Anyone suffer from PMDD?

[klfrech]

I'm looking for natural remedies to deal with severe PMS. My symptoms are mostly emotional; thankfully my physical symptoms are bearable, but emotionally I am a wreck 10-14 days before my period. I'm really not interested in Rx help. I've read about vitamins, primrose oil, and others being somewhat helpful. Anyone have any experiences they'd like to share?

 

[MiniGirl]

My doc recommended Sam-e for PMDD. Haven't taken it long enough to know if it really helps or not though.

Good luck to you.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Frankly the 2 best helps I've discovered are behavior modification. I keep a careful watch on the calendar and circle the date to be watched so my DH and I can easily see it. I warn him when its coming up about 7 days off so he knows to just let me be for the week. I happen to think that the very fact that I am cognisent of the problem helps me keep myself in check. It's easier to calm myself down when I can tell myself 'the situation only seems big because of the date' and then I promise myself to rethink the trouble the next week and it never ever seems as big later on. As for myself, I do not even think about touching any stimulants like coffee, tea or decongestants for the 7 days leading up to and the 3 days after. I do not schedule vacations, birthday parties, or get togethers during this time and make sure not to call anyone either which is hard because this is when I am usually most wanting of company. I try not to shop because I tend to be impulsive. I also avoid anything that can be distressing or frustrating. But possibly the best change is that I now warn people a close to me that I have PMS and have been irritable by working it into conversation. Since most women 'get it' they give me room which is a help. I do not shun medication though. I keep a very low dose of Xanax on hand for times when I just know things will go badly. I have the lowest dose and cut that in 1/2 and believe it or not, just that tiny bit is enough to steady myself. I have found that I really only need this the last 3 days of my cycle, and even then only during the hours I will be in a position when I know I will be stressed. In my experience, the more I use the Xanax the less it works but, for me at least, it would be a error to not have it available.

Some research is being done into taking antidepressants only during this time period but I haven't known any women who it has worked for so I keep saying no thanks.

One of the biggest differences between me and other women is that so many I know have had the procedure done to remove the "main symptom" and are thrilled to have it gone. But to me, it is a marker I can use to gauge the next episode and the thought of losing that warning just makes me cringe. I NEED to know how long I have between events. That 'main symptom' is the least of my worries.

I have a question for other women who get this. Do you also totally flake out on the passage of time during the few days immediately before? I honestly lose all track of time and can't tell the difference between 10 minutes and 3 hours, everything is sped up to an amazing degree.... it's so bizarre. I set timers to manage it but I still think it is incredibly weird.

 

[mcco5543]

I have pmdd too. However, I feel the medication for mer personally is neccesary. I have no control over my mouth, emotions, and the physical symptoms can be pretty impeding as well. Letting the people in your life know that the 2 weeks of your cycle is coming up. Giving everyone in your life literature and access to education regarding this disorder can also help as well as I've found removing myself and much as possible from other people if I'm having an emotionally bad month and opposed to a physically bad one (they tend to switch off and thankfully not be too intertwined). I know isolating yourself seems extreme but it seems to cut down on my irritation level as well as protect others from my ridiculously bad behavior I strongly encourage a very low dose of meds even if you only take it during the worst days of your PMDD cylce. If not for you, for others around you. This is one disease that I have found for me has such a profound effect on others. I totally sympathize with not wanting to do the meds route though and will think peaceful thoughts for you that the symptoms are not to harsh!

 

[MiniGirl]

I also understand the desire to NOT take meds. I resisted it for many years and now only do if I feel I really need to. I have tried to isolate myself (hard to do with 2 young children esp. when we are homeschooling) and not schedule things during that time. Over the years it has gotten worse and worse -- as well as the physical symptoms of my cycle. They have also become irregular, so circling a date on the calendar just no longer works for me. (I had a 19 day cycle last month.)

Just recently I came to realize that my family was paying the cost for my not taking medication. I also was feeling as if this was robbing me of my life. I mean seriously if I can't do anything for 2 out of every 3 weeks -- what kind of life is it? That's why I agreed to start the Sam-e. It is a natural solution and I'm hoping it does the trick. So far, I am hopeful since things have been calmer for me thus far. I have also started taking birth control pills to help with the very painful physical aspects of my cycle. I am hopeful the 2 things together will give me my life back.

 

[mcco5543]

I hope the same for us all!