Costometic

Have you found yourself wanting to tear your hair out at the smallest provocation, at certain times of the month? Or felt so low that even the news of a hefty raise at work, or a surprise gift from your husband hasn’t cheered you up? And then there are the times when you just can’t wait for a tumble in the bed with your man. Baffled by your constant ups and downs? Blame it on your hormones. The hormone levels in your body rise and fall during your monthly menstrual cycle and affect the way you feel-and even look. But the menstrual cycle doesn’t have to be a drag; it’s actually a sign that your body is functioning properly. We have experts unraveling the mysteries behind the mood swings and physical changes happening inside you-and suggesting ways of tackling the hormonal surges and ebbs.

WEEK 1

YOUR PERIOD ARRIVES
Oestrogen and progesterone, the star hormones in your body’s monthly theatrics, are at their lowest levels; prostaglandins, the hormones that trigger uterine contractions, are at their peak.

How you feel : With oestrogen in short supply, your are exhausted; you may also have cramps and even diarrhea, thanks to your soaring prostaglandins. “You just feel yucky”, says Dr. Elizabeth lee Vliet, M.D., author of It’s My Ovaries, Stupid . Women with asthma, arthritis, or skin problems like psoriasis or eczema may find that their symptoms flare up now (eating foods rich in vitamin C and zinc can help), and blood sugar levels tend to drop too.

Your state of mind : You may feel like you have completely lost it. “Many women complain of forgetfulness or brain fog during this week”, says Dr. Scott Isaacs, M.D., author of Hormonal Balance .Low oestrogen levels may affect your ability to think clearly. Without the calming influence of progesterone and the energising effect of oestrogen, you may also be more sensitive to stress.

Smart moves : Indulge in some R&R - rest and red meat (or, if you are a vegetarian, spinach) for energy and to replenish iron stores depleted during a heavy period. Take anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) to block cramp-causing prostaglandins. And if you are stressing over everything from your grocery list to a deadline at work, try yoga, meditation or a massage - they are proven stress relievers.

WEEK 2

LOVING YOUR “OVULATION HIGH”
Oestrogen is rising slowly and steadily, stimulating production of the uterine lining to prepare your body for a possible pregnancy. Towards the end of the week, levels of lutenising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) surge, which prmpts your ovaries to release an egg around day 14. Progesterone remains low until the end of the week, while the “male” hormone testosterone hits a high point.

How you feel : Right now, you look as good as you feel - and you feel pretty awesome. High levels of oestrogen, without the tranquilizing effect of progesterone, send your energy soaring. Your skin is at its clearest all month. “Oestrogen supports the skin’s fluid and salt retention, so you look dewy and healthy”, sasy Dr. Susan M. Lark, M.D., author of PMS: Self Help Book . Can’t seem to keep your hands off your man? Thank testosterone, which gives you a jolt in the libido department. Not so coincidentally, you are at your most fertile now, especially toward the end of the week when ovulation (release of ovum or egg) occurs.

Your state of mind : Think of oestrogen as a kind of hormonal Prozac (an antidepressant). “It improves serotonin and other chemical messengers’ function, just like antidepressants do”, explains Dr.Vliet. With oestrogen on the upswing, you feel focused and upbeat. You are also less likely to suffer from withdrawal symptoms now, making this the ideal week to start your quit-smoking program or to cut back on your caffeine habit.

Smart moves : This is your highest energy week of the month, so take advantage of it: Plan your preschooler’s birthday party, clean out a jam-packed closet, go for heavy duty grocery shopping or tackle a big project at work. With testosterone in your corner, you are feeling more assertive than usual; now’s the time to have a tough conversation you have been dreading.

WEEK 3

MELLOWING OUT ON PROGESTERONE
Oestrogen starts to plummet at the same time that progesterone surges, creating a blissful balance.

How you feel : When ovulation occurs at the end of week 2 and into week 3, your body temperature spikes a degree or two. The result: Research suggests that you get a little metabolism boost. Your burning desire will start to cool, but if you are trying to get pregnant, keep having sex! “You may still be fertile for two or three days after you ovulate”, says Dr. Isaacs. This is also a good time to get your gynae check-up - by next week, you will be more sensitive to pain; the week after that, you will have your period.

Your state of mind : Your positive mood persists. Progesterone peaks toward the end of the week, giving you a serious dose of serenity and calmness.

Smart moves : Take advantage of your revved up metabolism and have a little chocolate. Or, make a real effort to stick to your diet and get to the gym. “If you are trying to lose weight , this is the time to make the most of it”, says Dr. Isaacs.

WEEK 4

MAKING THE BEST OF PMS
At the beginning of the week, progesterone is at an all-time high, then plunges. Your oestrogen levels continue to nosedive.

How you feel : You know the deal - this is the week of headaches, insomnia, bloating, bad skin and carb cravings. Blame high progesterone levels early in the week for many of the physical woes associated with PMS. Progesterone also increases your appetite and relaxes your muscles; your stomach poofs out and you feel bloated. Plus, it triggers the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce more oil, which causes all those pimples.

Your state of mind : Even if you don’t pay much attention to your cycle, you know what week this is because of the way you have been reacting to everything. You have screamed at your kids over something trivial and picked up a fight with your husband - and it isn’t even 9 a.m.! Blame those rapidly dropping progesterone levels for your irritability and crazy mood swings.

Smart moves : Exercise to soothe the blues and eat small frequent meals to keep your blood-sugar levels steady. Avoiding carbonated drinks and salty foods will limit bloating and cutting back on caffeine can ease insomnia and fatigue. To reduce moodiness, water retention, food cravings and pain, Dr. Lark recommends taking 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily, along with 500 to 600 mg of magnesium. Finally, remind yourself that this, too, shall pass - when your period starts and the cycle begins all over again.

- x -

BLISS OUT DURING YOUR WORST WEEK WITH THESE SIMPLE SOOTHERS:

Turn up the heat : Old-fashioned, but it works! Relax your cramping muscles with a heating pad or a hot-water bottle. Or let a warm bath soothe your body and mind.

Indulge a little : Dying for chocolate? Give in to temptation. Or dig into some chilled ice cream that also has the PMS-fighting calcium.

Try meditation and yoga : Meditation is a good way to focus on yourself and forget about worries. And yoga can help tame those annoying cramps and lower back pain.

Get some sleep : Sleep helps your body to renew its energy and also rebuild essential cells and tissues. Plenty of rest will keep your physical and emotional PMS symptoms under control.

Get a massage : Go to the beauty parlor or ask your husband to give you a gentle back rub. Or heat some almond oil and massage it on your lower abdomen.

Relieve your stress : Stress will only make your mood fluctuation, depression and fatigue worse. Exercise moderately, eat small meals and be happy.