PMS Questions

Why do I have PMS for a week and a half every single month?

Why do I feel stoned during PMS?

Welcome to my sister's and my world. Don't really understand why. The doctor gives us medication to help with it.

Such is a woman's life. They do make medicines to help through discomfort, bloating, etc of PMS. I've never used them, but some swear by them to help! It's worth a shot.

Your second Q really caught my eye. Regarding feeling stoned. I often find myself feeling that way during menses and stress. I do have epilepsy (which is controlled) and simply presumed that it's perfectly normal. Ladies with epilepsy often have auras and full-blown seizures around menses, which is known by all doctors. They can't explain why, other than to say that hormones can cause a lot of changes within our bodies. I'm curious if your "feeling stoned" is what we (those of us with epilepsy) call an aura.

If you have epilepsy, there's your answer. If not, I'd recommend mentioning it to your doctor & see what he/she says about it. You may need an EEG, MRI and/or CT scan to check out brain activity and tissue. ((hugs)) to you!

Shez

I have bipolar 1 disorder and ptsd. I think part of the stoned feeling in my brain my have to due with a hormonal shift during my cycle in addition to my medications that naturally make me feel sleepy.

Today (Monday), I feel very well. Sunday I was suppose to have started my period but it didn't start. Maybe my body is making up for lost time and doing a hormonal shift that makes my PMS symptoms less apparent? Who knows..

I go through this every month. Fortunately it's only for a day or two. It drives me nuts but I don't think there's anything to be done about it. The only thing that makes it bearable is adjusting my diet. I just cut back on caffeine and refined sugars as completely as possible as soon as I start bumping into things (I also get incredibly clumsy) and feeling spacey. I also avoid doing anything that requires tight focus or attention to detail during those couple of days so I don't spend the rest of the month trying to undo the damage these spells have the potential to create. Sadly, I think that's about all that I can do.

ANSWER:
Hormonal Fluctuation that takes place during your period, a drop in their levels.

Celexa and Sarafem are used for severe PMS or PMDD.

Zen,

Please get your thyroid checked. I think we discussed perimenopuase before but you are quite young, am I right?

I get up to 3 weeks of PMS like symptoms. However, I posted something about PMDD in general forum. PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD can come on at any age. Some get as soon as they start menstruating. Talk to your gynecologist. There is a difference between PMS and PMDD......a big difference. I was dx PMDD a few months ago by my gynea on top of peri.....yep, it is a hell ride.

What meds are you on for bipolar? Lithium, sodium valproate(epilim) and carbamazapine(from memory) can effect the thyroid. But other meds(mood stabilisers) can effect the endocrine system in many ways. How long has this extended PMS been going on?

Be assessed for PMDD. It can be controlled with anti-depressnts and a mild birth control pill. Also talk to your PDOC about it. They also may be able to help. Babe, if you are being treated for BIpolar, I can only imagine what it must be like to go through that hell every month. Don't put up with it. Get it sorted if you can.

Just a point of interest, and this may not relate to you, but my moods were so extreme, that I was dx Bipolar before my docs realised it was peri and PMDD. Thyroid issues can also severely effect mood.

Take care Zen.......no-one should have to put up with PMS.....talk to your gynea about solutions.

Hugs,

Michah

I have my period now so I am in the "safe zone". I am in a crisis situation right now with my MH and have to see my doctor in the morning asap.

Zen, can I ask what MH is without sounding like a nosy parker? Would it be a good time to ask your doc about PMS?......glad you got your period......even though I go through agonising pain with it, I have to say it releives my mental state immensely.....rather be on pain pills than feel totally out of control......I hope the same for you(the relieving of PMS symptoms, not agonising pain)

Take care babe.......good luck at the doc....

Hugs,

Michah

MH stands for mental health. Today's appointment will only be about getting me back on track since I was playing doctor with my medications and am now in a crisis situation. PMS...etc will have to wait for a while. I am on 4 differen types of medications and do not want to be put on another ant-depressant medication et al . I would prefer the birth control patch but that doesnt sound like an option for me since I am on lamictal.

Ah sweet......take good care......one thing at a time I would say! I agree, it can feel like all we do is take medication and think of medication and gosh knows.......I get SICK of thinking of all aspects of my health......

In time, you will get answers you need......hope you get your med issues sorted and your mental health improves.....

Thinking of you at this time......and big hugs

Michah