Dear Jellybean,
there is a problem, when i PMS my mouth opens up. i say things i would NEVER say in real life. especially to guys. i get really obnoxious! and its not like THEY know why im being rude like my girlfriends know that im pmsing... so they just think i am a busybody -i gossip alot when i PMS, a rude person - whenever they say something that annoys me i BLOW up!!! please! what do i do!!!???
Luv,
Bigmouth b4 period!
Dear Bigmouth,
You're halfway to solving this problem - you know why your emotions go haywire at a certain time of the month.
If your period is pretty regular, I'd suggest charting it for a few months. Write down the days that you have your period - grab a red marker and put a big "P" on your desk or wall calendar for those days - and also mark down the day(s) that you experience PMS. After a month or two of doing this, you'll see that your body is acting in a predictable way - and you'll be able to take preventative measures.
P.M.S. (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) affects many women and girls. There are natural methods for alleviating PMS that many people swear by. These include cutting back on caffeine the week before their period starts, exercising, taking hot baths, and eating foods rich in vitamin B (such as granola bars, eggs, spinach, lentils, meat, yogurt, cheese and whole grain bread).
So try those - but also know that it's your responsibility to manage your own emotions. You can't just say, "I'm PMSing, deal with it" or "It's not my fault, I can't help being obnoxious." Now that you know why you're acting this way, and charting the times when it's probably going to happen, you can warn your close friends about the days you might be particularly affected, so they won't be taken aback when you act a bit nutty.
As for those innocent bystanders, like the guys who end up on the receiving end of your PMS-induced blow-ups, it's important to realize they don't deserve to be treated badly, just because you're having a bad day. As much as possible, plan to avoid other people when you know a PMS-Day is coming up on the calendar. Of course, this is easier when it's on the weekend, but what happens when it lands on a school-day? Do your best to keep to yourself, or just stick with your girlfriends. If some random guy says something to bug you, silently count to 10, use a meditation trick like repeating a calming mantra in your head (such as "Let this wash over me" or "I am in control"), or just say "I gotta go!" and get yourself out of there.
Having been there myself, I know that this is easy to say, but hard to do when you're in the grips of PMS. However, unless you want to develop a reputation for being a bit crazy, it's really important to learn to control your emotions, even when your hormones are going wacky. You can do it - it may just take some practice, some planning, and some consideration that other people aren't to blame for your stupid period.
