I have severe PMDD!

[Tizzy]

I have extreme PMDD and really could use some advice and guidance. This is my very first time being involved on any sort of forum so bear with me while I am getting used to how to utilize this tool. I have heard it all....diet, exercise, relaxation techniques....Where do I start??? I am taking Welbutrin for depression but it does not help AT ALL for my PMDD symptoms. Should I switch to something else? Paxil? Prozac? Is there someone out there that can send me a success report on PMDD relief???? Please help! I am losing myself, my husband and my friends! Living with this condiiton for 30 years now is NUTS! I HAVE to take control of it (the PMDD). I will not allow it to control me and my life anymore!!! Please send me some info on what has helped you. Thank you in advance for your help!

[yellowpiXi3]

The most important thing to know when you have PMDD is to TAKE IT EASY. The less stress you have on your life or anything that's brewing in your head the better your PMDD will be. TRUST ME. Also, know that YOU are in control NOT your hormones. YOU have to realize when thoughts start becoming intense and non-sensical that it's not you talking. It's your PMDD. Observe yourself, write things down. So that way you know when you are expecting your hormones to go on a roller coaster. And you might want to inform your husband, family and close friends. I know it's hard. But once you realize and accept that it's not you. You will start to go on the right path.

For me, I know when I'm in my "PMDD" week because I can't be satisfied with what I'm wearing. Then I start watching shows that I normally don't really watch. (ie. eating too much chocolate, and watching chick-flicks) I usually tell my bf that "I'm being a chick right now" when I say that he knows that it's my PMDD. And we have a system where if i start to get out of control that I go to the mall or do something that relaxes me. And he won't hold it against me. So you have to figure out what relaxes you and take it easy during your PMDD time.

[autimom4ever]

I've had PMDD for many years now..
It has affected my home and work life

This is what I do now (after many years of suffering.. but I still suffer here and there)

I take Cymbalta once daily
I calender my periods
I know what I should expect when the months I calender the periods
From one week until my period starts until about day 2 after my period begins everything gets worse.. That is when I start adding midol (yes midol) to the regimen of my meds. It helps with the tightening/irritable feeling that makes you want to explode.

I'm still not the happiest person in the world when I'm on my period, but I don't need the midol

My only "good" week is about 8 days - 18 days after my period starts. So I have 10 good days a month

Now, I do warn people around me that "if" I am a being "out of sorts or irritable" it is not personal... I really can't help it...

They understand..

Good luck with all of it... It's not a great thing to have

[happy ending]

have you tried yoga, i have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for years, and honestly out of everything i have found yoga to be most beneficial, i have a lesson once a week and do it daily at home with a video, it is very centring and helpful.

[xenisof]

Hi Everyone,

I am also new to this portal so I´m just trying to figure out how to use it. I have read a lot of your comments and frankly I feel relieved to know that I AM NOT ALONE! I am 47. I had my first period at 10 and since then I've had PMDD. Didn´t know it then, but in retrospective I do now. It has been, to say the least, HORRIBLE. It has ruined my life. I have it in a very SEVERE form and I´m at the point where all I think about is I WANT TO BE DEAD! Everything in my life is in chaos and I feel hopeless and helpless... The symptoms cause me to be so intense and boisterous and mouthy and just plain "weird" that people run away from me. I say things that shouldn´t, that are improper and just get really awful. It´s so bad that it has even made me lose a sense of self. My brain just doesn´t work, it feels cloudy and heavy, can´t make simple decisions, get outraged and irritable over little things, become very reactive...No wonder I don´t have a man in my life. Today I cried all day just wanting to die. Seriously. Just keep thinking how am I going to kill myself. I am from Colombia but live in the US. I am now home for a long visit and I'm considering the hysterectomy... don´t know about it but will find out. It´s much cheaper here. I have been so sad because I just lost a friend due to my PMDD... I acted really weird and he just avoids me now :S How can life be lived like this? I am really really at the end of my rope... I can't take this anymore.