BFing, PMT and The pill/mini-pill

[artifarti]

I've been BFing DS for 10 months and my periods have just returned. This is good as hopefully it means they put everything back where it was after my C-section but the last week or two I have been reminded why I used to take the Pill, as I have had horrendous - and I mean horrendous - PMT, to the extent where I thought I had major PND and was losing it.

I want to carry on BFing DS until he is one but am desperate not to have another two or three episodes like this.

So - am I right in thinking that you can only take the Mini-Pill when BFing? And does the Mini-Pill deal with PMT (I had heard something that it can actually make it worse?)

I have made a GP appointment for next week but it would be good to hear other people's experiences.

[Getthekettleon]

I'm still BF and have been having very bad PMT- I've been trying evening primrose oil and B6 Complex for the last month. I think I am getting a little hormonal (can't spell) again but I think its much improved and I haven't been taking the tablets everyday cos I forget. I'm aiming to take it everyday to get maximum benefits.

You could try them see if it helps?

[artifarti]

Thanks Getthekettleon - Do you know, that's reminded me that I used to get B6 on prescription for PMT many moons ago. I can't remember if it used to work or not though! I will mention that to the GP, definitely, thanks for reminding me. (I did try EP once but didn't find that helped much)

PMT is the pits isn't it? I have managed to avoid it for so long that I'd forgotten what a monster it turns me into. [shudder]

[Getthekettleon]

It makes me a bit paranoid. I loose confidance and I 2nd judge stuff I say or do.....So crap!!!The month I'm fine.

Prescription B6 complex sounds good!

[FruitLoaf]

Hi - I've got the same problem too, but my period returned within a month of DC2 being born (now 9.5 months) - so have been strugging with PMT for months!!

Eventually saw GP about it about 2 months ago and she suggested the combined pill. I think I'm right in saying the mini-pill is progesterone based which is why is can make PMT symptoms worse (as does the Mirena coil).

Unfortunately I've got another problem that needs sorting first, so in the meantime have been trying Starflower Oil capsules (apparently they have a much higher concentrate of whatever the good stuff is in Evening Primrose Oil. Have to say, not much success with them so far, but will carry on.)

Her third suggestion was Prozac - which I thought was a bit extreme to treat PMT, but not unusual (so she says....). Anyone else heard of this?

[artifarti]

Fruitloaf - I hadn't heard of Prozac before but then I have been out of the PMT loop for a good while. Quite a bit comes up when you Google it but seems to be reserved for very severe cases. Perhaps it's becoming more common though. Like you say, seems extreme...

The combined pill certainly sorted me out but just hope there's something out there to see me through until I can take it again. Don't fancy anymore Jekyll/Hyde episodes! I'll let you know what my GP suggests next week.

[FruitLoaf]

Sorry - forgot to mention - I'm still breast feeding too, and my GP knows that I am - so I assumed the combined pill would be safe. I won't be going back for a couple of weeks yet tho, so will be interesting to hear what your GP says.

I certainly would prefer to give EVERYthing else a chance before Prozac!!