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Original poster

PMT / hormones / depression

12 replies

SauceForTheGander · 15/04/2014 21:10

I'm 40 and really need to get control of what has been a long running hormonal problem.

Since having a period App I've realised, belatedly, that a depression falls on me as soon as I ovulate. I had depression when I was the pill in my 20s, and PND (mild to middling) which lifted when I stopped breastfeeding. I have also suffered from from pre period migraines but these have thankfully not been an issue for a while.

I've seen a few GPs over the years but have been told that it wasn't the pill causing the problem and that I should go on the mini pill. But that gave me periods every couple of weeks. I was also offered implant but am reluctant.

I can't face having two weeks out of every month feeling like crap - moody, shouty, depressed, worthless feelings - lacking all hope and joy and the desire to sob, stay in bed etc. This is the total opposite of my first two weeks in my cycle. I'm seriously worried about the damage I must be doing to my DCs with these inconsistencies. Sad I'm a shit shit mum when I'm down. It's not fair on them.

My BMI is 21, I exercise. Low to moderate levels of wine - about 9 small glasses a week and no smoking. No other under lying issues.

Has anyone got over this themselves? I don't want to be at the mercy of my hormones any more. I don't want to feel like this any more.

Thank you in advance for any dietary / medication / practical advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
SauceForTheGander · 15/04/2014 22:18

Bumping for the late crowd!

OP posts:
Eastpoint · 16/04/2014 07:20

Nothing to add but bumping for the morning crew

FunnyBird · 16/04/2014 07:24

I'd just started tracking my cycle to see whether it was pmt, and I concluded it couldn't be because there's too much of it and it must be all DH's fault. That was last week. The sun's shining this week (and the cycle is begun again)...
Would love to know if there's any relief.

fooolofbeans · 16/04/2014 07:39

Yeah I've pretty much always been like you OP.

Things that reduce the duration of PMT to around 2 days pre period are lots of outdoor cardio exercise, avoiding caffeine and sugar and getting enough sleep. It's rare that I manage all those things though, and end up spending half the month wishing my life away till my period starts Hmm would LOVE a solution

Ps I also find end of winter time the worst for pmt symptoms

mercibucket · 16/04/2014 07:50

check your thyroid for tsh under 2. i was like this for years before my thyroid finally gave up. anything over 2 needs monitoring

Matildathecat · 16/04/2014 10:23

Small regular meals to prevent hypoglycaemia is meant to help. Friend had great success with very low dose Prozac. Really life changing for her.

Not clear if you are still on the pill because if so could you stop for a while and use barrier methods to see if that makes a difference?

Original poster
SauceForTheGander · 16/04/2014 11:00

Thank you all and thanks for the bump Smile

I stopped pill years ago - I was convinced it made things worse. I was depressed all the time and didn't get my fortnight of feeling good.

My research has suggested that those with SAD get it worse though I've not noticed it to be seasonal. Also any other treatments are considered effective but as placebo - but who cares .....

I've cried this morning over school places (dd didn't get first choice) - instead of finding out how to sort this I just feel beaten. If I was in the first half my cycle I know I could deal with this.

I'm interested in mild Ad doses. I've never been in ADs but I feel the price my kids pay in my emotional 2 weeks is too high. I'd like to be on an even keel.

OP posts:
Matildathecat · 16/04/2014 13:08

You may have seen this but just in case

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Premenstrual-syndrome/Pages/Treatment.aspx

ThisIsYourSong · 16/04/2014 13:29

I've always had hormonal issues, bad skin, PMT and PCOS. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate depression when going through a hard time with my children.

The GP didn't put me straight away on anti depressants as she wanted me to do some reading about it first. In the meantime I did decide to go on the pill to see if that would help as I could see a definite correlation with my cycles, although this wasn't the only thing I did. Anyway the pill seemed to really help. It's cerazette and it seems people love it or hate it, I don't get any periods on it so I love it!

There are different kinds of pills these days and more understanding of how they affect your hormones so although your experiences can be taken into account, it won't necessarily mean the same outcome.

I'd be wary of ADs if you can get around them as they're not the easy fix people perceive them to be, and are very very hard to get off, from
what others have said. By all means use them if necessary but if you have time to explore other options, please do so.

You would probably get some people with similar experiences in mental health, if you want to try posting there.

ThisIsYourSong · 16/04/2014 13:31

Sorry! Reread your post, and cerazette is a mini pill.

ThisIsYourSong · 16/04/2014 13:53

Some more thoughts - if you want to look at vitamins etc you could try Zita West. I didn't rate her own brand vitamins but using her book and buying my own vitamins I noticed real changes in my cycle.

Another thing to look at is hypnosis, I really rate Paul McKenna. I feel it's had a big difference on my moods.

Original poster
SauceForTheGander · 16/04/2014 19:52

Thank you - I will. I'll go talk to my GP - let's see if this can be controlled.

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