PMDD - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

It does make you wonder if it is generic, although times like that can creep up on you, then leave with circumstances.

I think any illness that is a continual can get you down, make you feel low, then that makes other depression factors set in. That and the seperation, no matter how amicable can still wear you down, and make you feel low.

I would definately agree the more holistic approach may be better for you, massage, Indian head massage, reflex may be a great help, also Bach flower remedies, or Aromatherapy, i know they can all be expensive, but if you find a good practisioner maybe you can get a block booking on a regular basis for a discount, its always worth asking.

There may be someone here on the forum that lives near where you are. Its always worth asking.

I also find the self help books, motivation, Angels that sort of thing a great help too, after reading i feel much more positive. I think being positive helps too. Unfortunately being ill is a HUGE factor in all this but you can only be positive.

Hope it all works out for you.

As you know SSRIs are antidepressants and they will only treat the symptoms and not the actual condition, which in PMDD is hormonal imbalance.

There are some interesting articles by an eminent gynaecologist, who is enraged by the fact that antidepressants and psychiatric medication is given to women in the treatment of hormonal imbalance instead of investigating the real cause.

" Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)... is an unfortunate name because dysphoria, the opposite of euphoria, does not correctly include the range of physical and emotional symptoms and reinforces the view that it is a psychiatric condition, which it clearly is not. The symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, breast pain, headaches, bloating, weight gain and loss of libido and energy etc etc etc are clearly an endocrinological disorder, not psychiatric. The principal causation of this is ovulation or ovarian activity and not menstruation. If ovulation is suppressed by various drugs such as transdermal oestrogens, which stop ovarian function, the cyclical symptoms due to the cyclical hormonal changes (whatever they are), disappear...

I believe that the term Ovarian Cycle Syndrome should be used to include all of the cyclical, physical and emotional symptoms that occur monthly following ovulation and that this name should replace PMS or PMDD If we do not achieve this recognition of the true hormonal cause of this disorder, more and more women will suffer the results of many years of multiple anti-depressant and anti-psychotic therapies."

Although I'm not in favour of the above (synthetic oestrogen) medical treatment either, as it will affect the natural cycle of a woman, at least it addresses the problem and not the symptom.

Natural, bio-identical progesterone appears to be a better option - you could search the internet for information on this. I would also urge anyone with PMDD to look at diet and nutrition and particularly avoid Xenoestrogens.

Incidentally, as you are having acupuncture - I would also expect that to help and make a difference.
As a therapist, I use reflexology & diet and nutrition advice with good results.
🙂
A

Thankyou so much for your information and response to my thread.

I have had one treatment for the anxiety/depression with the acupuncture and it did seem to work initially but has worn off over the past week.
I have today booked an appointment to see a nutritionist whom I hoping can help and advise on supplements and diet.

I am determined to try and get through this and loose the horrible feeling of anxiety - the twitching and nervousness and the feelings of melancoly I get with the low days!
At least I dont seem to be crying as much! 🙂
It just feels like a very very very long road and very exhausting!

Thanks again.....

Hi sburge
It does not have to be a long and exhausting road at all. Your reality is a shadow of your being. When your being is transformed the problems/issues vanish into thin air. You are welcome to explore how you can open up to ever present joy and well being.
Ruby
x

Herbs and PMDD

Dear Sburge,

It seems as though your system has really been through it of late.

As a Herbalist my first approach would be to take a good look through your medical history and start linking some things up. Three years ago you had a breakdown after a traumatic incident and then a year ago you were diagnosed with Glandular fever. Both of these conditions would lead me to believe that you could have possible adrenal and nervous system depletion. I find PMDD not a very helpful label, in my experience it leads patients to believe that they are stuck with a whole host of symptoms very much like PMT and have to live with them because they are linked to our 'normal' menstrual cycle. If your adrenal glands are out of balance then this could affect your reproductive hormone balance. I would suggest you see a qualified herbalist and get a thorough consultation as your case is complex.

