FTTL:
I picked up a lot of good tips as well here, so thanks for the advice. To recap a couple things - black suits, high neck, tankini style. Black skins also cover a multitude of sins.
As for PMS - somedays it can be a problem for me. Too emotional, too stressed, too hormonal, who knows? Those days I don't dive.
I did call a dive during "that time". First trip, hit the water, stressed, drained, probably low on iron - haven't found a lot of reading material out there on the impact of iron loss through menstruation during times of heavy exertion. Should have had the steak for dinner. Anyway, the water was rough, strong topside current, mooring strung with barnacles that were cutting my hand, first in, hanging on line, swallowing salt water, I bagged it.
Figured my husband and our divemaster buddy would be pissed. Waited an agonzing 40 minutes (they're going to be mad, think I'm not qualified, not want to dive with me, ya know what your head can do!) Quite the opposite was true - they respected my decision that if I were not comfortable with conditions or my mindset, far better to live to dive another day. (Both are more advanced and experienced divers than I)
On other days, nothing beats cramps like exercise, floating and blowing bubbles. Take each day as it comes.
Buy lots of conditioner. Before dives, between dives and afer dives. I also like the conditioners found in the ethnic hair sections of my drug store - one is in a pink jar (forget names). It is cheaper, doesn't rinse out as easily. is biodegradable. Hats a must, or scarves are making a comeback (I like being a fashionista!)
Equipment - I am 5'6" have long legs, short torso, narrow waist, wide hips, big shoulders, double DD's on a size 10 frame. Men's BC was a nightmare!! Well worth the price of admission - couldn't get mens to fit both hips and waist (too long), shoulder floated off, tanks rolled, forget the chest - smmoosshed! I'm guessing it depends on your physical structure, mine likes the womens cut BC.
Scuba - sass - I throw a plastic tub of baby wipes in with gear - come in handy for many things in car, boat, dive trips.
Hope this helps.
KC_Scubabunny 
