Staying away from home during PMDD to manage symptoms

[MentalHealthBreak]

Every month for 5-7 days I stay at my mums or occasionally a hotel. I suffer with really severe PMDD and it is the only thing that makes a difference.

The dc don’t have to see me in that state, it protects my relationship with DH and I can manage to keep myself calm. We’ve been telling the dc I’m working away sometimes which they accept.
Is it weird to do this or is it a case of you do what you can to deal with a bad situation? I feel embarrassed and have had to ask dm not to tell anyone the real reason I stay.

Does anyone else have PMDD? I really struggle but there seems to be no help for it ?

There is Royal College of Gynaecologists guidance on treatment.

Thanks I’ll have a look. Nobody seems to want to help so far and although what I do does help I wish I didn’t have to basically hide for a week every month.

You shouldn't have to. Womens health is a diabolical mess, there's minimal research into our needs. I am post menopause now so relieved not to have it any more.

Fwiw, the only things that helped me were long acting progesterone, contrary to the guidelines, so the jab or implant. Also as much exercise as you can bear.

My DM had PMS. I suppose it wasn't PMDD, but she used to take to her bed and tell us she was ill when she didn't look physically ill so it was a bit confusing for us. I don't think it did us any harm though.

This is no way to live, try to read up on as much of the current information as you can and take it from there. Get informed.

Sadly as women we have to fight to have our medical conditions taken seriously and advocate for ourselves. You need to get across the impact this is having on your life.

What have you tried so far, to manage the symptoms?

I found myself being aggressive. My now husband was scared I had a brain tumour ro something, I changed so much. He got me to my doctor and, by some miracle, she was very up on PMDD etc. I came off all contraception, used a cap for about a year and then had the depo provera injection

It was like a switch was flipped. Doesn't work for everyone but that, ir the implant, is one of the things you should be told to try

It can be managed, better for some than others. You deserve better medical care than being left to abandon your family for 25% of your life.

Absolutely best of luck with the NHS info and getting a GP who can and will listen

That's interesting @SamphiretheTervosaurI've not come across anyone else who responded well to the jab/implant. The nurse practitioner suggested it to me in my late twenties. I think I'd have blown up my life or done violence without it.