Girly problem.

[Victoriana]

I haven't had PMS in years. I get sober and BANG! PMS like a mad woman. Now, what is that all about? Will it stay with me? Am I doomed to huge amounts of chocolate (Yeah, I know.............terrible work but someone has to do it.) and snapping like a small frustrated dog?
Will it go away again? Any ideas ladies?

[flick]

Hi Victoriana,

very interesting share, not something I had given much consideration to; sobriety and pms.

I have increased symptoms since beginning sobriety, however I strongly believe that is due to becomming peri-menopausal....

Something I do know is that one of the greatest reasons we become addicts is to escape reality...hide from our feelings/emotions....and if we have issues from child hood or traumas from other ages that haven't been addressed they will often surface when we are in recovery....a lot of people learn to 'block out' painful emotions when actively using/drinking.

Hormonal surges during cycling can affect our relationships, self-esteem and a general sense of well-being.

Many women in recovery have experienced trauma and abuse. They can be further affected by changing levels of hormones during menstrual cycles, because old memories, accompanied by strong emotions are more apt to surface then.If women know when and how this happens, it is easier to facilitate a plan to relieve the symptoms and perhaps address the issues with a psychologist.

I am also aware that some mental health conditions can be masked whilst using/drinking and can surface once in recovery; for women some of these conditions/disorders can be heightened during pms....depression is a beauty!!!.....I suffer depression and BPD (personality disorder) and can fluctuate between anger and deep sadness with my pms.

Not sure if any of this helps, I did actually do a search on alcohol and pms, but all results were actually regarding the craving of alcohol more so during pms and how active addiction can affect pms.