Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A Personal Journey Between Awareness and Acceptance
- Nathalie Nash de Saint Germain
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Premenstrual Syndrome: A Struggle from the Past, A Lesson for Today
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was, for many years, one of the most defining experiences of my life. Today , as I go through menopause, I look back with a mixture of empathy for who I was and gratitude for all that time taught me. While PMS may now be a thing of the past, its lessons continue to resonate with me.
Days Marked by Intensity
Back then, PMS came back every month, inevitable and unpredictable. It could last three days, or sometimes extend. It was a cycle of amplified emotions and sensations, influenced by my daily life, my diet, my stress levels, and even external events.
Every month I went through these days when everything seemed heavier, harder to bear. Things that I accepted without thinking the rest of the time became unbearable. It was as if my mind and body suddenly refused to tolerate what I had learned to ignore or minimize.
And yet, how many of us have heard the famous “You’re crazy” or “It’s just your hormones” during this period? As if our emotions and feelings were suddenly invalidated, our demands brushed aside. These phrases, so common, devalued not only our needs, but also our humanity.
When It All Became Too Much
During those days, I could no longer hide behind the mask of the woman who manages everything. The one who gives without counting, who smiles despite everything, who strives to do everything for others. For a long time, I thought that it was "normal", that it was my role as a woman.
But PMS didn’t let anything go. It was like a magnifying mirror, forcing me to see clearly what I refused to admit: the injustices in my relationships, my own boundaries that I didn’t respect, and this tendency to always want to be perfect in order to be loved and accepted.
A Cyclical Revolt
PMS, in hindsight, felt like a monthly revolt. It was the time when I could no longer accept abuse, even the most subtle. Socks left on the floor became symbolic of everything I wore alone. The mental load, which I had assumed without flinching on other days, was becoming overwhelming.
But it wasn’t just about tasks or responsibilities. There was something deeper. I felt like I was carrying wounds that weren’t entirely mine, as if they came from a collective legacy of overburdened, undervalued, and silenced women.
During PMS, the filters fell off. I saw everything with brutal lucidity.
What PMS Taught Me
Today, with the distance that menopause offers me, I realize how much PMS taught me to listen to my body and my emotions. Those difficult days were, in reality, an invitation to live more in accordance with my needs.
Here are the lessons I learned:
Set boundaries before you explode. PMS showed me the importance of setting boundaries , not in a moment of anger or frustration , but in moments of calm and balance. I had to learn to say no, to ask for help, and to express my needs clearly and calmly.
Celebrating my cycles. Although I didn’t see it that way at the time, my cycles were an opportunity for renewal. Each month, they reminded me that I could let go, start over, and reevaluate what really mattered.
Honoring my emotions. The amplified emotions of PMS were not enemies; they were messengers. They were showing me what was not working in my life and what needed to be changed.
For All Those Who Still Experience PMS
To those still going through these cycles, I want to say this: PMS is not a weakness. It is an alarm, a reminder that your body and soul are crying out for your attention.
Listen to him. Respect your emotions, your limits, and your needs. And above all, don't carry everything on your shoulders. Learn to ask for help, to say no, and to put yourself at the center of your own life.
Over time, these lessons will remain, even when your cycles disappear. And you will realize that PMS, while challenging, has left you with a valuable legacy: knowing and respecting yourself deeply.
And you, what lessons have you learned from your past or present cycles? Share your experience — your words could inspire other women.
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