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PMS = Premenstrual Sketchiness?

736 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by formica, Jul 23, 2004

MallieD

Discussion Starter · Jul 23, 2004

Despite the dorky title this is a serious question. I've noticed over about the last three or four months that my periods are easier (less cramping, shorter, less hassle in general) since I've been working to get in shape by riding my bike. My question though is about the couple of days prior to the actual flow. I've noticed that during that short time, pre-flow we'll call it, I seem to have more dorky wrecks. Not wrecks based on me trying something new or going faster. The kind where you brake in a spot where no braking is required. Or all of a sudden you can't evade tree branches as easily as you had been the week before.

I guess I'm asking if any of the rest of you grapple with this. Does PMS tamper with concentration? Do hormones impact balance? Or is it just me?

Thanks...

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formica

· #2 · Jul 23, 2004

I have a definate few days where I do not feel on top of my game, I think it's just before my period starts, "dork riding", less energy and less drive. I have no idea what the physiological basis is, tho.

formica

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DirtGirl

· #3 · Jul 23, 2004

Yes. I'm more off balance and sometimes feel a bit out of it when I'm riding---almost like a minor bonk. I don't notice until I'm on the bike and don't really have any other signs of PMS. Keeping well hydrated and easing on the coffee seems to help me be a little less off balance but I don't know if it's just psychological.

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Christine

· #4 · Jul 23, 2004

The only way I know for sure when my period is coming, is when I start thinking dark thoughts. Day 1 is almost always the day after I start thinking, "I should just kill myself...."

I just remind myself, it's the hormones talking, life isn't so bad.... but even on a bike ride, it's hard to shake off the moodiness!

But this should make me more daring on the bike, one would think. Hmmm. I'm due in a few days, so I'll try and pay attention to how my riding goes. Unfortunately, it's raining here in NYC

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verslowrdr

· #5 · Jul 23, 2004

OK, from a pure amatuer here.... the post ovulation/ pre menstruation phase has a surge of progesterone, and other physical effects such as a basal temperature rise. It usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, although it varys a lot from woman to woman. Right before menstruation, temps often take a dive again.

I've noticed I'm 'down on my game' during that portion of my cycle esp at the beginning and the end of that phase when all the hormone levels are changing fast... sounds like it isn't unusual.

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Impy

· #6 · Jul 23, 2004

I wish I could pinpoint my dorky crashes and bad riding on PMS days but I'm afraid I'm just a dorky rider a lot of the time. It is rather random.

At WOW Dirtcrab mentioned how wierd it was that I cleaned a tricky rocky section but crashed on a rather simple if kind of sandy uphill section. I said "Welcome to my wacky random world of riding".

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MallieD

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 23, 2004

Hey Impy...

I didn't get a chance to say congrats on your soon-to-be-out-of-work status. Yippee for you. I'm from NorCal originally so I say boo-hiss to moving to SoCal...but that's just NorCal native snobbery!!!

I'm by no means blaming all of my psycho-sketchiness on PMS. There are many post-flow days where I do something rather stupid (at least to me and anyone who might be unlucky enough to be riding right behind me). I think I see more of a concentration of these sketchball wrecks during those few pre-flow days, though!

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CycleMainiac

· #8 · Jul 23, 2004

Years ago a friend mentioned this phenomonom to me. Being a bit off balance for a few days righ before she started. I had noticed that Sometimes I would the kind of ride where for no good reason I would crash or nearly crash. I started paying a little closer attention and sure enough it happens most often a few days before.

I think it's pretty common.

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verslowrdr

· #9 · Jul 23, 2004

Impy said:
I wish I could pinpoint my dorky crashes and bad riding on PMS days but I'm afraid I'm just a dorky rider a lot of the time....

OK, OK..... just more dorky crashing/ fatigue/ feeling blech than usual I promise. But even on my best days, I can guarentee all you gals are STILL better riders than me from just reading about your adventures.

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MallieD

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 23, 2004

Hooey...

My dear verslowrdr...you're one of my favorite "voices of reason" on this site. You always manage, with humor and smarts, to temper a conversation/thread that might be about to go awry. And I know you commute to work, darlin'. So don't get all modest on us right now. We know you're the shiznit!!!

I currently look like my husband took a baseball bat to my upper and lower legs, backside and lower arms. So...I promise you...there are plenty of us sketchballs who would do well to contonue to get even more great replies and tips from you.

Mallie

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verslowrdr

· #11 · Jul 23, 2004

Shucks

*blush*

I hate to burst yer bubble, but I didn't ride to work or back all week until yesterday- when husband felt sorry for me out on the 100+ degree road and came to get me 8 miles and half the camelback into the ride home.

Of course I'd like to think this bottle of antibiotics, plus the OTHER bottle of antibiotics I've got to pick up this afternoon, provides an excuse.

I just DESPISE being sick, I RESENT the time it takes to get better, and I LOATHE having to quit doing things in the meantime!!! I HATE BEING ILL WITH THE FIRE OF A THOUSAND SUNS!

....ahem.... disregard the nonsensical rant.

What I ment to say was "thank you".

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MidAtlanticXCer

· #12 · Jul 23, 2004

dark thoughts indeed

One of my friends actually got a full hysterectomy to combat her PMS. Apparently it was of the Dr Jeckyll / Mr. Hyde variety. Makes my PMS grumpy / clumsy / tired symptoms seem not so bad. I always drag [email protected]@ the few days bracketing the start of my period. I also slam my hips and shoulders into door jams, drop my keys, etc. Glad to hear it's not just me.

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formica

· #13 · Jul 23, 2004

MidAtlanticXCer said:
One of my friends actually got a full hysterectomy to combat her PMS. Apparently it was of the Dr Jeckyll / Mr. Hyde variety. Makes my PMS grumpy / clumsy / tired symptoms seem not so bad. I always drag [email protected]@ the few days bracketing the start of my period. I also slam my hips and shoulders into door jams, drop my keys, etc. Glad to hear it's not just me.

there is a real medical problem called PMDD, pre menstrual dysphoria disorder. This is not your garden variety PMS that most women get: this is PMS related depression ane mood swings so severe you are suicidal or non-functional, really unpleasant stuff.. It can be treated medically, I'd think a hystectomy would be overkill unless there were other issues too.

formica

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