Hormonal Binging?

[redbutton]

Hi,
I'm not sure if I should be posting this on the PCOS board because I do have PCOS. I would really appreciate some input on my dilemma.

I have binged on a nightly basis for about 3 years, but thankfully, I have been able to get it under control in the last 6 months or so, and I have really progressed. I go out for walks, and have been working on my issues with depression.

The problem I have is the week before my period. I am unbelievably hungry and I have NO self control. I haven a "I could give a &%$! if I eat this whole bag of chips, whatever!" attitude. This feeling doesn't go away until a few days after my period has ended. So it's a good 10 days a month, that I'm out of control. My doctor put me on the pill, and this has reduced my headaches and backaches, but nothing for my binging.

I am slowly losing weight, but if in a month, if I lose 5 lbs., I will gain 3 back on my period. It's 3 steps forward, 2 steps back, every month. I feel as if when my period ends, I snap back to myself, and can eat normally, I mean do struggle, but I can handle it and avoid the binges. But before and during my period I feel powerless and upset that I can't stop. I'm trying so hard and I am heart broken that my 3 weeks of hard work exercising and healthy eating go down the drain in 10 days, like clockwork, every single month.

Does anyone have any insight or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[xty]

Oh yes, I am at highest risk for a binge during the first few days of my period!.

This is one of the reasons I choose not to get my cycle monthly. Im on the quarterly BC, but I stop every 8 weeks for 1 week.

And I try to set myself up for success by
- reducing stress that week
- working out extra
- avoiding high risk situations (no birthday parties, etc)
- slightly upping my carb intake on healthy carbs to feel less deprived
- no high risk foods kept in the house that week

Still doesnt always work. I had my first binge in 3 months during my last period. But it only lasted one day, and I had to just forgive myself and keep moving forward.

See if you can make some small modifications to make the week safer, but dont be too hard on yourself!

[Hillaryspeppy]

Your story could literally have been mine. I have serious issues with my attitude and appetite associated with my period. Mine happens 2 weeks before my period for 2-3 days. My attitude changes from "I can do this, I don't need to eat this, etc." to "I couldn't possibly care less if i eat 1,000 calories in one sitting" I have no idea how to keep myself from feeling like this, but I feel better now knowing its not just me. My increased hunger doesn't seem to help any either. xty's plan sounds good. If I can just get myself to compromise for those days it wont be so bad.

[redbutton]

Thank you all for the ideas and the support. I will try the suggestions. I will stock up on more fruit before my period (as I am veggie challenged). I guess I really do have to plan more and be more forgiving of myself.

Hillary, yeah, you're not alone. I have been struggling with this and I just had to post because it's driving me batty!