Life w/PMDD/Severe PMS Support... - Page 31

[umami_mommy]

what is "the PMDD test?" i have never heard of a test. is it a blood test?

[Breathless Wonder]

I am still reading through the thread.  I just got my period back today, after over 2 years (pregnant, then breastfeeding).  Is anyone else dealing with severe PMS/PMDD while nursing? 
 

[Aubry55]

I have been searching for answers to my "issues" for a while now since landing myself in the ER twice for severe anxiety/panic attacks. I went to a general practitioner and without even talking with me five minutes she was prescribing me celexa. The idea of taking an anti depressant somehow made my anxiety ten times worse. I was so afraid of having every negative side effect happen to me. This is where I started my journey into the world of natural healing. My mom is a big believer so I thought why not try, what's the worst that could happen? So I tried skullcap which helped me fall asleep and that's about it haha. I would say it has amazing calming effects but nothing that would touch my panic. I then moved on to combination called mood formula it is made by vitalogic. It has st johns wort, 5htp, GABA, same-e, valerian, chamomile, and dmae. Since some combos aren't recommended in high does, each dose in this combo is lower than what it would if taken alone. I have to say this has helped me tremendously. It does take a few weeks to build up in my system and take a more noticeable effect but I swear by it. I am noticing now that I still feel the anxiety and panic about a week before my period. It is not anything like it was in the past thanks to God and his wonderful creations. Bt I am now thinking it to be pmdd. Before I found this thread I had thought it was possible but I feel like what I am reading is really relatable for me. Thanks to all that post here, I feel much better to know that it's not just me! I definitely recommend at least trying a natural route before taking prescriptions, you never know what you may find!

[Alicia Clifton]

ITs just a questioner to see if you show symptoms of it

[tanyam926]

So glad I found this thread, I finally made a Dr appt, soonest is in 2 wks.

I feel like a slave to this, I feel intense rage, depressed, I have no patience, I eat junk and can't control it. I feel this way mid cycle and also before I start my period. This month has been the worst. I feel crazy. I actually hit my husband during an argument a couple of wks ago. Then a couple of days ago I was in tears about everything.

I feel like a horrible mother and wife. I am taking Sam e, iodine, tons of vitamins and minerals but not extra b6 like I saw mentioned upthread. Im terrified of taking antidepressants but I'm also terrified of going through this again.

:-(

[Surfacing]

Hugs to all who are struggling. PMDD is a legitimately recognized medical condition. My med protocol (upping Prozac in the second half of my cycle) has made a significant difference for me and my family.

For those who are in treatment, how is it going for you?

How is self-care going everyone? If you're like me, it's a struggle to make time to care for yourself along with working and caring for children. We can encourage each other to take care of ourselves.

My goal today: Drink more water.

How about you?
 

[Oliver'sMom]

I've only had time to read through the first couple of pages in this thread, but I definitely wanted to be a part of this conversation!

Since the return of my period, 16 months after my youngest son was born, I've had horrible PMDD symptoms that are getting progressively worse.  I went to my doctor about 6 months ago, and he told me that my body was hormonally imbalanced because I was still nursing my 2 year old.  He said he wouldn't do any more than a basic blood test until I completely weaned my son because any hormonal testing would be inaccurate because of the hormones I still had in my system because of nursing.  The blood test he did do came back completely normal.

Needless to say, I was pissed.  It also left me feeling really hopeless too.  How much more money am I going to have to dole out to incompetent doctors who know nothing about women's health?  Is it just me, or do you feel like women are severely oppressed when it comes to receiving quality health care?  I felt this way when I was pregnant, and decided to take things into my own hands and had home births.  I'm feeling this way now too, and am seeking out ways I can help myself feel better, since there really seems to be no one else who can do it but me.  

Thanks for all of the great natural remedy resources!  I'm looking forward to trying some things out and seeing what works!
 

