Riding Under the Influence

Dealing with PMS


Some women are very lucky, and don't suffer with some of the difficult changes that PMS can bring each month. Some women are just down right cursed, or so it would seem. Unlucky for me, I am the latter.

Is there anyway to stop PMS? No, but there are some things we can do that may help relieve the some of the symptoms. Many of us know just how difficult riding with breast tenderness can be, or when your riding pants feel two sizes too small due to water retention and bloating, and what about mood, it can be down right impossible to ride when our anger and frustration level hits a 10 out of 10.

PMS can show up in many forms, and in any combination of the following:

Mood changes such as depression, being irritable, anger, weeping, highly emotional, sexual desire, and anxiety.

You may also notice things like, forgetfulness, confusion, you may have a hard time sticking to a task at hand, and you may even be more prone to accidents.

Then there are the physical changes such as breast tenderness, bloating, swelling, headaches, back aches, changes in sleeping pattern, low energy, and for some, nausea.

Any combination of symptoms can cause serious disrupt in our lives, be it for a few days or to a week or more for some women. I suffer from many of theses symptoms, and for me it's really very debilitating. I find that my breasts get so sore that walking down a flight of stairs is painful, clothes don't fit, and I'm even uncomfortable even laying in bed with nothing on. During the week I suffer there is just no pleasing me, and my temper is extremely volatile. In short, I would just like to crawl under a rock and stay there until I feel like facing the world again.

Of course we can't go to bed, close the door, and shut the world out for a few days or a week, as we all have jobs, family's and outside interests that need to be attended to. So we suffer, sometimes silently, sometimes not, I for one warn my family to leave me alone as best they can, so I can attempt to enjoy my day, and they in turn can enjoy theirs.

Here are a few things we can do, and have been shown to ease some of the symptoms in some women:

Living a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and exercising three to five days per week may help to improve mood and physical tone. Studies suggest that women who exercise regularly tend to have fewer symptoms than those who don't. Cut back on salt and salty foods, doing can help with bloating and swelling. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can help with mood swings. If possible learn some relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other types of quiet activities that can reduce stress.

One thing if have found to be very important is to let others know how I feel. Explain how uncomfortable you are and how on edge you feel, and ask them to understand you might not be yourself for a few days. Most people will respect you for it. I know this works well for our family, and helps keep peace at home when I truly do feel explosive inside. Obviously PMS is no excuse for being abusive or rude, but for some of us, outbursts or the like, are very hard to contain. By explaining your feelings in advance, you can at least give others a chance to consider if now is the time to pick at things, or expect more from you and so forth.

Take your vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that Calcium may help decrease symptoms in some women. Moderate doses of Magnesium and Vitamin E may also help. Finally, a good multi vitamin with Vitamin B6 has also been shown to benefit certain women with their PMS symptoms. Remember to consult your doctor before making lifestyle changes, or adding extra doses of vitamins or minerals to your diet. Some can be harmful, for example, Vitamin B6 taking in too high a dose can cause nerve damage. So be sure you know the facts in advance.

Some women find that no matter how they change their lifestyle, the physical symptoms of PMS just won't let up. You may need to get further help from your doctor, by discussing options such as diuretics for fluid buildup and bloating or perhaps taking the pill again, as this can be of benefit to some women as well. Ibuprofen is also one of the most effective off the shelf drugs we can take for PMS, its anti-inflammatory effects do help relieve some of the pain and can help reduce the bloating feeling we are so familiar with.

There is no "cure" for PMS, and its effects on us during that time each month can be down right frustrating. Following some of the suggestions above may help you "keep your sanity" or relieve some of discomfort enough to make daily tasks a little more pleasant.

Finally, when it comes to PMS and riding, I have always found it best to hit the trail and leave the schooling until my mood is back under my control. PMS is not time to "pick a fight" with your horse, nor is it time to try and "fix" an issue that's been bothering you. Give yourself and your horse a break on those "bad days," and find something you can enjoy doing together, something relaxing and quiet, and something that you can both benefit from. Your horse will love you for it.

Lindsey Millar

*Information for this article was based on discussion's I have had with my own doctors over the year, and from several articles I have read and found helpful. Please note: I am not a doctor, so please do consult yours before making any major lifestyle changes or changes to your eating habits and vitamin schedule*