I've been struggling for the last 6 months with anxiety and panic attacks. Seen a psychiatrist who diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. I'm on ADs, pregablin, propanolol and also recently started HRT as GP thinks I'm perimenopausal too (have other symptoms to indicate this).
The panic attacks seems to have eased, but I still have episodes of anxiety and crippling low mood/hopelessness/despair. I am unable to function during those days, cannot leave the bed, unable to look after children etc.
I've been keeping track of my menstrual cycles for the last 4 months and this shows a CLEAR pattern. These severe moods have only occurred during the luteal phase, with the anxiety starting a day or so after ovulation, then the severe low mood really ramping up in the last 5 days before my period. All this lifts within 48 hrs of my period starting, and then I am back to 'normal', living my life and feeling happy until ovulation. Family have commented on the drastic change in mood, it's so noticeable. I feel free of anxiety/depression and feel like a different person, until ovulation returns.
There have been some occasions of low mood and anxiety in the menstrual phase, but these are so minor in comparison to the luteal phase. But would this rule out PMDD?
I've discussed with my psych, he believes hormones are exacerbating rather than causing my symptoms. He has suggested I see a psychiatrist specialising in hormone imbalances to investigate further. Which I will try to do. But I'm curious to hear other's opinions who may have been through it.
TIA