When I was 17, I started experiencing Pre Menstrual Syndrome or PMS every month and I called it the Monthly Monster.
When it arrived, I couldn't get out of bed.
I couldn't go to school as I would just lie on my stomach the whole day feeling the excruciating pain in my mid section and lower back.
I became moody and irritable for several days and some characters came out from me that I never imagined existed.
I read books about PMS just to know what causes this and how to avoid it.
I learned that it was due to hormonal changes that occur every month.
The estrogen levels go down to give way to the progesterone in preparation for fertilization.
Therefore I learned this is inevitable.
However, there are more factors that contribute to PMS.
Poor blood-sugar management is one of them.
High sugar intake caused by eating a lot of sugar, simple carbohydrates and processed foods depletes the body's stores of magnesium.
Magnesium is a primary nutrient required for muscle relaxation.
Taking in food high in magnesium such as green leafy vegetables, wholegrains, dairy products, fish and seafoods, apricots, figs, peaches and almond nuts relieves period pains and cramps.
Vitamins B group are vital for reduction of breast tenderness and water retention, relaxation, stress management and support of the adrenal glands.
Sources of these vitamins are brown rice, wholegrains, millet, rye and buckwheat.
After learning these vital nutrients and vitamins, I started adding them in my diet every time my period arrives.
For 20 years now, I never experienced PMS again.
I was never absent from school and I was able to do my daily tasks.
I hope it would help you as well.