PMDD

[abbs1]

I've had ongoing PMS and queried PMDD. I've got to see the Dr this week to decide what medication etc to help with my symptoms as they are completely ruling my life and its horrendous for me and my family.

For anyone whose been diagnosed with it can I ask what medication you've tried or been given? I hate being on medication but I need help. My periods alone are awful but all my other symptoms when I'm not on my period are just as bad.

How old are you?

Normally they try with fluoxetine. I was diagnosed with it, but it turns out it was more my "environment" and undiagnosed ND

30 in April.

Ah right OK. I have a look at that. Thank you

I had it wasn’t every month but 50/50. Fluoxetine for 7 days pre period and sorted. My cycle would be 24-27 days so wasn’t exact science but I would get random “kill yourself” thoughts I’d be like oh yes time to take meds. It’s such a strange condition I would be really depressed and have suicidal feelings from no where. Soon as bleed started it all went away.

can feel strange on meds because it says DO NOT STOP SUDDENLY TAKING yet the dose is only 7 and stop but somehow it works.

I take citralopram and I feel the difference very quickly as I did come off it and had to start again,
When I saw a gyne for something else and asked he said citralopram for one week a month is the normal treatment, I however take it all the time as I didn't want to get the dates wrong etc
It works well for me when I am not on it I am very aggitated low mood and easily angered

That's so good it's helped you. Do you get withdrawals at all from the medication?

Do you suffer really heavy and painful periods as well as PMDD? Mine are so heavy I bleed through maternity pads and the pain is like I'm in labour for 4 days.

I will speak to the Dr about fluoxetine and see what they say. I was also debating trying another mini pill. Cerazette didn't work but I'm only allowed the mini pill.
My moods are just awful and my poor DH walks around on egg shells for 2 weeks a month as my cycles are 28 days. I feel awful and need to find a way to sort it.

Oh that's really interesting. I was on citalopram as a teenager for anxiety but only was on it a year or 2 and been fine since.
I will definitely ask again about it. Thank you

No side effects just felt so much better within an hour or two of starting. Mine was only ever 7 days max before period though. Also very heavy and flooding all my life. Finally being allowed mini pill after telling me last 30y because I have migraines I couldn’t. So last 18months have been a revelation!

No harm in suddenly stopping either I wish more information about it. Looking back prob had most of my life but took a very close call before thought worth mentioning because it was only those days a month I felt it couldn’t be serious.

Following as have bad pms aswell x

Oh I'm so pleased you were finally listened to!
So do you take the mini pill and the PMDD medication?

No periods no PMDD no meds! It’s like winning the lottery.

My dd has this although she is only 16 so Drs reluctant to do much. Dd has migraines so only allowed the pop and she does feel this helped however,
I think she would like to start an anti depressant. It is truly an awful condition but there seems to be more awareness which is a start. Hope you find some treatment that helps soon.

Oh bless her. That's really hard. I'm glad the mini pill is helping her a bit. I hope she can get the antidepressants. I can only imagine trying to deal with it at such a young age.

Well that's helpful, Akrie....

I have had it since my 20's. I take 150mg Sertraline and 15mg diazepam, which really help. My main issues were anger and outbursts...very bad. I'm better now, but it still can happen, especially around men.

I’m 41 and had it since my 20s.

What hasn’t worked for me:
-pill
-hormone replacement therapy
-any kind of antidepressants—the side effects were not worth it for me

What has worked:
-evening primrose oil + vitamin b6
-ashwagandha
-daily yoga
-weekly running
-having really solid routines, particularly morning / evening, so if I’m having a crap day I can go through it on autopilot
-sounds obvious, but not starting any new projects for which I need energy / enthusiasm in the worst 2 weeks of my cycle
-being kind to myself

Good luck OP, I hope you find what works for you

@abbs1
Have you had any help? I'm about to make my own thread about this

Hey lovely,
So far I got put on the mini pill cerelle and had on and off bleeding for around 5-6 months but I've settled on it now and no more periods! My moods aren't as awful as before but I still have really bad days of complete and utter exhaustion, complete brain block and I just can't function so basically just have to lay down. My husband and MIL come and help with nursery and school run as I just can't do it.
I was offered Sertaline by the GP but I'm not keen to try it so haven't. I did see gynaecologist who scanned me and found fibroids but not enough to do surgery to remove them and also wanted to give me the coil but I said no. They said as I'm 30 they won't offer ablation or hysterectomy until I'm 40-45.

The biggest change I made is exercise! Honestly it's been night and day difference especially on my good weeks I try and get in 4-5 little workouts at home and it's helped me a lot.
I'm also trying to get more protein in my diet and less rubbish which helps my moods.
PMDD is awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. This week has been a complete and utter right off and my husband said your really struggling aren't you and I said yes. He could tell bless him but he's been so supportive and taken on more to help me. It's just so frustrating as I'm fine for 2 weeks and then 2 weeks is horrendous.