[Amethyst_Stargazer]

I have PTSD and I noticed that right before my period comes I get very emotional and find myself crying a lot more than usual. It's more than PMS and I checked this with my gynecologist. She told me to see my doctor before she gives me birth control because I'm already on medication.

I notice how moody I get, anger that sometimes it affects my relationships and I end up crying a lot. Earlier I cried in the bath tub just by thinking of one of my best friend's because I missed them. Plan on telling them how much I value their friendship when I'm in a better mood. Anytime I get like this I don't like being around people and if I feel angry I usually isolate myself before I end up taking it out on others. Once I flipped out and I ended up crying a lot afterwards. I hate the way I get. Than once it's over with I feel completely fine and happy. My medication helps to some degree, I just suffer with a lot of symptoms of my period coming. I'm always feeling very hot and I get horrible muscle aches and headaches. My sadness is so intense though that it's exactly like depression. It even makes my PTSD symptoms even worse.

I told my gynecologist how I felt and she told me that I'm suffering with PMDD. Now thinking back this is how I've been feeling for a very long time and I'm glad that I finally addressed. Before I just thought it was PMS. It's so much more intense than typical PMS. I've changed my diet around and I exercise. Lately I've been so sleepy and all I want to do is sleep. There's so many other symptoms as well. Does anyone else suffer with this?

[possum220]

You are not alone by any means. So much so that there are anti depressants for PMDD.

You may wish to talk to a p'doc about which ones may be suitable should you find that it becomes unbearable. Changing your diet and exercise is a great start.

[Amethyst_Stargazer]

Thank you for responding to my post.

[Cyllya]

My depression fluctuates a lot, so I've considered that there might be some element of PMDD involved. However, I'm too disorganized to keep track of anything that might affect it.

I take antidepressants, and it works pretty well.

[Desperate Girl]

Yes, I have it. Mine sneaks up on me and I only know it's PMDD because of very severe dark thoughts the day before my period. It's happening tonight and I'm glad I am recognizing it for what it is. It can make everything worse from cramps to moods and more. For me, it the "negative" thinking. The best thing for me to do is try to sleep it off. But, I will be talking to my doc about a possible med change.