Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - Women's Health Message Board

Trooper · 09-19-2003, 06:39 AM

Anyone here have premenstrual dysphoric disorder? I've done a lot of research online and I'm about 99.99% sure that I have this. I also did research on depression, but I don't feel depressed all the time. Just the week before my period, things get out of control. I cry at the drop of a pin, I'm moody, I gain a lot of water weight, I'm anxious, I cannot sleep, etc.

The other 3 weeks are fine. I'm happy with everything. I love my job, I play soccer, I have an active lifestyle. But when that 3rd week hits, I just want to withdrawl from everything. I cannot concentrate at work, I'm very sensitive to things, etc. I drive my boyfriend crazy with this.

I keep track of my feelings and I've noticed this pattern for a good year now. I guess I just didn't want to admit that anything was wrong. But it's come down to the point where I have opened up to my boyfriend and I tell him exactly how I am feeling during this time.

We are in couples counseling and we have an appointment today. I was wondering if we should mention this to our counselor, or if I should just talk with my GP.

Any advice or personal experiences would help me out a great deal.

Thanks,
Trooper

kiki lou · 09-19-2003, 07:21 AM

I was recently diagnosed with it. It's traditionally treated with a low dose of antidepressants, usually prozac. However, I cannot tolerate those drugs due to other issues, so I'm going natural. I'm using Vit B6, cal/mag supplements, evening primrose oil, 5 HTP (an amino acid), and progesterone cream.

Things were 75% better last cycle.

Kiki

mlgable · 09-19-2003, 09:04 AM

You need to see the doc as treatment is available for this. You can also read some of the others posts here in the archive if you are interested in trying some natural things first. Seeing your doctor is the first step though for a proper diagnosis and then you can work out a treatment plan from there.

countrywife33 · 09-19-2003, 07:38 PM

Hi. I am 33yrs. old. I started getting like this the past 6mos or so. I am fine the rest of the month except about a week before my period. I turn into the most cranky, unreasonable, unhappy person. I cry, yell, argue, am anxious, stressed, feel like a bomb is getting ready to explode in my head sometimes. I want my husband and kids to just leave me alone. Don't bother my I will say. I can't control it. My Dr. put me on Prometrium (a hormone) and my husband says it makes a big difference. I am still researching this and want to know if my hormones are normal and why I feel this way. Hope you can find a good Dr. that helps you. I wouldn't say Prozac, but lots of people I know take it. Good luck and hope you find something that works. Read up on it! Hormones make a big difference in how you feel. It is NOT in our heads!