[solesanctifier]

Wow, I don't feel so alone with 600+ other posts on this issue. After two days of major turmoil thanks to my cycle ending, I decided to spend time researching what else I can do besides exercise, counseling, 5mg of Lexapro (generic), HCG shots, Progesterone, Optivite PMT, and Spiritual Guidance. I totally *GET* that I need to change my diet, even though I do eat well, I don't eat well enough. I just started the Optivite yesterday after several episodes of yelling. Something clicked that told me I need to get my nutrition in order. Thank God there is a group of women out there who deal with this same, often debilitating, problem. Why can't I just be normal? I guess there is no "normal" just average, bell curve examples of what most people *should* be. 

I pray that my diet is the way I will finally kick PMDD in the rear.

Praying for y'all too,

Amy

[MamaisMary]

I'm grateful to have found this thread. There is no doubt in my mind that after two (probably three years) I have PMDD. Now, I found myself wondering if it has gone on for even longer to a lesser degree.

I'm 44. 

I have no other physical/mental conditions.

Symptoms: Seem to be about 7-10 days before MC starts, and that MC is now unbelievably heavy. Never had cramps that couldn't be treated with Ibuprofen, now I do. That doesn't bother me, but the PMDD has at times, threatened my work, relationships, family relationships...you name it.

I am a ICU/Trauma and Cardiac Cath Lab nurse. (I work in all three fields). It's affecting work the most...which is heartbreaking for me.

When I start to feel, (not grumpy any longer...ANGRY) for pretty much no reason, or at least a reason that would NEVER make me so Angry normally...I can usually hide away. But not from work. I find myself almost shaking with anger at co-workers at times, (not patients don't worry :)) Things aren't directed at patients because I'm usually so busy and the patients are so sick, it's full on professional, concentrating on quick and busy things right in front of me, in fact that part is a relief. 

Sometimes it's just over the top complaining to boyfriend, I mean incessant complaining not even about him, it could be any little thing, and then I suddenly stop and say. "I need to shut up" But it's like you can't stop your brain from being so upset and or angry.

Depression hits too.

Get ready for this one.

When I watched those poor people get hurt or killed at the Boston Marathon, I was very sad of course and then a thought ran through my head.

"Why couldn't I have been standing next to that bomb?" "Why them? I'm miserable, I should die, not those children or people"

BAM, then I could NOT believe I had even thought that and had a mild panic attack. Then of course I realized RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF PMDD days. That realization did stop the panic, but not the depression. I'm not suicidal, please understand that.

It ALL GOES AWAY when I start my MC, sometimes even hours before, and I literally find myself wondering why I'm in such a good mood, then when I start menstruating, it's the same sigh of relief, every time. I feel like myself for usually about 15 days, sometimes less.

Other symptoms:

1)Nausea before MC (none during or directly after)

2)back pain/headache before MC (none during or directly after)

3)constipation, horrible before...no issues other times of the month.

4)Cravings, eating twice as much as I do before period, that strange hunger ends as soon as period starts, luckily have not gained weight.

All of the physical things I can deal with, but the crazy mood swings ARE affecting my life.

What have I tried? Nothing, kept thinking I could overcome it with the knowledge it existed, until the depressive thoughts ran through my head, and I don't feel depressed at any other time of the month!!! 

Now, I know... I need help.

[MamaisMary]

I can relate to the rage, I haven't hit my boyfriend, but that's probably sheer luck at this point....plus he's acutely aware of this ongoing nightmare, and luckily knows how to just stay out of the way and be supportive. It makes sense, of all people he see's the time frame and the moods come on. I'm so lucky that's not been a huge problem.

BUT, mine is affecting my work, which could affect ALL of my life. So, trust me, I know how you feel.

I called in sick to work yesterday, because I couldn't bare the thought of work, literally could not do it without probably crying or lashing out at someone, ( I was crying when I woke up and thought about it) and guess what...my cycle starts and I feel normal now.

Unbelievable. Now I'm missing work.

You are not alone.

[MamaisMary]

oops, double post...sorry!

[MamaisMary]

Originally Posted by MelMel44 

I feel like a compete crazy person the week before I start. I get so angry and impatient over the smallest things. I lose all desire to do anything but lay around. I take things out on the people i love most, and then there is the bloating, sore boobies and crazy appetite. I have an apt with my ob tm. I a praying he can help me. This is starting to affect my work and relationships, it's just miserable. Anyone relate??

