Frequent cycling or PMDD?

Hello

I know its been awhile since I posted here, but I am looking for a fresh perspective.

I have been cycling every 4-6 weeks (mood cycling) with depression being my predominant symptom.

It has been suggested that it might be PMDD, which I am leery because althought for the last few months I have been depressed during the first 5 days of my period, I then get better, and then get sicker again about a week or two later, which will last for anywhere from 3-7 weeks or so.

I know the timing is a tad "off" for PMDD, based upon what I've read, because during the first week of the cycle is supposed to be the best time due to changing hormone levels. But its been bugging me that I've been cycling every 4-6 weeks like clockwork. (however I spent much for the later half of june, all of July and the first 14 days of August terribly depressed with a few hypomanic days thrown in)

I feel a bit embarrassed about bringing this up to my pdoc, mainly because it feels like i would be challenging his authority or something.

Like I said, I"m just looking for a fresh perspective.

I don't know anything about PMDD or even much about rapid cycling, but I just wanted to say hi and that I'm sorry you are going through this.



Having PMS is bad enough (if it's related to that?), but also having mood cycles every 4-6 weeks? That's awful.

I'm currently in a manic episode (lasting 6 weeks, well, it's mostly not dangerous so probably high hypomanic), but I know what it's like to be depressed. Most of the past 2 years before this were that way. I'm glad I have some meds now. If only I could come down a little to do the things I love again and stop all these compulsions.

I hope you feel better soon. Mood swings are usually painful and exhausting for me, so I can only imagine.

You need to be comfortable w/your doc to talk about what is actually going on. Can you do that? If not, I'd find another provider. "Fired" a pdoc myself & am now very happy w/a psychiatric nurse practitioner who spends an hr. w/me at appts. & really gets to know me & gave me her cell phone #, etc.