My Trichotillomania Is SO Much Worse Before My Period!
Does PMS Affect Hair Pulling Disorders?
I’ve managed to keep my hair pulling under control for the most part by taking supplements and eating better but it’s like this one time during the month all that doesn’t matter.
My hormones are raging and I find that there’s increased urges to pull my hair and eat like a lumberjack. 🤤 🥞
PMS increases my hair pulling urges and my ability to control it is much harder than normal.
Perhaps it’s the hormonal changes that are making it worse?
Relationship Between PMS and Trichotillomania
A published medical study showed a relationship between premenstrual syndrome and compulsive hair pulling.
(Source)
In my own observation from being in trichotillomania communities, women seem to have it more than men and trichotillomania occurs for a lot of us in adolescence, the same time that girls get their periods.
There are so many connections with body chemistry and trichotillomania.
Hormones, stress levels and even diet seem to have an influence on compulsive hair pulling disorders for some people.
In my own experience, postpartum depression played a role in my hair pulling disorder, and there’s definitely a lot of hormones at play when you’re postpartum.
Managing trich is hard when you feel hormonal, I’m not a very rational person when I’m in this state.
Since I know when my period is coming (for the most part) I will do my best to prepare in advance.
When I start to sense I’m a wee bit moodier than usual, it’s probably time to look at the calendar. 🙄
Tracking Menstrual Cycles
Write down your period on a calendar.
It doesn’t have to be obvious, mark a little red dot next to the date each month.
Keeping track of it helps me pinpoint when it’s going to come back around so I can prepare myself.
I’ve created a cool trichotillomania therapy journal for tracking more than just your period.
How To Prepare For PMS
1. Take CBD Oil
CBD oil will knock out the moodiness associated with PMS really fast… like so fast you will be amazed!
CBD oil is legal in all 50 states, it’s a natural supplement made from the hemp plant.
This magical oil will help you handle your mood swings SO MUCH BETTER and as a result, you’ll pull less because of hormonal stress.
Make sure you’re buying pure, potent, CBD oil because there are a lot of fakes out there with crap artificial ingredients.
2. Cut The Crap Food
Keep sugary, carb loaded foods out of the house.
Sugar makes everything worse so I genuinely try to keep it out of the house, especially this time of the month.
I try to find healthier choices to stock up on because I know my appetite is CRAZY!
I still need chocolate though so I have to find some substitutes that won’t send me overboard.
I like that Halo ice cream and I make Keto fat bombs (google them, they’re delicious).
If there’s cookies, donuts and other sweets in the house – I’ll eat them. 🤷🍪
Sugar already makes my hair pulling worse and PMS will only add to that if I don’t do my best to avoid it.
3. Drink Lots Of Water
I drink a lot of water.
I take NAC and ACV and both require me to have a lot of water.
Water helps reduce my bloating and bloating makes me feel terrible, I have no idea why but it does.
3. Get More Rest
Exhaustion makes everything worse.
Being tired is a huge trigger for trichotillomania and when I’m premenstrual it’s like a double whammy if I don’t get enough sleep.
No one wants to deal with me when I’m tired, stressed and PMS’ing.
4. Remember, It’s Only A Few Days
It’s only a few days.
A few slip ups is no big deal, I simply pick up where I left off.
Related: Postpartum Depression and Trichotillomania
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