pms

[Cymbeline]

I get really bad PMS. Symptoms: depression, anxiety, jealousy and paranoia and it is massively affecting my relationships. Even though I know what is wrong I cannot help but pick fights and cause trouble and am then filled with guilt, fear and anxiety. Can anyone recommend anything? I am so concerned for my relationship and how long he can put up with this for as it isn't always clear to me at the time that my feelings aren't real and just hormonal.

[SuDFB]

Cym, I go through the same I am also violente... it is very difficult to live it and my partner struggles most of the time, on a very rare occasion he will leave me to it no matter how much i push him. I havent found anything that works for me yet that legal...

[Cymbeline]

Thank you SuDFB for the sympathy. I usually try to hole myself up on my own so that no one has to put up with my moods but people don't understand and think I'm anti-social. The minute my period arrives I am a different woman!

[CAJ1]

I'm terrible, I would cry because I'm so grumpy and don't want to be and can't snap out of it!

Have you tried taking evening primrose oil? The only problem is you have to take it a while for it to work.

Try seeing your doctor they may be able to recommend some type of contraceptive pill to help lessen the symptoms.

Reflexology can help to balance out your emotions and also try looking for an essential oil that is calming and can help you relax.

Try going to the gym and listening to some full-on music and work out until you have no energy left! Exercising may help to lessen the depressed feeling too.

A healthy diet and stopping smoking (if you do) can help.

If you know how you are going to be, try to catch yourself before you get the "rage"/jealousy/paranoia, take deep breaths, go for a walk, a bath or something else you find relaxing and tell yourself its just that time of the month.

Finally if this doesn't work, kick your other half out for a night, drink wine, eat chocolate and laugh and cry at Bridget Jones! Hope you find something that works x

[SuDFB]

I know how you fell, I try to be on my own too so no one has to put up with me but sometimes its very difficult. And its not only men who don't understand women who don't get it that bad think I am over reacting.

My pains are so bad that I have fainted and my mood swings are so bad that I cry for no reason snap for no reason and get violent for no reason thats the bit I mostly struggle with is the violent side when Im in a very bad mood.

I tried to figure out a little more about this before and I read this website, nothing works for me but maybe youd want to give it a go.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premenstrual_dysp horic_disorder

http://pmdd.factsforhealth.org/

Hope this helps, let me know how you get on :)

[CAJ1]

I get mefenamic acid tablets from my GP for the pain and it makes my period lighter so maybe you could ask for this.

I feel for you, its horrible feeling like that. Luckily my other half has realised its something he has to put up with and he does and then when I cry he gives me a big hug and everything is ok again

Have you been to your GP in the past about it? I would maybe book an appointment to see if they can help you...maybe sign you up to anger management classes lol :o)

[tamborine]

My daughter is same. I bought her a large fluffy yellow Smiley to wear during PMS - helps to soften her attitude!

[SuDFB]

Yeah my partner is slowly getting use to it I guess...

The anger management classes freak me out, he has mentioned it but I aint violent when Im off my period, its only triggers when I am on it and luckily not every month. I have thought about it but I always imagined it to be for people who are absolutley crazy :(

Ive given up I have to put up with myself just feel for my hubby because he does try so hard.

[puppymalone]

Hi, I know how you feel, and the more you try to stop it, the worse it is. I have taken starflower oil capsules in the past, but takes a little while to kick in, you need to double strength type, or for a quick fix, try Bach Rescue Remedy, 4 drops on the tongue. Hope this helps.
Regards

[SuDFB]

I want a yellow smiley :)

[Cymbeline]

Thanks so much - you've both been terrific! I'm welling up!! - typical. I was taking Evening Primrose but I could never work out if it did any good so I sort of stopped but I have read a lot of good reports about it so perhaps I should give it another chance. I was thinking I should discuss it with my doctor - at least now it's recognised as a real problem and not something women make up. Thanks again for all your help xx

[CAJ1]

No, we all get it and are grumpy b*tches lol! Try and get the strongest dose of Evening Primrose Oil that you can and defo see the doc x

[SuDFB]

Yep see your doc :) Hope you find something that helps.

[ladyalex]

Have you thought of trying homeopathic remedies ?
I know they can get a bad press, but they're cheap, harmless so why not give them a try ?
Boots do them, they have an explanatory leaflet which lists the symptoms then suggests the appropriate remedy...I've had a few friends who have found that they really work for PMS.

[zita-green]

Dear Cym,
I feel for you. I am a lot older now but remember only too well what it was like when I was younger. The advice being offered here is good. I deeply regret that I did not seek advice when I was younger - I wasted so many years that should have been good for me. You do not have to put up with it. There is help out there. See your doc and tell your partner that you love him/her and are going to seek help. Best wishes

[Ice.Maiden]

I'd just like to say that it must be horrible for you ladies to suffer with PMT so badly, and I think some doctors can be unsympathetic to this very real problem.
I never suffered with it at all, but last year, at the age of 29, had to have my ovaries removed due to some huge cysts being found. Over a year later, I'm now waiting for menopausal symptoms to arrive, as I'd rather not have HRT. So far...so good.
I really hope that you find something which suits you Cymbeline.

[zita-green]

Icemaiden - HRT was a life-saver for me. I don't know your details but I wish you all the best.

[mcpaula]

ya i know how ye all feel, im a demon during mine. i used to vomit and not be able to move at all from the bed. i always take difac tablets (like ponston but stronger)and i also now i use a tens machine and it is a lifesaver! it is like sending pins and needles to your tummy via patches and it numbs the pain. these machines are getting more popular now and u can get them in boots and mothercare.
for the hormones, just take time out to help you get in a better mood, get your guy to run u a bath, or just go for a walk on your own.
you didn't mention if you were on the pill, but if you are then this could be contributing or the cause of your depression. this happened to me last yr and the doc couldnt tell me what was wrong,he just gave me valium!

hope this helps! take care