Warning this may be TMI for some, but if you’re not afraid of a little period talk, read on.  

A few years ago I switched from birth control pills to an IUD.  While I felt little change at the start, I ended up finding that over the past year that the breast pain and swelling I experienced the week leading up to my period and even the week during was increasing in severity and discomfort each month.  This was luckily something I avoided during my 8+ years on the pill but was now starting to affect me for 2 weeks each month....  We’re talking extreme tenderness and ever increasing water retention and swelling - my bras and even some of my tops began not to fit during those 2 weeks.

While I waited for an opportunity to schedule an appointment with my doctor (took me a few weeks to get in for something not acute) I took to the internet for some guidance on supplements to help these PMS symptoms*. In my late night google searches, while I felt I was busting out of my sports bras, I came upon some articles that noted taking magnesium supplements could help with both breast swelling and tenderness.  For instance, according to this Healthline article, magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body and is essential for your metabolic process.   While it can be found in legumes, nuts, seeds and leafy greens but many western countries are not getting enough.  Another Healthline article notes that supplementing with magnesium and vitamin B-6 helped participants in a double blind study ease PMS symptoms like water retention, and breast tenderness. Cha-ching for me.  

So, I thought, why not?** I was skeptical that it would help at all but I also thought taking a chance on a $9 bottle of Magnesium would be worth it if I could avoid another 2 weeks of breast pain before my doctor’s appointment.  

And to be honest I’m so glad I tried it.

I started taking my magnesium pills each morning with a large glass of water and breakfast.  And 30 days later I was shocked when leading up to my period I did not have a full week of breast swelling and tenderness.  Yes a few days prior to the start of my period I did feel some soreness to the touch which lasted a few days into my period - but no swelling!  I could hardly believe it.  

I’m now on month 2 of daily magnesium so will report back if my side effects change at all this month!  

To note: Most people who take magnesium supplements will not experience side effects, but in some it can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially when taken in large doses. 

*Please note if you’re experiencing any changes in your body and health, the best option is always to consult your physician, especially before taking any supplements. 

**To note I did review the side effects prior and as mentioned, you should always consult your physician before starting any supplements