Does this sound like PMDD?

[Stressedafff]

Just for context I have had anxiety since the death of my father in 2015.

I fell pregnant in 2018 and had my DD, I went on the Mirena coil from then until I had it removed in 2023
Since the return of my periods Im experiencing such weird symptoms.
Im fine when my period starts, and the time between my period and ovulation, the second I hit the fertile window I am so so anxious, tearful, obsessively nostalgic, I can’t stop eating, sugar, carbs all of it, snappy, can barely sleep and just generally do not feel like myself at all. I get such obsessive thoughts around this time and this will continue until my period starts.

Ive never suffered from this at all, I was a healthy weight at 11st then ballooning to 16 on the Mirena coil, I can’t shift it properly because the only time I’m not starving hungry and eating crap is the week of and after my period. This all seems to start around the luteal phase.
I was talking to my friend because it seems to have just come from nowhere and she mentioned PMDD

Im just wondering if anyone else suffers these symptoms? And if so, what is the best way to combat it

Short answer yes. I was diagnosed at 26 (I’m 34) and I have to use HRT for the period between ovulation and menstruation. I was suicidal, couldn’t leave the house. It was awful. There is help but I’ve met gynaecologists who don’t believe it’s a thing (including young women). Look for a specialist if you can. I wouldn’t take SSRIs as a treatment option (treats the symptoms not the cause). I’m not an expert or a doctor!

@Stressedafff It does sound like it could be. I have severe PMDD and have tried HRT however that made it worse for me, I now take an antidepressant during my luteal phase (so two weeks a month) and it has been a game changer. I only take 25mg of Sertraline (which is half of the dose for depression) and it works within a day. I only had emotional symptoms though, I am now a level headed person all month. But as the above poster said, it’s different for everyone and you need to find what’s right for you.
It is worth speaking to your GP and see if you can be referred, you have to advocate for yourself though and don’t let them fob you off and do some research on specialists before you go in! I saw a specialist 6 years ago, I will see if I can dig the name out, it took a long time to be taken seriously!

How old are you OP?
Are your periods ‘normal?’
Did the Mirena work well for you?
Could well be PMDD!

I’m 28
Regular as clockwork periods!
The Mirena was AWFUL. I was starving hungry all the time, had constant period pains, acne, bloating, sore boobs 24/7, always had diarrhoea. I couldn’t wait to get it out. I’ve never had symptoms like this in my life

How long ago in 2023 was it removed?

it might take a year or more for your hormones to resettle in my experience. I had an awful time with the Mirena and feel it caused no end of mental health / emotional issues.

I was wondering about peri-menopause, but you’re too young for that!

Have you had your thyroid / vit D / iron levels / B12 / Folate bloods etc checked? Good to rule those things out.

Any history of PCOS? Weight issues?

Yes. Look up the royal college of gynaecologists guidelines for PMS. There is a well defined treatment pathway. Its a debilitating condition but you may have to be pushy because women's health isn't taken seriously. Start with a symptom diary over several months.

No PCOS, no thyroid issues, weight gain came along with PMDD symptoms after Mirena

I do actually have sertraline 50mg tablets that I was given for my health anxiety a few weeks ago, however I’ve been too scared to take them. I’m wondering if they’d help.