EDs and PMS

So, I've been trying to recover from bulimia. And I do very well on most days...but around my time of the month, I seem to always, ALWAYS slip. In between, I am completely healthy and I never feel insecure or out of control.

I've always had problems with my period. I've been thinking that maybe I have PMDD. I get irritable beyond belief, paranoid, quick to anger and tears... And worst of all, I get emotionally and socially disconnected, which causes me to binge and purge. And it's extremely difficult to keep track of because I'm not always regular. In fact, many months, I have a full two or three week break in between my PMS and actual period.

I'm not entirely sure of what to do. I don't think I can afford to go to the doctor. I don't have health insurance, and I've never been to a gynecologist. It's making me crazy because I can tell something is wrong, I just don't know what. I'm always thinking, maybe it's PCOS. Maybe it's PMDD. Maybe it's an estrogen-releasing tumor on my pituitary gland!

I don't like depending on chemicals, and was hoping that maybe someone might have a little advice on just...managing myself for the time being. God knows, I lose all rationality when this happens.

Much appreciated,

Cindy

If the problem coincides with your menstrual cycle then there is probably a hormonal factor at play.   A doctor's appointment would be the most sensible thing to do.

In the meantime, you mention PCOS which is a pretty common problem.  Sufferers often report irregular periods, weight gain & mood swings as well as other distressing symptoms.   Those people are increasingly advised to follow a 'Low GI' diet because it's been found that by keeping insulin levels and blood-sugars stable, their symptoms can be greatly improved.  When you binge at these times would you be bingeing on sugary/starchy foods? Or is it just any kind of food? 

If you think this is a route you'd like to explore I can recommend a book by Jennie Brand-Miller called the 'Low GI Guide to Managing PCOS'.  If it helps, fantastic.  But even if you don't turn out to have PCOS, a diet that includes Low GI carbohydrates is excellent for general good health. 

Thanks for the advice. I might look into eating a low GI diet. It sounds like something anyone could benefit from. Just one question, though. Would following such a diet alter one's carb/fat/protein ratios?

And I think I will make an appointment to see a doctor about this problem. Hopefully my parents will help me out.

Thanks!

I'm a recovering bulimic and I have PCOS as well, and when I have my period, typically in the days leading up to it, it is literally like the world is ending. I get so sad and depressed about my life.

Therapy has been helping. Just knowing that someone is listening.

Just wanted you to know your not alone.

Good luck!

A healthy, balanced diet comes in at about 15-25% protein, 25-30% fats and 50-65% carbohydrate.  All a Low GI diet does is mean that the 50-65% carbohydrate are unprocessed wholegrains and other wholefoods rather than refined/sugary starches.

Do talk to your doctor about any medical concerns.