I haven't done a consultation with you but it sounds as though you would benefit from adrenal and nervous system tonics.

take a look at an article I wrote on the subject of PMS - you may find it enlightening.

Best wishes,

Jodie Foreman

Hello sburge

There is recently a [url]thread currently covering a similar topic[/url], which you may find helpful. In it we are discussing Agnus castus and nutritional advice for dealing with PMDD and depression. Premenstrual symptoms respond very well to the right diet and nutritional adjustments.

If you are wishing to have treatments then I would agree with the folk who have mentioned acupuncture, which is very effective when there are several physiological systems out of balance. Reflexology is also very effective for the same reason.

My advice would be to address diet and lifestyle, and to receive professional support from a good acupuncturist or reflexologist who will support your adrenal glands, ovaries and liver.

Ava x

Hi,
I have been reading this thread with interest! I suffer with terrible PMS which has been building since my son was born five years ago (aswell as other traumas & stresses along the way which I am sure have also contributed to my symptoms). I have most of the PMDD symptoms along with terrible period pains (awful downward pressure that goes down my legs & into my veins making them ache - I can't even wear a mooncup anymore as it feels like it is being pushed out all the time), and I also suffer when I am ovulating so double whammy. I have charted my cycle, been to the doctors, tried herbal remedies such as Evening Primrose Oil, Agnus Castus, St Johns Wort etc over the years. I ahve had an internal scan which showed some small fibroids but they didn't seem to think that they were anything to worry about, or do anything about. I am fed up with the doctors whose first port of call is to offer me anti-depressants, I explain to them I am not depressed as I have a break from it (if only for a week or so every month), they also want you to either have a mirena coil fitted or go on the pill which I also refuse to do because they mess with a womans natural cycle. I tell them that I don't want to supress any of my symptoms or my natural cycle, I just want to find out what is out of balance and have it restored, and they just look at me funny. I have just done one last battle with the doctor who finally gave in and has referred me to a gynaecologist.
So I am waiting for that appointment to come through now and see what that brings. I have also considered seeing a Homeopath/Nutritionist for help but it is the cost which stops me as I am a single mum.
Just wanted to share my experience on this thread!
Mandie

Hi Mandie

Often we find that PMS starts to resolve with acupuncture (the classical kind rather than the physio/osteopath type). Chinese medicine asserts that frustration and anger create a "bottling up" effect of the natural flow of Qi throughout the body that leads to many of the syptoms of PMS. This bottling up of Qi creates a kind of internal pressure felt as bloating; this affects flow through an Extra channel known as the Chong Mai which runs up to the chest, hence the swollen/tender breasts. Irritability and crying are classic indications that seem to improve once the period begins, as this is one of the ways that internal stagnation is resolved

In the week before the period you could try some self massage of LI4 - LV3 points, along with clockwise circular massage of the abdomen. Taiyang and GB40 can help with any headaches, and PC6 for nausea.

The legs get heavy as the Liver channel descends from the uterus to the feet. Gentle exercise in the few days before the period may help, but avoid anything too competetive. Rest during and after the period, to nourish Yin and Blood.

Classic signs of LV Qi stagnation affecting the period include a variable cycle length, erratic or choppy flow with dark clots, a tongue with swollen or raw edges and a wiry pulse that feels like you are pressing down on a guitar string; also abdominal cramps, bloating, sighing, emotional instability, tension headaches. In some cases the digestion is affected, and may cause constipation or IBS type symptoms.

Interestingly, sweet food sooths the Liver function hence the desire for chocolate

Mandie- I don't know where you are but if there's a homeopathy course, at a local college for example, there will probably be a student clinic attached to it which will treat people inexpensively.
There are also 'low cost' drop in clinics held in some areas which sometimes operate by donation only. If you can't find any information, if you contact a local homeopath, they should be able to tell you. HTH Hom