Periods - Possible PMDD or normal?

[Biosblbay]

I have never really struggled with periods until now, before I got pregnant with my first born I had the implant in for 9 years which never really allowed me to have a proper period, so I am a little oblivious to how bad they can actually be. I had the implant put back in after my first born, removed again and then got pregnant with my second who is now 13 weeks so again didn’t really experience a proper period.

Since my first period last month I had awful mood, irritability, heightened anxiety, a strange sense of fear and doom, almost like I was on edge with everything and the worst part I experienced, I had my first ever hot flash which resulted in a panic attack. Had exactly the same again yesterday and today and just come on my period. It has been hell! 2 days of feeling very low, depressed, angry, scared etc, then the hot flash and then come on my period straight after! Day 1 of period I am extremely emotional! Looking back at photos of my first born when he was a baby, out of nowhere I sort of got the urge to do this, almost like I was trying to make myself feel worse 🤣

So my question is… is this normal or is this PMDD? I find it hard to differentiate the two when google says the symptoms are similar.

I don't know if it's pmdd, but it's definitely not a normal period. Hope it settles down for you.

So you likely do have PMDD. The main treatments are the pill or mirena, as they essentially block off the brains overreaction in PMDD to low progesterone when a period starts, so that helps with symtpoms. A mirena will have less side effects (obviously some people may be different but across studies etc), as it is localised to the uterus only. An implant could also work.PMDD is caused by an abnormal brain response to normal hormone fluctuations, particularly in the luteal phase, when progesterone levels fall sharply. In PMDD, the brain’s sensitivity to these hormonal shifts is greater than in people without PMDD, which is why the pill or Mirena can help by stabilising hormones (the Mirena often works better).It’s also why SSRIs are the most effective non-hormonal treatment, because serotonin levels and receptor sensitivity are biologically affected more than environmentally or due to a traumatic event etc contributing to rage, anxiety, low mood, and suicidal thoughts. SSRIs work directly on this serotonin dysregulation.Ask your GP to try antidepressants that's the first line treatment - you might have to try a few to find the right one but honestly it can be life changing (takes 4-6 weeks though to properly see the effects). Often people only take the AD from when they ovulate to when your period starts again. Something like propranolol as well could also help. Depending on your age, I'd ask your GP about starting a low dose of vaginal oestrogen as well to help with the low libido, energy etc. Then get a good vitamin D and vitamin B6 supplement, to help with the emotional side and cognitive/brain fog issues as well. Take it every day, but definitely in the week leading up to and during your period.You can self-referral to local IAPT for therapy or or via your GP. If symptoms are severe, which they sound like they are, ask your GP to refer you to psychiatry or perinatal mental health services as they are very equipped with PMDD. Perinatal services will treat you even if you don’t want to get pregnant, as many perinatal mental health teams also manage PMDD and hormonal mood disorders outside of pregnancy.www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/getting-a-pmdd-diagnosis/www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/treatment-for-pmdd/Some useful links with more information, definitely book an appointment to see your GP.