Has birth-control improved your PMS symptoms? Help us tap into the strength of women by sharing your story now.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

PMS often includes both physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms are:

* acne
* breast swelling and tenderness
* feeling tired
* having trouble sleeping
* upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
* headache or backache
* appetite changes or food cravings
* joint or muscle pain
* trouble concentrating or remembering
* tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells

* anxiety or depression

Symptoms vary from one woman to another. If you think you have PMS, keep track of which symptoms you have and how severe they are for a few months. You can use a calendar to write down the symptoms you have each day or you can use a form to track your symptoms. If you go to the doctor for your PMS, take this form with you.

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I used to lock myself in my room for days..... When my period started on a workday, I would muddle through until I could go home and shut the world out. On the weekends, I would lock myself in my home and not come out. I would sleep for as long as possible and eat everything in sight. I would cancel dates and plans with friends because I did not want to interact with anyone. I wanted to injure anyone who tried to touch me. I had debilitating PMD. I did not want to be on birth control pills because I had the misconception that it would only mess up my hormones more. The funny thing is that I work in healthcare communications—I had the answers at my fingertips but was too embarrassed to say anything until it was out of control and I had already made a life-altering decision. Now I am the pill. I feel better. Thanks for sharing your story. by Posted: Wed., March 26, 2008, 06:09 am

This is just a general This is just a general comment about my experience PMDD and birth control: I tried going on birth control to help with PMDD, and it nearly killed me. The acne, bloating, aches and pains were nothing compared to the emotional toll PMDD took (TAKES) on my life and on the lives of the people who love me. I went on birth control to help keep my hormones in check, but instead, it made it worse. Please, please, please be careful when you try new medications to control your mood. I know birth control has helped many women to alieviate their symptoms of PMDD, but for this patient, _this_ woman, it made it much worse. by Posted: Wed., April 16, 2008, 10:46 am

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