Perimenopause / PMDD

[KittyKatATattTatt]

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if any of you had been experiencing perimenopause or PMDD? Have you noticed any changes in your periods, before, during or after? I found out last year that I had PMDD (which has been described as basically PMS on steroids) and it explained a lot of how I was feeling mood-wise and physically. This morning I had a panic attack (my period is due next week) and I cried last night at the end of Pretty Woman (even though I've seen it a million times). I was wondering what your symptoms were? I'm hoping that more awareness of perimenopause and PMDD is spread because there's not enough talk about it. A lot of women are out there suffering in silence and thinking that they are alone with their symptoms when the truth is, is that a lot of us are experiencing these strange feelings and symptoms. If anyone has any books or tips they can recommend, please share, it may help a fellow sister in the comments. Much love x

Hi OP,

I found your post after searching for perimenopause and I'm so glad I did!

I think I have PMDD and maybe am peri, I'm not sure. I only have one ovary as I had one removed with a cyst, 7 years ago. I have horrendous PMS symptoms, I am so angry I could actually hurt someone or smash things, I am weepy, I feel nauseous, cramps etc etc. I've never been diagnosed with PMDD but I had a friend who had it and would smash up rooms during her week before.

I only have 1 week per month where I feel normal, the week after my period. Otherwise it seems hormones are running the show.

Can I ask how you got diagnosed wit PMDD and how old you are? I am 38.

Ooh forgot to add, periods are 'normal' except they seem to stop after a couple of days then come back 🤷🏻‍♀️

Hello lovely, thank you for your comments, I know exactly how you feel! I just turned 40 a couple of months ago and did a lot of research into PMDD and spoke to an expert as well as a help group. I kept a diary for years and wrote about my feelings, behaviours and symptoms on the run up to my periods. I noticed that I would have a big dramatic episode in the days leading up to my period, I would also be highly emotional, jumpy and snap at the least little thing. At first I thought it was exhaustion or depression, maybe bi-polar but like you, I realised that a few days after my period had ended, it felt like I had gotten my body back. As soon as the hormones had calmed down and gone back to normal, I felt more level-headed and better. I knew that what I had/have is more than PMS and going by my diaries, I have been going through this for years, even in my 20s. It's a terrible thing to go through but I have a fantastic partner who has been doing everything he can to learn about PMDD. He understands that I have to be alone for a few days on the lead up to my period. He gives me all the space I need and I try my best to make things as easy as I can do for the run up to my period and whilst I am working. It's a very hard thing to manage but I suggest upping your vitamins, eating properly, treating yourself in the run up to (and on) your period. Keep a diary and write everything down so you can read it again the next time you are due your period, it really does help because sometimes you forget the way you felt and you think that you're going crazy but you're not, it's all hormones. Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil are great. Also check your Iron levels too and if they are low, get some Floradix. Camomile and nettle tea also helps x

Thank you for explaining a bit more, your partner sounds lovely!
I like the idea of keeping a diary, definitely going to do that. I have driven myself mad thinking there's something seriously wrong but then my period goes and I'm 'normal' again.

I do have low iron so I take iron tablets prescribed by the Dr. I always thought I'd have irregular periods if I was peri but I'm not so sure now.

I am going to keep a diary and hopefully will have something to present to the Dr.

Thank you for your recommendations about vitamins, will give those a go too ☺️

Awww thank you : ) I'm glad I could be of some help! Keeping a diary always helps and periods can be irregular with anxiety, PMDD and stress. Hormones go crazy and anxiety goes through the roof at times. My period is due next week, i'm not looking forward to it but I'm prepared and have been reading previous diaries to remind myself that any odd feelings I'm going through now are just all part of the process. I wish we had more than one week of normality though. I'm also doing my best right now to learn more about menopause - another thing for us to look forward to down the line (not). I've heard Davinia Mcall's books are a good help. Wishing you the best and thanks again for commenting x