[cutebagaddict08]

Hello- I'm new here. and I came to this site upon researching Pre-menstural dysphoric disorder. I'd like to speak with others who are affected by this issue. I am 27yrs old and I have been experiencing PMDD on and off for the past year. At first it seemed to manifest in anxiety and heart palpatations which I noticed were more frequent 1-2 weeks before my period, and the symptoms would subside after my period started. I started seeing a therapist, which has helped. Then a few months ago then the irritabilty, anger, mood changes, depressive moods, mind racing started to manifest again 1-2 weeks prior to my period. I went to my gyno and a psychatirst. I was put on 3 anti-depressants,SSRIs, (at different times) and I seemed to get worse with each of them. (I was basically getting paranoxl depression from them the new doctor said.) I switched from Aleese birth control to Lo Estrin-24 to see if that would help. There was no relief in the palpations and anxiety issues. I ended up switching psychatrist's (I felt the first doctor was not listening to me as a patient. ) and I was put on anti-anxiety and taken off the SSRIs. My husband and I had a long discussion and decided I should stop taking the birth control pill and see if that helps. I stopped taking the pill three months ago-the heart palpatations have stopped and the first month off the pill I had minimal PMDD symptoms (i just took the anti-anxiety med as directed by the new psychatrist, and was able to deal/manage the symptoms.) Now the second and third month off the pill I feel the PMDD symptoms are back, this month I've had two episodes and got my period twice. Although the PMDD episodes last about 3-4 days now only, it still is affecting my work, social, and family life. I work in the medical field, and I have to take off the 3 days that i have PMDD symptoms because I feel I won't be able to 'handle' the stress my job brings on those days, but I do love my job. and I feel I am a completely different person on those days I have PMDD symptoms. I am going back to the psychatrist and gyno in the next few weeks. Are there specific questions I should ask or something I should research?
I'm sorry this is so long. If anyone has any insight to how they have overcome PMDD or learned how to manage the symptoms please let me know.

[thunderbear]

I don't know if this will help, but I am iron deficent and every month a week before and a week after I would have the heart palpitaions and that brought on the anxiety. Turns out my iron was dropping even more during my period. Low iron causes plpitations. I woud have check your iron while off your period and then while your on it.

[cutebagaddict08]

Thanks! I don't think the doctors have checked my iron levels now that I think of it. Since I've stopped the birth control pills the palpatations have basically disappeared, so we'll see how it goes.

[Idealsummerluvv]

Hi,

I'm also dealing with pmdd as well as depression.
The depression is under control until it gets to be that time of the month. And then it feels like a black cloud has taken over.

One of the best things that helps me is to exercise. I enjoy running with my ipod. It gets the endorphins going.

I've also download some guided meditations to help with relaxation.

Sometimes I wonder if I don't need an antianxiety med too.

take care,

Laurie

[cherrygash321]

cutebagaddict how are things with you?

Pmdd and depression/anixety here. Im coming off of Anafranil and lowering does of gabapentin and hydroxyine(both used for anxiety/mood), and it seems my PMDD is worse. My sleep is interrupted by wakefullness and then I wake up early and can't get back to sleep. Right now im wishing for a nap but doubting there will be one. I have a nervous energy running through my body, although Im exhausted. Anyone else have this? I've been put on numerous sleeping pills, none that are too great.
I also wonder if anyone young has had hot flashes caused by your hormones?

[cutebagaddict08]

Originally Posted by cherrygash321

cutebagaddict how are things with you?

Pmdd and depression/anixety here. Im coming off of Anafranil and lowering does of gabapentin and hydroxyine(both used for anxiety/mood), and it seems my PMDD is worse. My sleep is interrupted by wakefullness and then I wake up early and can't get back to sleep. Right now im wishing for a nap but doubting there will be one. I have a nervous energy running through my body, although Im exhausted. Anyone else have this? I've been put on numerous sleeping pills, none that are too great.
I also wonder if anyone young has had hot flashes caused by your hormones?

How are you doing with the PMDD? I do get the nervous feeling in my body at times also-it's annoying. When I have energy, I try to do mini kickboxing punches to get rid of the feeling in my arms;it usually helps.

[Michah]

Hi there,

I have had PMDD since I started getting my period at the age of 17. I did not necessarily treat it, even though a dx had been given to me. Aside from the fact that my psych history is long and arduous, PMDD was being treated by proxy. In oher words, all the meds I was on for other things, threw it in to obscurity of sorts.

At 31 I went in to perimenopause but it took 4 years for them to work it out. I am now on HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) but I still get the occasional period and now understand just how horrendous all the PMDD business is as I am not on other medication any more. I also have endometriosis, cysts and fibroids.

Mostly, all I can say is that I really feel for you and wish to give a . It is awful beyond what words can describe. Some basics.......

-Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
-Avoid chocolate, caffeine and processed foods at least a week before you get your period.
-Increase magnesium, vitamin B intake and get Vitamin D checked. Also have thyroid checked and sex hormones checked.
-A pelvic ultrasound is also a good idea, just to rule out any physicality's.
-Exercise is excellent, if you can do it before you get symptoms.
-And I find Rescue Remedy(spray) is good for heart palpitations and general nervousness (Mg will also help with that). Short of that, some "as needed" benzodiazepines will help.

You mentioned that you worked in medical (I also used to work in a hospital in pathology. I can totally understand the stress of the job) so my apologies if I am telling you things you already know. If you ever wish to talk, feel free to PM me.

Take care of your precious self. It does get easier when the right things are implemented and your treatment is duly issued.

Michah