Pmdd?

[logged out]

I had a baby and ever since have not had normal female cycles. But the last two months have been miserable. Maybe three months. Typical female annoyances but with an added level of psychosis. I had ppd after baby 1 but no issues since or with baby 2. About 1 week before my cycle starts I go crazy, angry at everything and everyone, miserable headaches that last for 7 entire days until my period starts, anxiety about everything, inability to sleep, heart palpatations. A flaming lunatic literally. As soon as my period starts my symptoms subside. ?.??
Anyone have this? Or heard of this? What should I do? Scary.

[cheerfuldom]

I had a baby and ever since have not had normal female cycles. But the last two months have been miserable. Maybe three months. Typical female annoyances but with an added level of psychosis. I had ppd after baby 1 but no issues since or with baby 2. About 1 week before my cycle starts I go crazy, angry at everything and everyone, miserable headaches that last for 7 entire days until my period starts, anxiety about everything, inability to sleep, heart palpatations. A flaming lunatic literally. As soon as my period starts my symptoms subside. ?.??
Anyone have this? Or heard of this? What should I do? Scary.

you should absolutely speak to a doctor asap!

[2nd.Chances]

Pmdd

I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. I also suffered from PMDD most of my life. I was having a cycle ever 2-3 weeks. Finally 2 years ago at age 35 my doctor did a complete hysterectomy. It changed my life!

I found that not all doctors believe in PMDD or have ever heard of it in fact. I would encourage you to have your estrogen levels checked when you are feeling this way and start a journal of things going on with your body and seeing your OBGYN often. Low estrogen can have profound effects on our bodies. Since having my hysterectomy and starting hormone therapy (patch) I no longer have body aches, mood swing and I lost 40 pounds. But what works for one person may not work for another. Praying for you.

[Zoe]

I have PMDD. The hardest part of it was before I realized what was going on. My husband gently pointed out during my good mood that I don't seem like myself 1-2 weeks before my period. Then the day after I got my period I would feel better but EXHAUSTED! I spoke to a dr. who prescribed me simple birth control pills. It took a couple of months to get back to "normal." I can still feel strong cravings for food and some impulsiveness during that week before my period, but the irritation and short temper have subsided immensely. If you are feeling like this and it "magically" goes away when you get your period then I'd talk to a dr. It really does help!

[Unregistered]

Thanks ladies. The anxiety and psychosis is what scares me most. I physcially shake, I can feel my heart beating out of my chest, I have running thoughts for 3 night straight, I simply can not force my body to behave even though as soon as its over I feel totally normal and can rationalize that everything that is happening is pure craziness.

This last time I felt it the first night and was go angry the next day, I felt like every kid was out to get me. I am a sane person so I knew better than to act out or go crazy but I was so pestered by every little thing. And the head aches for 1 sold week are unecessary and compound the whole thing. I took benadryl the next two nights simply to sleep and every time I felt rage like anger I quickly reminded myself I wasn't being rational. It was not me it was my period. This helped me feel like I could make it to the next day which could only get better. Now I am a week past it and I feel like I really don't need to suffer like this again. Like there has to be an answer.

Has anyone taken SSRI's? I have heard from one person that this has helped. Since my family has a history of depression (mixed here and there on the family tree- nothing severe) and my own history of PPD after the first kid I feel like that may help. I dont want a bunch of side effects though if there are other options. Any ideas?

[Daycarelady1979]

I also was diagnosed with PMDD...and I've tried 2 things:

1. Taking an anti-depressant (I can't remember which one) for 10 days BEFORE my period each month
2. Taking a Calcium chew & a B-Complex tablet EVERY DAY

They both seemed to work for me. I've also been prescribed a very low dose of Buspar for my anxiety.

Talk to your doctor. PMDD is REAL and it is not the same as PMS...trust me!
Good luck to you