Awful periods and PMT

[Overrun]

I have posted on here before about my painful and heavy periods. Have seen gp since, but they still want me to try the coil which I am not keen on.
My most pressing problem is PMT, take last month. I had my period which as usual lasted for nearly two weeks, and then after a few days I felt really depressed and angry and out of control, I thought well it can't be pmt, as I have only just had my period. Maybe I am having a nervous breakdown
Then my period turns up on Saturday, so my cycle was 20 days, far too short when my periods are so awful.
It ruining my life, I know I need to go back to the gp and talk this through, but would love to hear from people who are going through similar so I don't feel like I am the only one.

Hi, just to update any one who is interested. i went to see my gp who was sympathetic and we had a good discussion about various possible treatments. As with anything none of the options is ideal, but I have decided to go back on ponstan (can't spell longer name) and try some progesterone pessaries. GP thought they would probably not be strong enough to make a huge difference but then its probably better to start off small and increase if things don't work
Not sure I like the thought of the pessaries as if I am using them for 2 weeks when not bleeding, still wont have any sex life
We discussed the coil but he was understanding of my reasons for not wanting to go down that route, but then it is beginning to sound like the best of a bad bunch. If that doesn't work he suggested anti depressants. Not sure how keen I am on that, more for stigma about future jobs than a resistance to using them per se
So if the ponstan doesn't help with bleeding will go to gynae.
Just don't know whether any of this will make a difference.
Still thinking of herbal route, but can't try both at once.
Also he doesn't think that I can take the pessaries when bf, twins nearly two now, and always said that I would carry on till two, but then now wondering if I might continue longer.
I suppose I have to make some choices. If I can't take this medication and bf, then is it better to keep bfing or be a better Mum by not going loopy for a good part of the month? What if I stop and then the pessaries don't work.
HELP, does any one have details of a website where I could check compatibility of bf and these pessaries.
I'm confused any way because I am pretty sure you can have the mirena coil and bf.

Sorry for long rambling post

Hi Overrun, I'm interested! I think wonky hormones and twins could be connected. Personally I feel your body is never going to get totally back to 'normal' until you stop the b/f. Although I imagine you'll be a bit sad about it, it is maybe a good time esp since the PMT is driving you nuts. Time for a change and hopefully for the better. The pessaries might not necessarily work but it would be good to be free to try anything and everything. I keep feeling life is way too short for us to keep suffering horrible stuff and thats why i'm slowly trying it all. I always feel better when I'm taking control of the problem and feel I'm fighting back with something.

You've nothing to lose and if they don't work at least you can score them off the list.

Whats the connection with anti-depressants and PMT?

(One of the reasons I'm quite keen on complementary stuff is because I hate the way GPs chuck at pill at you if they're not sure what else to do! I feel if you can get to the route of the problem and it needs conventional medicine then fine. I don't like the thought of masking over the problem with something else.)

Hi FrumpyGrumpy, thanks for your response. In answer to your last question, there is some evidence to suggest that women with PMT eventually have depleted levels of seretonin, so anti depressants can be helpful.
I too am very hesitant about pessaries, really still don't fancy the coil, but just don't know what to do. I actually feel as if PMT is starting again and have only just stopped bleeding two days ago.
This would be in keeping with the short cycles I am having, so depressing in itself.
I think I might look into herbal, but that would really be a huge departure for me.
As for bf, I'm sure that it does take it out of me, but I have always said I want to get to 2 years and I am stubborn enough to not want to miss it, even by just over a month
How would I go about finding a herbalist, do I just order something online, or would you suggest going to some one for a consultation, if so, how much would that cost out of interest.

Hi FrumpyGrumpy, thanks for your response. In answer to your last question, there is some evidence to suggest that women with PMT eventually have depleted levels of seretonin, so anti depressants can be helpful.
I too am very hesitant about pessaries, really still don't fancy the coil, but just don't know what to do. I actually feel as if PMT is starting again and have only just stopped bleeding two days ago.
This would be in keeping with the short cycles I am having, so depressing in itself.
I think I might look into herbal, but that would really be a huge departure for me.
As for bf, I'm sure that it does take it out of me, but I have always said I want to get to 2 years and I am stubborn enough to not want to miss it, even by just over a month
How would I go about finding a herbalist, do I just order something online, or would you suggest going to some one for a consultation, if so, how much would that cost out of interest.

Hi, sorry, been away.

As I said, I believe there is probably something that will work for each of us its just a case of finding it (conventional or complementary). I've been trying different mixes of herbs (with 3 different herbalists, not because I didn't like any of them just that I can only get to an appointment once in a while and take whoever is free!). I've had help but nothing overwhelming, yet. I had a good experience with a homeopath a while ago and I'm considering going back (I stopped because I became pregnant with the DTs and all symptoms disappeared to be replaced with constant sickness .

I would try to get a recommendation and fully recommend seeing a practitioner face to face. My initial consultation was £20 and the herb mix (which can taste totally foul) was the same again. Not cheap. Somewhere like Neal's Yard (if you have one near you) will have a variety of complementary people to talk to. It could get expensive to try them all but, as I said, I'm sure there is something for everyone and I'm damned if I'm going through my whole life feeling at the mercy of this bloody thing!!! If nothing else works for me then I will bit the bullet and go back on the pill as it was much better then.

I've also heard very good things about acupunture I'm just not sure I'm ready to do that!!