I've had horrible PMS symptoms the last 6 or so cycles. I get extremely agitated and have self harm and suicidal thoughts (and have acted on them in the past). I am incredibly negative and picky about everything. Its worst the night before I start to bleed, then the next morning I am usually fine again. Its ridiculous how crazy I feel that one night. A few days before I am also more negative in my thoughts but I dont feel depressed as such. I am also extremely lathargic and my legs get very sore and feel heavy like lead. I feel I need more sleep and sugar for energy.

I have been doing some research and now I know sugar is not so great, Im going to try working out a bit more around that time, although I was doing this already. Im thinking of getting some suppliments or herbal remedies to help but Im worried about interaction with psyc meds, and my stomach does not react very well to things like that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[EmilysZoo]

I'm not sure how old you are, but I'm in my 40s and it took a while for me to accept the patterns that come every month. Before my cycle starts, I have 1-2 days of feeling really negative and down (although not suicidal). I get very annoyed at just about everything. I've yelled at my kids for stupid stuff and get so irritated with my husband. And yes, extreme fatigue. I also get back pain, very tired legs, sometimes headaches,and an uncomfortable pressure in my butt (probably didn't need to know that, but...). I almost never sleep well at night, but one day a month I do since I'm so tired.

What do I do? My cycle is very regular so that helps. I've learned to start taking ibuprofin (advil) about 24 hours before the sore symptoms begin. I try to cut out excess sugar and salt and try to eat relatively healthy (though not always successfully). I try to walk, though I think more strenuous exercise would be helpful.

The most important thing for me to do is accept that I'm going to feel this way. When I'm feeling depressed, I tell myself it's all part of the hormones. I make sure I can nap--this is sooooo helpful! Often now, I can stop myself before I yell or pick a fight. I still get angry/agitated, but if I remind myself it's the hormones, I can try to walk away.

Again, I'm not sure how old you are, but my symptoms were different before I had kids. Some of the symptoms have not changed, some have gotten worse, some better. The only huge change is that I used to have such debilitating cramps (pre-kids) that there were times when I thought I'd miss exams in school. Thank goodness the cramps aren't that bad now.

I know it's difficult. Good luck.

It sounds like you might have PMDD. If you think the info in the below link rings true (and it seems to based on your post), you should seek evaluation/treatment for it with your doctor. Hugs to you and I hope you feel better soon.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS - MayoClinic.com

Thanks Yeah I suspect I have PPMD, I dont really care what label it has, I just want it treated. I have enough labels on me already.

I have been doing a lot of research today but I was hoping for personal stories of what worked for people. I dont see my pdoc for another week and GPs have suggested the Mirena but it is very hard to organise for me since I havent had children and will need to go under to have it done. It is also a risk for me to get it due to other medical conditions so Im not really sure if it is the answer.

EmilysZoo thanks for your reply, I am in my late 20s and I have never had children, nor do I plan to. The last cycle I kept practicing relaxation and telling myself this would pass but I was still fighting off urges to hurt myself and due to suicidal tendancies I need to get this under control. I work so hard the rest of the month at keeping everything stable and then that night hits and I feel as if all that work has been for nothing because I end up sick again. It usually takes me a few days to recover and try and clean up the mess I make when it hits.

It is so very disruptive to my life and I really have had enough. I cant see myself getting through another cycle without causing havoc in my life.

Originally Posted by Supanova

Thanks Yeah I suspect I have PPMD, I dont really care what label it has, I just want it treated. I have enough labels on me already.

I have been doing a lot of research today but I was hoping for personal stories of what worked for people. I dont see my pdoc for another week and GPs have suggested the Mirena but it is very hard to organise for me since I havent had children and will need to go under to have it done. It is also a risk for me to get it due to other medical conditions so Im not really sure if it is the answer.

EmilysZoo thanks for your reply, I am in my late 20s and I have never had children, nor do I plan to. The last cycle I kept practicing relaxation and telling myself this would pass but I was still fighting off urges to hurt myself and due to suicidal tendancies I need to get this under control. I work so hard the rest of the month at keeping everything stable and then that night hits and I feel as if all that work has been for nothing because I end up sick again. It usually takes me a few days to recover and try and clean up the mess I make when it hits.

It is so very disruptive to my life and I really have had enough. I cant see myself getting through another cycle without causing havoc in my life.

I am not sure why you were told you would need to go under to have the mirena put in. I haven't had children (nor do I plan to) and I was offered either the mirena or a copper IUD (which I chose), but both were simple office procedures at the OB/GYN and I was not going to need to go under for either of them.