Yes, I relate, I could have written this exact thing.

[MamaisMary]

Originally Posted by DanishMom 

I suffer from PMDD. I have done tons of research and there seems to be a lot of natural treatment options. I don't think the herbal treatments are enough if you suffer from severe PMS or PMDD. I'd try with amino acids instead and st. johns wort.

Here is a list:
Magnesium—160 to 250 milligrams (mg) magnesium two times daily. The last dose should be taken at bedtime.
*
Calcium—1200 to 2000 mg daily, divided into two doses, the last to be taken at bedtime
*
Vitamin D—400 to 1000 international units (IU) vitamin D daily

Progesterone cream—1/4 teaspoon twice daily, starting on day 12 of the menstrual cycle and continuing up to day 28 (very conflicting research - I'd skip it)
*
Melatonin—300 mcg nightly is recommended, increasing to 10 mg if necessary - skip melatonin if you don't have any problems with sleep.
*
Soy isoflavones—55 to 110 mg daily
*
GLA—285 to 1425 mg daily in two divided doses
*
EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily
*
Ginkgo biloba extract—120 mg daily
*
Theanine—100 to 200 mg daily to induce a state of relaxation
*
5-HTP: 50-150 mg taken on an empty stomache.
GABA: 500-1000mg. per day.
*
Saint-John’s-wort—women with PMDD: up to 900 mg daily; women with PMS: 300 mg standardized extract daily.

Here are some great resources:

http://www.amenclinics.com/ac/waysto...anx_depression
http://amenclinics.com/bp/care/supplements.php
http://www.pms-menopause-progesteron...strual-syn.htm
http://www.womentowomen.com/menstrua...treatment.aspx

Lots of life style changes (good sleep, exercise, no alcohol/caffeine and as little sugar as possible) are very helpful too. For life style see: http://www.conquerpms.com/

I also wanted to recommend www.swansonvitamins.com - they are extremely cheap!

good luck - I know how hard it is

I'm going to try some of this,  I DO NOT want to be on any anti-depressant. I tried two...(Paxil and Celexa) and was out of my mind, shaking, could not sleep...oh boy it was horrible. My only answer is that sometimes those things just don't work for everyone. I want to try the supplements. I'm at a healthy weight, don't eat a lot of sugar...but could exercise. Problem is, the time I really need to exercise, I can barely get myself to work, lol.

[bunny627]

I don't know if I can say I have PMDD, but severe PMS, you betcha.  I just had the most stressful, hectic week I've had in awhile and the last two times I've talked to my ma on the phone, she could tell just by my tone I am PMSing :(  But I digress...I wanted to ask you lovely ladies, how on earth do you control your eating when PMS strikes?

Just today, day two of PMS, I have had an entire package of gummies (something I would NEVER give into as I usually try to eat fairly clean) a bunch of home-made potato chips, FOUR mandarin oranges, half an avocado, some tuna, a serving of cottage cheese, a Clif bar (again, something the s.o. keeps around that I normally avoid) some turkey sausage and just now a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup I just HAD to make.  What upsets me is that I have struggled for body issues for years and when I basically binge eat like this, I feel awful about myself.

Do I just put a lock on the fridge or what?  I (thankfully) don't have too many cravings during the rest of the week before my period but man, I feel like such a cow those first few days!

[lilgreen]

Originally Posted by MamaisMary 

Originally Posted by DanishMom 

I suffer from PMDD. I have done tons of research and there seems to be a lot of natural treatment options. I don't think the herbal treatments are enough if you suffer from severe PMS or PMDD. I'd try with amino acids instead and st. johns wort.


Here is a list:

Magnesium—160 to 250 milligrams (mg) magnesium two times daily. The last dose should be taken at bedtime.

*

Calcium—1200 to 2000 mg daily, divided into two doses, the last to be taken at bedtime

*

Vitamin D—400 to 1000 international units (IU) vitamin D daily


Progesterone cream—1/4 teaspoon twice daily, starting on day 12 of the menstrual cycle and continuing up to day 28 (very conflicting research - I'd skip it)

*

Melatonin—300 mcg nightly is recommended, increasing to 10 mg if necessary - skip melatonin if you don't have any problems with sleep.

