I've noticed for my last few cycles,
As I've started taking extra notes before my period starts, that I've been feeling incredibly anxious and depressed before my period starts. This time I was very suicidal before my period started and now that it's began I feel fine.
My parents have noticed that I get easily irritated and I will yell and scream at them days or even a week or so before my period starts.

I was seriously so suicidal this time that it actually scared me a little. I didn't have any reason for feeling that way and it was a struggle to keep myself from overdosing. My last period I got very anxious that I had my heart pounding in my chest every time someone visited the house or every time I tried to leave. I also experience depression that keeps me from eating for days. Yet, even though I don't eat, I still manage to become bloated.

Is my period seriously causing all of this? Is this PMS? Or is there an actual name for all that I'm describing? Can my pdoc help me with any of this, are there ways to even fix this? What the hell is going on?!

Yes it is possible and it is PMS, unfortunately just another fun thing about having our periods.

Meds dont help - I've been down that road. Birth control can help to an extent. Its really good you've realised what it is because I find that makes it easier. I track mine now and when I hit a sudden low I know if its the PMDD or something else. I just tell myself, it will pass, it will all be over soon and I'll go back to "stable".

Do tell your pdoc though, they'll make a note of it so you can figure out if problems are related to hormones.

It really sucks and there is not much I have found that helps. Meditation is probably the most helpful believe it or not.

Things you can try -
evening primrose oil
vitamin B
Low GI diet - ALL the time
exercise
No caffeine
Theres more but Im in a hormonal low at the moment and my brain function is really bad. I might come back when my brain works again.

I don't know if you like graphs, but this article has a graph of what's going on with estrogen and progesterone during the month. You can see how fast the progesterone concentration in your body is falling during the time that PMS symptoms start. (the last 10-12 days of your cycle, before your period begins.)

The type of symptoms you are describing are often called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and can be extremely serious. I would definitely ask my pdoc about it and also your gynecologist if you have one. There are several different ways to address your symptoms. Your age and any other health problems help the doctor to decide which one is appropriate.

There are also supplements and natural remedies that you can try, as another poster pointed out.

I hope you find something that helps.

[gypped]

My doctor put me on a homeopathic remedy called Vitex Chaste Tree. I take it as a supplement in pill form. It's really helped me (mostly with cramps, but mood-wise, too). It couldn't hurt to try it.
413

[*Laurie*]

OF COURSE medication can help!! Some women take an antidepressant only during PMS, also hormone replacement therapy can help. Please, please speak with your gynecologist about this issue, Kori. No woman should have to suffer like you're suffering with PMS or PMDD.

I've pretty bad PMS too. Antidepressants helped and hormonal birth control put an end to periods and thus, my PMS.

Thanks everyone.

I did talk to my pdoc about this and he prescribed me an antidepressant (Zoloft) and I also have an appointment set up with my gynecologist next week.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by Kori Anders

Thanks everyone.

I did talk to my pdoc about this and he prescribed me an antidepressant (Zoloft) and I also have an appointment set up with my gynecologist next week.

That's great, Kori! I hope the Zoloft helps. Keep us posted on your gyn appt.

[thecrankyone]

I don't know your age, or situation but for me the thing that made the best difference for me was to go on birth control to eliminate my periods
It doesn't work for everyone and may not be appropriate, but it couldn't hurt to ask your gyno and pdoc about it as a possibility.

Depo saved me, but a lot of variables come in to play if it will help.

[growlycat]

I use an app called "Mood Horoscope" (Used to be called Hormone Horoscope)

It has nothing to do with Astrology-- You set the day and time of your first day of your period then it tells you what is going on hormonally on each day. (Progesterone dropping on day XX etc)

I find it helpful to check when I'm in a mood with little explanation

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/horm...710914595?mt=8

[TroubledmomNwife]

I am going through the same thing! I am so glad I found this thread.....cause I'm about to lose my mind. I was diagnosed with PMDD over a year ago and take at least 2 antidepressants and still find myself randomly crying and having episodes. I have NEVER been suicidal or have had thoughts, but have been very close the last two menstrual cycles I've had and I have to take my medications throughout the month. I am trying to figure out where the admin moved this thread to though. I have found it very difficult to find a forum for PMDD.

[HALLIEBETH87]

As you can see...You are NOT alone! I too have been suicidal when on my period. Multiple times I was in the hospital, suicidal, when I got my period. I take birth control and its helping my PCOS and PMS!

Originally Posted by PoppyRoad

OF COURSE medication can help!! Some women take an antidepressant only during PMS, also hormone replacement therapy can help. Please, please speak with your gynecologist about this issue, Kori. No woman should have to suffer like you're suffering with PMS or PMDD.

I have to suffer. There is nothing more they can do for me. Medically they've exhausted all options. Now I go back down the road alone and try and figure out how to cope with crying hysterically for 4 days straight at the least and begging people to kill me because I feel that terrible.

I've been given the option of inpatient stays every month because I get that bad. Still working on it.

[Elle_Unmotivated]

Oh my gosh you are so not alone on this one. I don't even get a period (hysterectomy) but I still have an ovary and seriously get down,suicidal,hopeless every darn month.
I mean,it's bad to the point of almost not being able to control the urge to just disappear and leave my life.
I really hope the zoloft helps you get through these times.

Hey Kori! Honestly, I've never felt suicidal during my periods, but I can tell you starting around the beginning of this year, I can feel when my period's about to come. Last month, I woke up crying with pain that lasted about 1.5 hours (IDk why, but I couldn't walk! I stumbled my way around)! To my annoyance, that was a signal that my period was coming soon -_- I think these signals are going to drive me crazy one day, and reading these posts, might as well prepare for the worst, right?

[Shamrock76]

You're not alone!! Mine turns me into something demonic. Please see your doctor ASAP.

[(JD)]

This is very serious and needs to be addressed by an MD. Even if it's allergy driven (as my hormones attack me) it's not something to be taken lightly or tried to live with... please know this is a physical medical illness and can be corrected!

If your MD says nothing else to do...then see an expert allergist! I still have issues with all the hormones in my system, and I am allergic to most of them... become desensitized can be tricky (and nearly deadly for me) but is doable. Don't give up! (I also took EPO, blue or black cohosh (depending upon age) red clover and some others to help balance your hormones.... I still take ashwangandha daily)