I also recommend you see a gynecologist, as they can provide you with the best info. on complicated periods...mine have been a mess since I got my period at 11 and gynos know much more than GPs on the subject.

And when I mentioned you might have PMDD-- it wasn't about giving you another label, it was about acknowledging the weight your symptoms do carry and trying to provide you with some information.

Whatever you chose to do, good luck to you.

Sorry if I came across as dismissive, I appreciate your reply. There are not many people taking me seriously about how much this is affecting me. I get the brush off, its just PMS get over it etc, but I know its far more extreme than normal.

I was told by my GP, the family planning clinic and friends that have had it inserted that I would need to go under or be heavily medicated, I would be drowsy and not able to drive myself. I was warned it was very painful for people who havent had children to get it put in. If I could drive myself it would be no problem, I would have had it months ago but I was informed this was not an option. I was booked in for it but the local GP cancelled the appointment and stopped offering the treatment so I will have to go right into the city now.

I have never been to a gyno my GP usually meets all of my needs, I can get a referral but probably wont be able to afford to see one until next year. The way the health system is here its unlikely I would be even able to get an appointment for months. Which again leaves me with the symptoms until then I suppose I just need to figure out how to cope and keep safe until then. My periods are not regular so I can never tell when its going to hit.

[June55]

annoyed by little things, too much, headaches, negative mood ... all that you say? Yes sure there is more too.

I can relate.

[CastlesInTheAir]

Ive been feeling the same way in the past year. I seem to completely go "bonkers" for a week sometimes 2 weeks leading up to my period, not to mention the fatigue is absolutly ridiculous, and the fact that i already have depression get amplified ten fold along with the anxiety. On top of that my sex drive sometimes goes completely crazy and shoots through the roof! the suicidal thoughts is what bothers me the most

Originally Posted by CastlesInTheAir

Ive been feeling the same way in the past year. I seem to completely go "bonkers" for a week sometimes 2 weeks leading up to my period, not to mention the fatigue is absolutly ridiculous, and the fact that i already have depression get amplified ten fold along with the anxiety. On top of that my sex drive sometimes goes completely crazy and shoots through the roof! the suicidal thoughts is what bothers me the most

Yes my sex drive is crazy high too. My poor partner falls asleep at work because I wont leave him alone at night or on the weekends. He never turns me down and it is exhausting for both of us! The suicidal and self harm thoughts are what bother me the most too. The rest is uncomfortable but I can deal with it.

I saw one of my pdocs today. She was keen to up the AD at that time of the month but since I am not really that regular its hard to know when to do it. I have PRN meds to use but I prefer smoking weed over them. She said that I would definitely not be able to drive myself to get the mirena and its unlikely they would let me take a taxi, so that is out of the question until I can get someone to take me. I'd prefer to go down the herbal route anyway.

I am dreading next time. All I can say to myself is "this will pass". It is so frustrating when I am doing so mentally well in all other aspects of my life, then once a month I go back to a place I thought I had left behind.

[StarkRavingMad]

I, too, go "bonkers" as someone else said upthread. I haven't been diagnosed, but think I am suffering from pmdd. All I know is my anxiety and depression intensify greatly for one-two weeks before I start. I cry uncontrollably and yes, sometimes become suicidal. It is awful and I hate it. Supanova I smoke weed EXCEPT for when I'm PMS'ing. Because when I am suffering the pms and then smoke, my anxiety, depression and paranoia skyrocket out of control. Funny how it can be so different for everyone. But yeah, smoking intensifies my pms/pmdd/bonkers to whole new levels.

[StarkRavingMad]

I thought I would share this: Just the other night I was suffering with pms/pmdd/crazy times while I was out with a friend. I got extremely upset and later apologized and told him, "I am going crazy. I think I have PMDD, do you know what that is?" After the way he saw me behave he replied "Premenstrual DEATH disorder?" Even though I was so distraught it cracked me up because I thought it described it perfectly.

Originally Posted by StarkRavingMad

I, too, go "bonkers" as someone else said upthread. I haven't been diagnosed, but think I am suffering from pmdd. All I know is my anxiety and depression intensify greatly for one-two weeks before I start. I cry uncontrollably and yes, sometimes become suicidal. It is awful and I hate it. Supanova I smoke weed EXCEPT for when I'm PMS'ing. Because when I am suffering the pms and then smoke, my anxiety, depression and paranoia skyrocket out of control. Funny how it can be so different for everyone. But yeah, smoking intensifies my pms/pmdd/bonkers to whole new levels.

