[elizadrum]

I get increased fuzzy head, lack of concentration, forgetful and confusion during the lead up to my period. I generally suffer from memory and cognitive functioning problems, as well as problems with mental exhaustion (eg driving short distances drains me). These aspects have appeared to worsen over the years, but a problem is that I can't remember and strongly rely on my parents. I have very bad long term memory (school years are a blur), I am 24, and a very bad short term memory, esp reading or following a conversation. My visual memory is extremely poor. When I speak with a doctor they just shrug and say that they don't know. I was wondering if you had any ideas, or even any recommendations to help or others to speak with about it. With the increased functioning problems on the lead up to my period I really need a suggestion on what may help as I become very ill and this isn't practical each month! Even an idea how to tackle the increased fuzzy head, lack of concentration etc each month I would be grateful.

How well I am varies over the month. On scale 1 to 10 where 10 is fantastic, In first part of month I am 7/8, whereas in the later part of the month (roughly 1-2 weeks before my period) I am 2/3.

In addition, I also have problems with hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity, even though has improved from unbearable, is still a major problem.

Certain drugs make me extremely bad. This has been problem re:getting pain killers for back and neck as they normally mess up my head.

It needs to be noted that I used to take a multivitamin and since coming off it (on the scale was 1 with head jerking), have improved until the run up to my period, and has been that cycle since for a few months.

Any ideas?

[lizzardb63]

Well, to have a "fuzzy head" or a lack of concetration is a symptom of PMS, however, it shouldn't be disrupting any of your day. I sometimes have the occasional Brain Fart, but that's as far as it goes. Have you ever been checked for ADD/ADHD? There are medications out there to help with concentration and focus (riddlin and adderol, etc.). I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in 5th grade because I couldn't concentrate in class, at least not for periods of time. It's actually pretty common.

How much sleep are you getting? Do you eat a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc? Do you exercise on a regular basis?

[elizadrum]

I do generally suffer from memory and cognitive functioning problems, which are slowly being looked into (as they should be looked into properly). However just before my period things become unmanageable. On average I get around 8 hours sleep a day, eat a healthy balanced diet and am regularly active. I can't see how I can change anything regarding my diet or lifestyle. I have never been checked for ADD/ADHD, though I don't have a good track record of dealing with doctors (they normally just don't do anything). Anyway, its probably worthwhile looking into. Thanks

[lizzardb63]

Here is some more information if you do see a doctor about it.
Symptoms of ADHD
There are three different categories of ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.

Inattention may not become apparent until a child enters the challenging environment of school. In adults, symptoms of inattention may manifest in work or in social situations.

A person with ADHD may have some or all of the following symptoms:

difficulty paying attention to details and tendency to make careless mistakes in school or other activities; producing work that is often messy and careless
easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli and frequently interrupting ongoing tasks to attend to trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others
inability to sustain attention on tasks or activities
difficulty finishing schoolwork or paperwork or performing tasks that require concentration
frequent shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
procrastination
disorganized work habits
forgetfulness in daily activities (for example, missing appointments, forgetting to bring lunch)
failure to complete tasks such as homework or chores
frequent shifts in conversation, not listening to others, not keeping one's mind on conversations, and not following details or rules of activities in social situations
Hyperactivity symptoms may be apparent in very young preschoolers and are nearly always present before the age of seven. Symptoms include:

fidgeting, squirming when seated
getting up frequently to walk or run around
running or climbing excessively when it's inappropriate (in teens this may appear as restlessness)
having difficulty playing quietly or engaging in quiet leisure activities
being always on the go
often talking excessively