PMT is getting worse each month. Anger and anxiety resulting in hurting myself.

[RedStripeIassie]

My mental health (anxiety) is mostly better than it has been for years and I'm doing ok 3/4 weeks but PMT is bring it back plus anger in a strong and uncontrollable way. I get so angry and wound up. Boiling rage at small things or letting thoughts grow in my head till I fantasise violent thoughts and then I end up banging my head against the wall or scratching my arms till they bleed. I'm trying so hard to hold back on cutting myself and I haven't so far. I don't want to go back on meds (sertraline) again and I'm already having therapy but wondered if anyone had advice on PMT with existing mental health problems.

All that makes it sound bad but it's really just for a few days each month and I'm otherwise well.

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

I've not got personal experience, but I remember seeing a gynacologist speaking about this on TV, I wonder if your GP would refer you to a specialist, to see if theres anything they can help with from that angle.

[RedStripeIassie]

Thanks for the advice. I always feel like I'm wasting the gp s time with period stuff so tend to avoid it. I've never had pmt like this in my life. The irrational anger I feel towards people I love is crazy and then a few days later it seems fine. Are there any meds that make PMT better/worse?

[Mrsfloss]

I had similar but not the self harm but actual boiling rage. I was filled with rage then suicidal depression. This has been present for a year with worsening last 6 months. I actually thought I was going to kill myself or someone. I went to GP and had some blood tests which everything was fine.

I done my own research and started taking magnesium,evening primrose, St. John's wort, 5htp, angnus cactus and strong vitamin b every day not missing a dose and first month it lessened but second and third month almost symptom free. Trouble is I don't know what one is working and I'm taking all these tablets but I don't care. I felt horrendous and can now see the light.

[Joto369]

I'm not sure how old you are but you can go down the alternative route as above or an ad which may help. Exercise cbt etc. PMDD is the name for really bad pmt so maybe do some research around this. I ask about age as mine has got worse as I'm going through perimenopause and now going on HRT. Hope you feel better soon xxx

[RedStripeIassie]

Thank you. I'm 32. I was going to try st Johns wort so I'll give that a go and maybe some of the others.

Exercise helps a lot and I'm used to being very active but because of other health stuff I haven't been whizzing round like I usually do! Long walks are like a drug for me and really help if I'm feeling up to it.

I'm looking up PMDD now.

[Josephinelavelle]

I can identify so much. For me it took a complete change of diet plus all the supplements mentioned above. I had to go 100% organic, cut out wheat, diary and sugar. It took a while to become disciplined around it but it had done the trick. Also I had to get all chemicals out of the home & use only natural cleaning products and grooming products. There is a tonne of useful stuff on the Internet about it. Happy to give you more info if you want it.

[pleasestopsnoring]

I'm now on the other side of this after having my ovaries out 3 years ago, but I know how you feel, at points I was suicidal.

Couldn't take any hormonal contraception as it made me worse, about 3 clear days a month, the rest was a pmt rage/fog. Food/supplements/exercise helped short term but it always came creeping back. Dr said that therapy probably wouldn't help as it was a hormonal problem rather than a mental one. Sertraline helped but getting dose right was difficult as it's only needed for part of the month.

All I ever wanted was to feel normal rather than a hormonal mess all the time, it made personal relationships very difficult as I hid alot of the time.

Where are you as far as kids are concerned, have you had them, do you want any more?

[Ktown]

Magnesium and beta blockers helps my pmt
It still drives me crazy so many things are misdiagnosed as mental health issues when it has a gynaecological - hormonal basis
Some women really suffer - why not say so?

[RedStripeIassie]

Wow joeseph, sounds like you really commited to some big adjustments. I think I should test myself by going no wheat or dairy for a while and see if it makes a diffetentlce.

pleases I'm interested in taking sertraline only part of the month and still have some. How did you take it (I know it's different for everyone but just to get an idea).

I've got one dd and possibly want more one day but not yet.

ktown its rediculous isn't it, what women are expected to put up with?!

[Josephinelavelle]

It got so bad every month that I was prepared to do whatever it took. I'd tried meds and various contraceptives but they hadn't worked. As a bonus I lost weight and feel great all month round.