She Says:
Short answer: Absolutely not!
That being said, PMS is real and the degrees of suffering from it vary from individual to individual. Too many women use it as an excuse to be miserable, or more to the point, to be bitchy. Too many men use it as a rationalization as to that is what’s “wrong” with the woman in their life, rather than going deeper and finding out the real reason they may be bitchy.
My emotions go wacky during PMS (which is the week before give or take a day or so, I begin menstruating). I cry very easily; I exaggerate things in my mind; I am easy to anger (both from my kids and my husband), I get annoyed more quickly with others, things that would normally not get on my nerves, get on my nerves.
My body goes wacky as well. I feel ugly; I break out in zits (yes even being over 40!); I feel fatter; my breasts feel as though they are going to explode and I all around feel crummy.
However, I recognize this time period for what it is. If I am feeling sad, I will avoid social interactions – in other words, I will not plan a dinner party when I know that I will be in the clutches of PMS. I tell my husband to please be patient with me and if I exaggerate or am quick to anger, please forgive me and remind me gently why I might be feeling the way that I do. (And he is wonderful about it!). My children are too young to understand what is happening to mummy, and at the same time I am careful and think before I react to anything they say or do.
Recognition and awareness help me not to be miserable (given I’m not a miserable person to begin with). Having control over my emotions at all times is important to me and my career. I do not tolerate it very well when a co-worker uses PMS as an excuse for sub-standard work; for clarity in thinking things through; for being miserable in the office; or for calling in sick because of it. Granted, there are real medical conditions which may make PMS worse and the actual menstration very painful – if that is the case, then you should get medical help.
Menstruating and PMS are natural. It has been around since women have been around. Yes it’s a pain in the ass; it can be messy. But it is what makes us women! It is beautiful and should be celebrated. It should not be used as an excuse for being a bitch. Cause, if you ask me, if you are a bitch while PMS’ing, you are more than likely a bitch naturally.
