Once a month for about 3 - 4 days I turn into a total snarl-monster. Thankfully my family and partner now know what it's about and throw chocolate at me from a distance, cook me steak and largely leave me alone. But I hate being out of control and getting so angry. Plus I get really strong urges for lots of sugary things (more than usual) and I'm putting on weight. Does anyone have any tips for combatting PMT? Or any techniques my long-suffering family and partner can use?

sorry sweetie, i get that way too before my period. i try and steer clear of things that set me off but it doesn't help.

From Wikipedia - some treatment ideas.

IMPORTANT:
Reduction of caffeine, sugar, and sodium intake and increase of fiber, as well as regular exercise and adequate rest and sleep.

Diet

* Decrease salt intake during the premenstrual phase.
* Eat a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet.
* Eat frequent small meals.
* Limit intake of caffeine (coffee, sodas, tea and chocolate).
* Abstain from alcohol.

From another source ...

Another source - some interesting info there too ...

For me the treatment was the pill. I use it as a contraceptive and it kinda does wonders to my menstruation too ...

I used to use a hot water bottle when I got cramps it seemed to relieve the pain a little or those wheat bags that you can heat up in the microwave. I also used to take naprogesic which helped a lot.