[darleen]

I'm 27 and I have Bipolar disorder, and I believe I also have PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

I first sought treatment for my bipolar back in November (4 months ago). I tried a couple different meds and only saw the doctor a few times. In that time I broke my foot, so I couldn't make it to the p doc. Then my work switched insurance companies. Basically, I'm off meds and back to square one.

As if bipolar wasn't bad enough, the PMDD makes it explode. I don't have a regular cycle but I can predict my period based on how angry/suicidal I am. In the days leading up to my period I feel like I'm completely losing control of everything. Sometimes I get manic and compulsively spend money or make some other irrational decisions. It's like my world is absolutely falling apart.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this and how you manage it.

I'm going to my regular doctor next week to talk about getting on meds and birth control to help regulate things. I'm just worried about side effects. Is anyone else taking this duel approach?

[Ascension]

I am a male so unfortunately I can relate directly to PMDD and it seems like an obvious recommendation since they have commercials for it, but Yaz claims to work as birth control and helps to treat PMDD. Also, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro are common treatments. If you want to do research on these common medications to get a better idea about them may be good to have insight before you go to your doctor. Also keep in mind he/she may recommend something different. I wish you peace.

[darleen]

I've heard Yaz has had some health issues. I've never taken birth control before so I have no idea what to expect. I know everyone reacts differently. I'm just worried it might make it worse or something like that

[AtreyuFreak]

I too believe I have PMDD. I don't have Bipolar, but I do have BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) which has a lot of the same highs and lows as bipolar. I am on meds and the pill, and before I even notice that I'm almost to the white pills, I'll notice I'm incredibly moody, crying (though I rarely cry) all the time at the drop of a hat, inexplicably angry to the point where I almost hurt people, and often suicidal. It sucks .

Sorry, I know this doesn't help much, just wanted to let you know you're not alone! Let me know if you hear of any treatment (especially for the PMDD) that helps. if ok

[BNLsMOM]

Before I was diagnosed with bipolar, I took birth control and had some major mood fluctuations and headaches. I went off hte birth control and noticed that the fluctuations were lessened, but not enough. Monthly hormone fluctuations can really mess with bipolar moods. It may or may not be PMDD. In fact, many p-docs consider PMDD a part of the bipolar spectrum.

Your best bet is to speak with a p-doc or a med doc if you aren't seeing a p-doc.

Good luck. It is no fun having your mood cycles speed up along with your menstrual cycles.

[darleen]

Went to the doc today, was prescribed Seroquel and Yaz so I'll see how it goes

[IndigoRose]

Be very careful on Yaz. Anything that feels wrong to you, call your doctor immediately.

[phlashback]

Good luck, my sister in-law is bipolar, and suffers from PMDD. Yaz helped her, that is until her insurance decided not to cover it. Anyway like IndigoRose said, if something feels wrong it probably is.

[mamaJenof5]

Originally Posted by darleen

I'm 27 and I have Bipolar disorder, and I believe I also have PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

I first sought treatment for my bipolar back in November (4 months ago). I tried a couple different meds and only saw the doctor a few times. In that time I broke my foot, so I couldn't make it to the p doc. Then my work switched insurance companies. Basically, I'm off meds and back to square one.

As if bipolar wasn't bad enough, the PMDD makes it explode. I don't have a regular cycle but I can predict my period based on how angry/suicidal I am. In the days leading up to my period I feel like I'm completely losing control of everything. Sometimes I get manic and compulsively spend money or make some other irrational decisions. It's like my world is absolutely falling apart.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this and how you manage it.

I'm going to my regular doctor next week to talk about getting on meds and birth control to help regulate things. I'm just worried about side effects. Is anyone else taking this duel approach?

I am SO bad when I am about to get my period! It gets worse with age I think and I just think I should get a second house to go to b/c of the way I act my husband I think wants to leave me. its that bad. He says he is not going to he loves me but come on how much can one person take?