[Moyaspain]

I would really appreciate some guidance or experience from anyone out there who might be able to guide in the correct direction.

I've just recently turned 30. For the past 8 years I've been experiencing PMDD-like symptoms, except that I experience them at all times except for the two days prior to menstruation, and the first two days after menstruation. After the first day and a half of menstruation, symptoms begin returning, and are in full effect by the time menstruation is over.

I've explored options such as depression medications and therapy, none of which have put a dent in my symptoms--just added side-effects. I've also tried vitamin supplements, such as B-complex, Niacin, the usual things people suggest when you say you're always groggy and gloomy.

The symptoms I experience are: Extreme lethargy, migraines, irrational anger/irritability, complete lack of interest, depression, suicidal thoughts, inability to focus on anything, bloating, stomach pains...to name a few. This has literally brought my life to a screaming halt. I want to finish my degree, I want to reconnect with my family, I want to be with my friends again....

Does anyone have any idea why the only time I am happy or feel like a normal person is four days a month, and only at the beginning of menstruation? My doctors treat me like I'm an attention-seeking idiot, or just someone looking to justify laziness...all I want is to feel like a normal person again, and the standard physicians I've seen (and I've been to many) just don't want to take the time to 'put up' with helping me out.

[bec]

keep getting referals to other doctors until u find someone who can help i guess. maybe try a naturopath!

[Moyaspain]

Physicians don't give you a referral unless they think you need one, and if they think you're making it up or that there's nothing wrong with you, they don't think you need one. I also don't have an infinite amount of cash with which to hop doctors...doing this blindly is ruining me.

[vesper24]

Hi, I understand what you're going through. Have you tried L-Theanine? 5-HTP? L-Tryptophan? St. Johns Wart? (pure)Valerian Root? .....The 5-HTP worked great for me for a while... (then stopped ) , the others work okay for me. Not miracle cures but better than nothing. AS for the days you feel good.. I'm not sure.. I think PMDD affects all women differently. This was something I posted earlier on the topic:


Hi, I'm new here. I've been reading about peoples experiences with PMDD and those who have taken 5=HTP. I took 5-HTP last month about 10 days before my period (when PMDD gets really bad). I took it once or twice a say, 100mg, and I was shocked. It was the first thing that ever worked for me. I had a slight headache while taking it but that was NOTHING compared to what I would usually be suffering from. All the suicidal depression, the black cloud fuzzy feeling, inability to focus, think clearly, horrible anger outbursts/rage, not to mention the aches and pains, the neck ache that never goes away, the increased anxiety, night sweats... almost ALL went away. When my period arrived I was almost surprised. Because usually the build up to it is soooooo horrible that I am staring at the calendar waiting for it to come and just get over with. So.................

Here's the BAD news: I tried to take 5-HTP again this month and I felt that not only did it not work , but it GAVE me anxiety. Considering I have a pre-existing anxiety problem that I take Ativan for, this was very bad. I don't understand how it could work so well then less than a month later, just stop working completely?? I've heard of people taking it and had it lose effectiveness after, say, two years, but not 1 month. Did I take it wrong? I took it last month well into my period and even a few days after. THen I stopped. I did feel a little anxiety increase when I stopped but I just dealt with it. Now this month, I feel it has just given me anxiety. I've had two horrific raging outbursts at my partner, which just upset and depressed me beyond words. It's horrible feeling like you have no control over yourself at all. I tried to even out the anxiety with L-Theanine..first night worked like a charm. All subsequent tries.. yielded minimal results. I also ried Evening primrose oil at the suggestion of a feller PMDD-er, but it did nothing for me. I do not tolerate anti-depressants and I can't take ST Johns Wart. Has anyone else had this side effect from 5-HTP? Did it ever get better for you? How much do you take? I really want it to work again. Last month was the first month in over 5 years that I felt semi-normal. This condition is slowly killing me, and destroying all my relationships. Anyone, please offer advice/help? Thanks


Anyway, good luck to you. I wish more people responded to these threads on PMDD

[Binky42]

What kind of doctor are you seeing now? I've had a lot more luck seeing a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) rather than the usual MDs. A DO must have all the same medical training and certifications as an MD, but they have a philosophical difference. They believe in treating the whole person, and finding the cause of the sickness, rather than just prescribing pills for the symptoms as many doctors do. They are usually covered by the same insurance plans, only they are a little harder to find (I think there is about 1 DO for every 7 MDs out there).

I wouldn't call your symptoms "reverse" PMDD but rather extended PMDD, because PMDD usually affects people during the week or two before their period starts, and goes away when their period comes. It just seems that the "bad" part of your cycle is just longer than most people with PMDD.

Sometimes I only feel normal on the days of my period, and I'm working with my doctor to figure this out. We're pretty sure it's a hormonal thing, because taking birth control (Yasmin and/or Yaz) is the only thing that mostly stops the symptoms. Without these pills I can barely function at all, and had a lot of the same problems as you except the worst symptom I had was extreme anxiety. If birth control pills are an option for you, you might want to give them a try. Yaz is FDA approved for the treatment of PMDD.

I've also just started using progesterone creme, which is something peri-menopausal women can take to even out their hormone levels. I haven't used it long enough yet to say if it's helping or not, but you could give it a try.

Another tip I would give you is to write down all your symptoms, and to keep a daily diary of how you feel every single day to take into your doctor next time you go. That way he/she may be less likely to ignore what you have to say.