In Anita Diamant’s book The Red Tent, the four wives of the biblical Jacob share the red tent when they are menstruating or birthing. This biblical sorority, like many women who live or work together, tended to synch their cycles and share secrets, stories and survival skills. In native traditions, the “moontime” of menstruation was seen as a powerful path to inner growth, a time to be in touch with nature, and to dream and bring back visions of Spirit. Were these women of old segregated because they were “unclean,” or was there a wisdom to recognizing the value of rest, reflection, and “just being”?

OK, I hear you saying – that was then and this is now! The “doing,” goal-oriented side of life has overpowered the “being,” creative side. But taking a pre-period nap could lead to a great business idea, a massage might sidestep a natural tendency to avoid the gym, and getting consistent with your multivitamin, calcium, and E may be the answer to a smoother menstrual week.

Cut the caffeine and buy a great quality vitex or black cohosh supplement; the cheap stuff won’t work and you know it! Studies support the idea that a consistent meditation program alleviates symptoms. Don’t be ashamed if you let out your anger over that behavior that’s been bugging you – more truth-telling than usual may be just what makes real change happen.

The right birth control pill can get many women through their late 30’s and 40’s, but don’t start out with a prescription for low-estrogen OCs like Alesse, Mircette, LoOvral, Loestrin, and Ortho-Novum; these tend to aggravate mood swings and weight gain, not help them. Instead, advises Screaming to be Heard author Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet, the birth control pills “using less than 1 mg of norethindrone (or equivalent) with 30 to 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol are the ones I have found less likely to over stimulate your appetite and contribute to weight gain. Examples of these are Ovcon 35, Modicon, Yasmin, Diane 35 in Canada, and Ortho-Cyclen.”

You and your doctor can experiment with the “mood meds” like Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and Wellbutrin for 10 to 14 days before your period; each has a slightly different “feel” so it may take a while to get the right one. Many women have good PMS mood results with a premenstrual dose of Prozac as low as 2 mg, and the makers of Paxil and Effexor have published studies that show significant hot flash relief. Try getting your hormones balanced with the right oral contraceptive or bioidentical hormones before trying the “happy drugs” – their side effects are no joke.

At the age of 47, my premenstrual symptoms exploded into Psychotic Mood Swings that would evaporate the day my period started. Depending on who you’re talking to, PMS stands for: Pass My Shotgun, Pardon My Sobbing, Pimples May Surface, Plainly Men Suck, or Pass Me the Sweets. From today forward, let it stand for Please My Self. A short, monthly holiday from constantly pleasing others may lead to Pleasant Monthly Serenity.