PMS/PMDD? I Don't Care Anymore!

Okay, so I've had PMS every month for a good many months. When I first started, it wasn't that bad. Of course, I started my periods at age 10. For the first year, it wasn't bad at all. I barely even got cramps.
Then it got slightly worse, month after month. I've had depression since I was very young, which I suppose puts me at a higher risk for PMS.
I've heard that PMS symptoms only get worse over time, which is why women with PMDD are usually older women. I'm fifteen, and I'm pretty sure I already have PMDD. Tell me if I'm wrong.

It starts with mild irritability. The sound of my little sister's voice annoys me. Then the physical symptoms hit. I have a day or two where I sleep almost the whole day, then the rest of the week I can't get to sleep. Most of this time, I'm feeling kind of depressed, kind of angry, not to mention hungry and bloated...
Then for the past few months, about a day or two before the onset of my period, I have gotten absolutely out of control.

Sometimes it's a breakdown. About school, or my social life, or my weight. It's hard for me to deal with, of course, but it doesn't really come up in therapy because 99% of the time, I'm a level-headed person. I'm usually over it by the time I get there.

Sometimes, though, I get angry. God forbid my mother had anything to drink that day, because then she and I will argue to the point of no return. I can feel if I'm almost out of control, but sometimes my parents won't back off. I've walked out of the house, smashed our printer, and poured water in my parents' bed out of rage.

Keep in mind, like I said, I'm usually rational and trustworthy. My parents consider themselves lucky that I show the amount of maturity that I do.

We've discussed treatment options with my therapist and my psychiatrist. I was on Zoloft (wasn't approved for kids under 18, and now I know why), Prozac (worked when I was younger, but now it just gives me headaches the first few weeks and makes no difference beyond that), and I was asked to try another antidepressant, Effexor, I believe, but that was also unapproved for 18 and under and I don't want to take any more chances.

Not to mention, I still have physical symptoms that take their tolls. My periods last usually 6-8 days, from very heavy at the beginning to just enough to stain your panties at the end. I get really terrible stomach cramps, muscle cramps, headaches, the lot...

I've never been to an OB/GYN, but my mother made an appointment for me in November. At this point, is birth control a good option? Cause I'm running out...

i know people who have bad pms and get really bad psych symptoms as well take the pill but skip the sugar pills and don't have a period. some drs recommend you should let yourself have a period every 3months to prevent breakthru bleeding but i don't think it is bad for you not to.

I can imagine that at 15 the thought of going to a gyn might be really scary and embarrassing, it is intimidating for anyone!! but I think it will be really helpful. although a pasychiatrist is a dr, they really only know about their little area of specialty and not so great on other areas. This is really disrupting your life and you are going to have periods for many more years so do everything you can to find a way to help manage it.
With your heavy bleeding and terrible stomach cramps you should also see the dr to check out things like anemia, endometriosis and other gyn probs

Let us know how it goes and hope the gyn helps and isn't too painful.

I have a question...
At this age, considering the fact that I'm not sexually active, would they still do a full exam? Obviously my mother needs to be there to discuss what she's seen about my behavior, so that would make it worse if they ended up doing a full exam...
Eh. I'm not gonna lie to you. My appointment is November 13th, and I'm a little apprehensive about it.

When I had to go on the pill at 13 to regulate my periods, they had to do a full exam. But....it got me used to them early. Its no fun but its quick.

The OB/GYN might have more ideas too about what's physically happening with you. Could be hormones too high/low, etc.

This is interesting reading: http://www.wdxcyber.com/nmood06.htm

Hey, thanks for that site.
Didn't know about the low-carb thing. I doubt that's the best plan for me, but it sure is interesting.

Whether you get the "full" exam or not usually depends on your doctor. When I brought my daughter in, a full exam was not needed because she is not sexually active. I suffer from the same things you do, and noticed that at 11 years old my daughter would stay home sick from school. Eventually (it took many years) I convinced her that this amount of pain is not normal and medical attention is needed. Birth control pills did work for my symptoms, however use with care as they are a depressant. If you also suffer from bipolar or depression make sure you let your doctor know this.

At least we are taught at college that generally internal exams aren't done on virgins unless there are very good indications or it's needed for forensic reasons. This is because it would be painful and uncomfortable and if you are not sexually active there aren't many problems that can be seen by doing an internal. But if it is required they have smaller speculums.
But I would be surprised if they wanted to do an internal for PMS without other specific symptoms - they might do bloods or ultrasounds but they aren't very intrusive.
And just remember, you are the patient - if the dr wants to do something you are uncomfortable with it is your right to refuse. The dr should give an explanation as to why it is important but even after that it is still your decision, you are in control. If you refuse he will just document that it was recommended and you refused to cover himself for legal reasons. It is also your decision if you want your mom there, but drs often want a chaperone with them during the exam - often a female nurse to protect themselves and give you a hand to hold.

You are doing the right thing. And drs know that adolescent girls can be very embarrassed and modest and they should make you feel comfortable.

Okay, yesterday I went in to the gynecologist. It went well. My doctor was very kind and helpful. I explained to her my problem, and she was very receptive. Of course, she asked twice if I was sexually active, but apparently she was very impressed with me. My mother had a check-up right after my consultation, and she told me the doctor said she really liked me.

So, no exam for me, considering there was no need. I'll be starting on the birth control pill Yaz. Supposedly it's been researched as a treatment for PMDD.

Just wanted to let you know everything went well.

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magasanguis said:
I'll be starting on the birth control pill Yaz. Supposedly it's been researched as a treatment for PMDD.

Just wanted to let you know everything went well.


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Good to Hear.........

If you ever need someone to talk to about PMDD that understand the stress it adds to your daily / monthly life please feel free to PM me any time - as I have dealt with the ups & downs of living with PMDD for the last 5 to 7 years.