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.

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!

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.

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!