*

Soy isoflavones—55 to 110 mg daily

*

GLA—285 to 1425 mg daily in two divided doses

*

EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily

*

Ginkgo biloba extract—120 mg daily

*

Theanine—100 to 200 mg daily to induce a state of relaxation

*

5-HTP: 50-150 mg taken on an empty stomache.

GABA: 500-1000mg. per day.

*

Saint-John’s-wort—women with PMDD: up to 900 mg daily; women with PMS: 300 mg standardized extract daily.


Here are some great resources:

http://www.amenclinics.com/ac/waysto...anx_depression
http://amenclinics.com/bp/care/supplements.php
http://www.pms-menopause-progesteron...strual-syn.htm
http://www.womentowomen.com/menstrua...treatment.aspx


Lots of life style changes (good sleep, exercise, no alcohol/caffeine and as little sugar as possible) are very helpful too. For life style see: http://www.conquerpms.com/


I also wanted to recommend www.swansonvitamins.com - they are extremely cheap!


good luck - I know how hard it is

I'm going to try some of this,  I DO NOT want to be on any anti-depressant. I tried two...(Paxil and Celexa) and was out of my mind, shaking, could not sleep...oh boy it was horrible. My only answer is that sometimes those things just don't work for everyone. I want to try the supplements. I'm at a healthy weight, don't eat a lot of sugar...but could exercise. Problem is, the time I really need to exercise, I can barely get myself to work, lol.

I just want to share that it took 7 different meds/combos to find the right anti-depressant for me. But it has changed my life. Where I was before meds was nowhere in which I could put myself on any kind of supplement regiment. I couldn't get out of bed. I had no control over my thoughts. I was so dysfunctional in my luteal phase. And once I got my period I spent the next two weeks rebuilding myself and my life only to be hit all over again. I was done and I had no life. I worked closely with a psychiatrist who spent 1.5 years working on a fix. It was so worth it. I have a life and it is awesome. I'm now able to do all the things I should be doing to take care of myself and my health. Good luck with whatever route you choose - I just don't want you close doors. xo

[Awaken]

Joining the discussion. I've been struggling with this for a couple years and its so good to know I'm not alone!

[manysplendored]

I have tried many things for my PMDD over the years. Vitamins help, massive doses of all the B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, fish oil. But I recently started with 5-htp and wanted others opinion of it.
50mg does nothing at all for me even with B6. 100mg makes a noticeable difference when taken with B6. I'm not 100% but I'm not a complete basket case either. Still, I am afraid of upping the dose more because of weird jaw and tongue spasms that I get from it. I tried 80mg and still had waves of tears well up and even with 100mg I still get very insecure and want to avoid people.
Does anyone have experience with how the 5-htp affects them?
I want to know what a correct dose should feel like in my system.

[manysplendored]

Originally Posted by bunny627 

I don't know if I can say I have PMDD, but severe PMS, you betcha.  I just had the most stressful, hectic week I've had in awhile and the last two times I've talked to my ma on the phone, she could tell just by my tone I am PMSing   But I digress...I wanted to ask you lovely ladies, how on earth do you control your eating when PMS strikes?

Just today, day two of PMS, I have had an entire package of gummies (something I would NEVER give into as I usually try to eat fairly clean) a bunch of home-made potato chips, FOUR mandarin oranges, half an avocado, some tuna, a serving of cottage cheese, a Clif bar (again, something the s.o. keeps around that I normally avoid) some turkey sausage and just now a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup I just HAD to make.  What upsets me is that I have struggled for body issues for years and when I basically binge eat like this, I feel awful about myself.

Do I just put a lock on the fridge or what?  I (thankfully) don't have too many cravings during the rest of the week before my period but man, I feel like such a cow those first few days!
[/quote
I just let myself eat...food, no matter how much I consume is way better than suicide.

[bunny627]

I just let myself eat...food, no matter how much I consume is way better than suicide.

Good point.  If I try to restrict myself too much, I don't exactly feel like killing myself but I do feel miserable.

[Rose411]

Wow I'm so glad I found this thread!  I can't access the group yet, I'm new here.  But glad to know I'm not alone!