the next few days as this will help with your feelings of anxiety. Secondly I'd say increase your fat - you don't really mention any here and you need to be eating fat both to keep you satiated, and to keep those cravings at bay. Thirdly I'd say forget about crossfit for a few days - go easy on yourself & use your energy to get through this tough spell - the box will still be there when you're over it. Be sure you're getting at least a half ounce of water per pound of body weight, and finally - relax.... take time to breathe.... this too will pass....

[LadyM]

And yes, your symptoms may improve the longer you live a Whole9 life. 

 

I still have shifts and changes with each period after years of eating this way, but some symptoms, like breast tenderness, have gone away completely. I am MUCH more in tune with my body, though, which also means I'm more sensitive to symptoms and shifts. The week or so leading up to my period I always feel weak in the gym, so I take it easy and spend more time walking than lifting; I also increase starchy carbs and my magnesium supplement, both of which help tremendously with cravings.

[Karen]

Realize that pms is your body's way of prepping for a potential pregnancy. Between ovulation and your period, it needs a lot of energy for this. Once you get your period, this subsides. If you aren't eating enough or aren't eating enough quick energy (starchy carbs), your body will send you strong signals to get those things. It's a built in instinct for perpetuation of the species. Listen to what your body is telling you, realize it's instinct instead of willpower, and make sure your body gets the energy it needs (more starchy carbs, less physical exertion).

[chezjulie]

mimi, I had terrible PMS during my Whole30. I believe the phrase I used in my log was "crying, anxious mess." I imagine it's related to the balancing of hormones that goes on during a Whole30. I've seen moderators recommend not just eating more starchy veggies and fat leading up to our periods, but eating more in general.

 

I found an interesting post on Robb Walsh's blog about a woman who struggled with worsened PMS when she went paleo.

 

I hope that your period starts today and brings some relief. 

 

Also, something that could be related... are you eating little pre and post workout meals when you do Crossfit? I understand that's a demanding workout!

 

Take care.

[Mimi777]

Thank you all so very much for your very helpful words.  I truly appreciate it.

 

I think maybe I will take a break from the gym until I'm through this little spell.

 

Re: Fats - hmmmm. I eat avocado and drizzle oil over my veg and fish (when we have it).  I've eaten alot of coconut cream (curry and coffee) - does that count?  Should I maybe just take a spoonful of coconut oil every meal to make sure that is covered?  Also, does the fat that I cook in (e.g. when I sautee veg) count?

 

And yes great reminder re: pre/post workout meals!

 

Thank you again so much - feels great to be supported and encouraged through this and I feel heartened again.

[jmcbn]

Thank you all so very much for your very helpful words.  I truly appreciate it.

 

I think maybe I will take a break from the gym until I'm through this little spell.

 

Re: Fats - hmmmm. I eat avocado and drizzle oil over my veg and fish (when we have it).  I've eaten alot of coconut cream (curry and coffee) - does that count?  Should I maybe just take a spoonful of coconut oil every meal to make sure that is covered?  Also, does the fat that I cook in (e.g. when I sautee veg) count?

 

And yes great reminder re: pre/post workout meals!

 

Thank you again so much - feels great to be supported and encouraged through this and I feel heartened again.

A lot of the fat you're using to cook in stays in the pan so it doesn't hurt to add more, particularly if you're feeling low.

You can play around with pre & postWO meals once you're feeling up to training again - you may find you don't need a preWO depending on when you train, but don't deny yourself the postWO as this is really all about recovery & restoring muscle glycogen stores. Aim for protein & fat for preWO (no fruit), and protein & starchy carbs for postWO  (no fruit or fat).

You sound more upbeat already!

[Mimi777]

Thank you jmcbn!  That's really laid it out for me.  Will get on to my fats....  

 

Knowing there are things I can do and that things might get better if I stick with it are very buoying!  Thank you!