PMDD

I have discussed these symptoms with my doctor. Every single depression, extreme anxiety, and other symptoms are all around this. Rest of the time I'm at least ok.

I have a male T. I really dont think this is something I would ever mention, but it explains SO much of why I need to cancel sometimes, why I have somuch depression, can't sleep, etc during the week before and during. Other 2 weeks I'm fine. It's been over a year since this diagnosis, and it's frustrating not having help with this knowing that it's what causes a lot of issues. I can not get on medications for it because of the intensity of my migraines.

My last T was a female. Easier then, before I met with my dr about this.

Absolutely no point seeing a therapist you can't talk to about something as serious as that. I have a male T and PMDD and I talk about it all the time. The only frustration here is frustration you're causing yourself by not using your therapist for his intended purpose. Men know women have periods. Most men are fairly intimate with that fact. It's not something to be ashamed of or coy about. He's not going to be shocked at the fact you have a vagina. And, if he's any good at all, he probably already knows what's going on with you. Monthly cycles aren't that hard to pick.

i get how awkward it can be, but I have the same problem, and once I talked about it once it wasn't embarrassing or awkward at all. Do you think maybe you could try mentioning it once as an experiment and seeing how it goes? I feel like probably most therapists chit chat away about this stuff really routinely, even if it feels like a big deal to discuss. So many women have this problem. It feels like it would be really hard to keep this from a therapist- it plays such a big role in one's mood!

ive talked to my male T about my pms symptoms a lot. its not weird for me. i think i have PMDD ... but not diagnosed. too scared to go to a gyno and worried about med interactions with my psychosis. i get extremely irritable and suicidal depression about 2 wks before my period starts.

You mention that you can't take medication--are you referring to birth control pills or something else? I think I've heard that some SSRIs (or maybe it's a different psych med?) can be taken just during the premenstrual time, and they help control symptoms. As a bonus, I've found that being on SSRIs (and off birth control) helps decrease my migraines--I think something with the serotonin. (I know I'm not really answering your question, but just putting that out there.)

It is just dawning on me (after a loooooong time!) that almost all of the worst ruptures with my t, and the worst times of my anxiety, when I feel unable to cope, seem to happen 4-5 days before my period starts. I need to tell my t what I've discovered. Is that PMDD?

Could be. Mine are severe, including the physical symptoms.

Yeah, dr wouldn't prescribe any birth control, or other options, because of the migraines. Some people end up with worse migraines than before. She prescribed one (paxil or prozac, can't remember at the moment), but the symptoms became worse - weird flashbacks, anger, extreme sadness, suicidal, anxiety, etc. I need a different dr. Takes at least 3 months just to get a 5 min meeting with her.

I emailed T about it. Not expecting a response thru email or even in a meeting.

That sounds hard that you're not expecting a response. Do you think your therapist won't be willing to discuss this with you?

No, I dont think he will. There is more scientific research (or proof) done regarding anxiety, depression, etc than there is about PMDD.

Oh, gosh. My therapist never makes me feel it is anything out of the ordinary or that it's difficult for him to understand or discuss.

I'm sorry you can't take any medicines for it- from what I've read it seems like some supplements might help, though that seems a bit iffy as well. I'm thinking about trying acupuncture or Chinese herbs, as I don't like the Prozac idea much, and birth control really upset my moods.

He has a few times over the year, unfortunately. Things get worked out, at least I only act like it, until it gets brought up again. I meet with him in 1.5 hours.

I have been drinking Natural Calm, which seems to help with taking the edge off with the extremly emotional part of my PMDD. Except now, I am finishing my semester at the University, moving, and in a new relationship with someone from 20 years ago in high school... plus, missing family during holidays.

I have severe PMDD. I have found through a long hard road that the only thing that helps is regular aerobic exercise and keeping my weight below a certain level. Now I don't have to be skinny, don't worry. However once it gets too high, symptoms return. I actually go into blind rages, which are horribly embarrasing. Feel free to PM me.