PMS.... is it real or an excuse?

Yes, I believe PMS is real. I also think that what can give it the appearance of not being real is that the things that bother you so intensely during this time period are the same things that bother you the rest of the month. But the ability to ignore the irritation is GONE. I say that PMS stands for Pretty Much Say it. It's like the "be nice" filter is removed and every little grievance is suddenly worth mentioning! My doc recommended the zoloft as well. I don't want to take the med so I just track my cycle and attempt to go "underground" during that time. Suddenly the natives practice of sending the menstruating women to a hut of their own makes perfect sense!

I think some women use it as an excuse, and for the purposes of jokes as well. When my period approaches, more times than not I will get VERY irritable, hungry, exhausted, and just agitated in general. I also get mild acne and mild discomfort such as muscle cramps in my back, legs, uterus... Then when my cycle begins I get horrible cramps and am still irritable, but after a day or two everything subsides and I am back to my normal self. I do joke and say I have PMS a lot only because I am pretty moody in general, but aside from the joking, what I experience monthly is very real and not fun at all! If I could prevent myself from this irritablility and pain, I surely would do so! I know this sounds funny, but I wish everyone could experience what I feel and what other women feel who have this occur... I wish women who felt nothing during their time of month and men as well could just experience it once so they'd understand!