Men should look away now

Please note - contains swearing.

I'm afraid I've had a really horrible week. Now I know I've mentioned this before in the last few years of writing, but it happens regularly and needs another outing. PMT! Accompanied by very painful cramps. Now I thought this was what all women go through - but a friend has told me she not only didn't get pain but she doesn't believe she had PMT either (maybe I should ask her husband and family this?). But saying that I think a lot of you know all about it. Periods are great - when you want a baby, but not at 11 (when I started) or 50 (shouldn't it be the menopause by now?). For those people that don't suffer or don't have close family that don't really experience PMT  I think it's hard for them to understand how bad it can get. A bit like depression or food intolerance they think it's all a load of rubbish. But it is so not. In fact it's hell. I even think a woman got off with murder because she had it! I've certainly known relationships crumble because of it. My other half struggles big time! It's not just the pain, bloating, water retention, acne, chocolate cravings (one of mine), sleepless nights.... I could go on. For me it's the tears, feelings of helplessness, paranoia, low self esteem, utter misery. I've never missed work or had any real mishaps. Though my boss (female) was told never to accept my resignation at that time of the month lol. But I do know people who really struggle - I've seen my own niece so poorly with her periods she was vomiting. It's so easy for husbands/partners/children to feel so hard done to because they sometimes live with a hormone monster (yes, that's me). They can leave the room, go in the garden, go to work (stay at work and not come home until it's all clear) to get away from the rage, grumpiness, irrationality, crying, short temper etc but what about us women? Do you think we like feeling this way? Do we want to wake up and feel like the world is coming in? That we get cross over silly things? That we burst into tears and sob for no real reason? Trust me, we hate it. I hate it. I hate to need constant reassurance that I'm loved/liked/remembered. I know that these feelings are just caused by my hormones, but it doesn't help because at that moment in time they are very real. And the sad thing is I know I'll feel this way again (in varying degrees) in another 28 days. So if your wife/partner/ mother/sister/friend has bad PMT please just try to remember that whilst it's no bed of roses for you, it's even shittier for her! And all she might need is a hug or reassurance or a bit of patience. Don't be a pig and just walk away, remember she can't!

Anyway, on other more cheerful matters. There are no bloody other cheerful matters, I've got fucking PMT!! Have you not been bloody reading!!!

I like it when you smile. But I love it when I'm the reason.

DISCLAIMER : these are my views only and should not be taken as universal! We are all different and symptoms vary. Whilst this list is valid it is by no means exhaustive. Also - it might be worth asking (when it's not the time of the month) what might help. If you just wade in with a hug you might get kneed in the balls! Just saying like, as we girls are all different. That's what makes us special!