During the week leading up to my period and the first few days of it my life feels like a living hell. I cant sleep, I become extremely depressed, anxiety goes through the roof, my eating patterns become awful and I become very agitated and impatient with my children . I also stop working so much (Im self employed) so it affects my income. As soon as i come to the end of my period it's like the storm has passed and the sun comes out and I have a great 2 - 3 weeks until next month.
I just wondered if anyone out there has experienced this and if so please tell me theres something I can do about it! I'm nearly 39 and my dr says I'm too old and overweight for the pill (charming).
Google PMDD - pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. I was recently diagnosed with this after suffering for years with what I assumed was just bad PMS. PMDD is a sensitivity to the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation where the symptoms severely affect your ability to function.
I suffer with all the physical stuff, sore boobs, low energy, cramps but also horrendous psychological symptoms: feelings of hopelessness, irritability, being overly sensitive to rejection, very tearful, feeling trapped, feeling like I'll never be happy again.
PMDD can even result in suicidal thoughts and actions in some women so it's something that people really need to help raise awareness for. Speak to your GP, there are various different treatments that can be used to try and help. It is now part of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual so it is a legitimate psychiatric disorder, not just a woman being grumpy or 'hormonal'.
There are support groups on facebook and lots of websites/social media accounts with loads of info.
I hope you find some peace or relief in the knowledge you're not alone and this is a very real thing so many women suffer with! x