PMDD ruining my relationship

**holetoledo** · 12-03-2010 04:07 PM

I get so emotional during my periods, which I'm certain is normal for women, but in addition to that I get panic attacks and for some reason I become extremely paranoid. When I was dealing with my irregular periods, it didn't feel this bad, but then I went on birth control and my emotions went haywire. My boyfriend finds it incredibly hard to deal with my mood swings and he gets frustrated when I cry at every little thing. I sympathize with him. I'd get frustrated, too -- I am frustrated. Sometimes it gets to the point where I get so stressed that I become physically sick. My stomach is killing me right now.

Is there any kind of treatment for this severe a case of PMDD? I know Yaz is supposed to specifically be for PMDD as well as contraception, but it was such a high dosage that it did the opposite for me. I now take Ortho Tri Cyclen and am wondering if Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo would be the best choice for me. I'm also wondering if anyone knows of other treatments for PMDD. I used to take an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety medication, but I stopped because they made me feel... less human.

I'm seeing my gynecologist next week, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've got any for me.

**CandyCloud** · 12-04-2010 02:09 PM

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through right now. I know exactly how you feel because I used to suffer from PMDD too. What really helped me was Lithium. My PMDD was putting my relationships and jobs in jeopardy and sometimes even ending them. I was at the end of my rope and I had to do something. I know you haven't had good experiences with the anti-depressant and the anti-anxiety meds that you used to take, so I know Lithium may sound like an unlikely solution for you, but what my doctor told me about Lithium is that it is one of the best drugs for mood swings, no matter where they come from - whether they come from PMDD, Bipolar Disorder, or whatever.

Lithium, to me, is like a miracle drug. I'm so much happier now during my periods and I've had the same job for over two months (something I could seldom accomplish before the drug, with all the rage and mood swings I had.) With Lithium, you do have to check your liver via a blood test a couple of times of year, but it's completely worth it. At Wal-Mart, a one month prescription is only $4. I hope you talk with your gyno next week about Lithium and explore all the options.

Anyway, I hope that you feel better soon!

**holetoledo** · 12-05-2010 04:00 PM

Is that something that you take regularly or as you need it like Xanax?

**ItsASecret** · 12-05-2010 04:17 PM

Lithium, which is under the trade name Carbolith if you want to check it out would be taken everyday or close to depending on the dosage. The main reason it is prescribed is for bi-polar or manic episodes in patients and it is very effective in those patients within 2-3 weeks (last I checked 70-80% effective). It has been used for a lot of other mood related issues though, especially depression, and the manic-like episodes so it would not be surprising if your doctor brought it up. There are the major side effects (obviously does not happen to everyone) which include kidney failure which is why you will be asked to take a blood test every once and awhile - if problems occur it is a swift cure which is why the blood tests are necessary. But taking lithium is something you could at the very least discuss with your doctor if you do not want to be put on antidepressants.

**Hopeless Dork** · 12-05-2010 04:36 PM

I don't have PMDD, but I do get more emotional than usual before my period... I cry at commericals... I fight with my boyfriend over stuff I normally wouldn't bat an eye over. What I have started to do is when I get upset at something before my period, I give myself a day to react to it. My gut instinct is always to react right away when something bothers me... but when I am over emotional because of my period sometimes the stuff i am upset over isn't all that rational when I re-examine it in a few hours. So maybe you can try that, something bothers you? Sit on it for a day, sit on it, bite your tongue and ride it out til the morning... you'll probably see it in a whole different light and will have avoided another unecessary argument.

It will also give you a sense of control over 'out of control' emotions. While you may be powerless to feeling them when you have all those pre-period hormones raining down on you, you can control how you react to them.

**hudsonagain** · 12-20-2010 09:17 AM

I have PMDD and unfortunately stepping back and rationalizing before reacting is not an option. All the other days of the month that is how I would handle anything that comes my way but for a few days I literally loose control of my mind. It's scary, it's depressing, and it's ruining my relationships as well.

**always** · 01-15-2011 04:28 PM

LMAO.....I WISH I could just step back and rationally THINK when PMDD makes me totally irrational.....wow...obviously written by someone who is not "ONE OF US"

**Tem** · 01-20-2011 11:38 AM

I've had PMDD since the birth of my second child. Before that I would say it was just PMS and manageable. When it became unmanageable I sought help. There were many things I tried that have worked for other people, but not for me. They included (not at the same time) - progesterone cream, St. John's Wort, Valerian root, melatonin, eliminating: caffeine, sugar, salt and alcohol, and taking certain B vitamins.

What worked was a low dose of the tricyclic antidepressant Doxipin (helped enormously with insomnia and I don't suffer from any side effects) and the following: Flax, Evening Primrose and Krill oils, Tart Cherry extract, a woman's multivitamin, Vitamin D3, and a super Vitamin B formula. I also take Red Yeast Rice and Milk Thistle supplements, but those are for other things.

**Tem** · 01-20-2011 11:45 AM

Also - I couldn't tolerate birth control pills. When I took them it was like having PMS 24/7 which, come to think of it, was like PMDD. Some women are very sensitive to the hormones in birth control pills. I was one of them. You might be too. I tried many kinds, but then switched to a diaphragm. It's wasn't as convenient, but worth keeping my sanity.

**always** · 01-30-2011 03:34 PM

Hello all....update! I took Yaz & amatryptline, vitamin b complex, diet changes, exercise....my symptoms got SOOOOO much worse. I finally went to a free clinic. I was given 50mg of Zoloft. I am now 4 days into the meds and have not had a period, or a mood swing. Keep your chin up and keep talking to YOUR doctor about your options.