When I have a day as exhausting and filled with other people as that, the one thing I want to do is go home to my own quiet, comfortable place and sleep. Which was the one thing I could no longer do.

That's me too. I'm so sorry: if there is any comfort in this scenario, it's that your parents recognize how much you need your own space and are trying to help you with that. (I just hope you can find a sympathetic roomie or - even better - your own apartment, double-quick.)

Don't think about exhausting yourself if your menstrual cycle is being horrid - best just get through it, THEN reapply yourself to the task when you have sufficient strength. *hug*

Talking of menstrual cycles, did you see this item</i>? Loved the suggestion that everyone should queue up to send him Kotex...