Thanks for posting! I might try not smoking next month and see how I go, usually I dont smoke until the symptoms are unbarable anyway, I do have the option of taking PRN meds at that stage. I worry about taking meds because I overdosed 2 cycles ago and I was so devastated that I did that. It is certainly not something I would do the rest of the month and I worry about my own control. Again its hard to prepare for that (locking up meds etc) because I dont know when to expect it.

[StarkRavingMad]

Originally Posted by Supanova

Thanks for posting! I might try not smoking next month and see how I go, usually I dont smoke until the symptoms are unbarable anyway, I do have the option of taking PRN meds at that stage. I worry about taking meds because I overdosed 2 cycles ago and I was so devastated that I did that. It is certainly not something I would do the rest of the month and I worry about my own control. Again its hard to prepare for that (locking up meds etc) because I dont know when to expect it.

It can't hurt to try, Supanova, but there is no need to suffer more than you have to. If you feel worse and you know smoking helps, by all means, don't deprive yourself. But yeah, you could try it and just give in if it gets too much to bear.

ETA: Give in to the smoke I mean, if going without it is too much to bear.

I have only smoked a few times for the symptoms, and usually to the point where I pass out so of course that helps it is a good suggestion to lay off it this month and see if there is a noticeable difference.

I think I will specify in my mood diary exactly what I am feeling, and try to write in my journal at those times instead of crying for help from my partner then getting mad at him for trying haha.

[StarkRavingMad]

It's such a roller coaster! My boyfriend is very supportive but I know it must be rough on him. Our poor fellas.

I do feel so bad for my partner cos at that time of the month I just get so negative. Everything he says or does I am against from the start before even hearing him out. I am not like that the rest of the month. It is so frustrating! I hate myself a bit for treating him badly, he says he will never hold it against me

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by Supanova

I think I will specify in my mood diary exactly what I am feeling, and try to write in my journal at those times instead of crying for help from my partner then getting mad at him for trying haha.

My PMS, is something I've been working through for many, many years now. I'm actually gotten pretty good at understanding it too. Not sure, how my pdoc feels about my random updates, from time to time, but hey, it's something I presented myself with as having a troublesome time with, when I first started seeing him.

When I was on Celexa for a couple of years, a couple of years ago, I remember having this 'aha' moment, about recognizing body distortion. And it really was happening. I wasn't actually gaining weight or anything, pants fit fine, but the body distortion alone can leave me feeling, angry, irritable and in a depressed state. Once, I was able to recognize, what that felt like, I learned to recognize it, for what it was/is.

Now, this cycle, at my ovulation marker. (note, I learned my ovulation cycle, back in June, when I had my annual check up and annual ultra-sound...saw my egg coming from my ovary...dang egg, gave my dr a scare, then me a scare, then went back in 2 weeks to an ablated uterus, aka, actual menstruation). So, 2 weeks before my period, I ovulate. Guess, which emotion hits the surface, at 2 weeks before my period, when my body says...hey, it's baby making time?! Jealousy! Yes, jealousy! Hmmm, in a primal sense, it's like saying...he's mine, all mine, back
off, because, it's primal. So, that's that emotion, and that's that answer to these past couple of decades of wondering, why do I feel the way that I do, and why does it center around my period?!

Now, about the extreme sex drive, right before, stands to reason, you may have it, right after, too! Primal, again! Don't you love being a woman?! (( I do! ))

Well, that's my personal opinion, of course, only scientific study conducted here, has been on my own moods and feelings.

Not sure, why your legs feel the way that they do, right around the time. Could be depression. My legs feel like that ,too, when I am in a depressed state. ((although, my gp would suggest my MS , but if you have it, and don't have MS, then it stands to reason, it's more likely depression, as I can appreciate and relate well to that weak in the legs feeling that you described))

[CastlesInTheAir]

Speaking of which I keep forgetting all this week I've been ridiculously tired, lethargic, etc...feel like I got ran over by a truck....and its because I'm due to be "broken" on Sunday .....I even get really nauseated ....so bad this time I called out 3 times this week...

So I've just officially been diagnosed with PMDD. Im waiting for a referral to an endocrinologist to see if my hormones are all out of whack. I was told it could be difficult to find a psyc friendly one, so my pdoc will get back to me. I dont know how long I will have to wait.

Until then I was told to take Ativan and/or Seroquel as soon as I notice symptoms. More meds, yay