The craziest part of having pmdd is the fact that we get told we are just experiencing "normal" pms like most women and that we just need to calm down. At 36 years of age, after having pmdd since I was a teenager, a psychiatrist finally took me seriously. The fact that he finally validated what I had been telling doctors and my family for years was so relieving. "It is not normal pms, there is nothing normal about being suicidal due to hormonal changes every month. You deserve help with that". Please, if you are a doctor, educate yourself and tell your colleagues about this disorder. It is life ruining and sometimes life-threatening and most doctors are still clueless, telling patients to go home and suck it up.
At 33 yrs old this PMDD is definitely nothing compared to PMS. Growing up with 3 sisters I would say I was the one that had the worse period symptoms but never severe like PMDD. There’s a complete difference between the 2.
I'll tell you what it is .....hell, complete hell. It's completely destroyed my life. Having ADHD and pmdd, I'm hardly surprised I've become ill with M.E. My daughter is now showing signs and I'm so scared for her. It makes me depressed, suicidal, paranoid and I feel dirty, angry, tearful.....every single month for 2 weeks. 😭
@@PsychiatrySimplified Prozac has never helped, I'm no longer allowed the pill because of blood clots, and the chemical menopause is no longer an option because the add back gave me severe ocular migraines, other than a full hysterectomy, I'm at a loss 😔
@@kellyofthehead generally the presentation of add in females is one of hyperarousal - emotional arousal model - this often requires mood stabilisers ( e.g Lamotrigine ) - mixed states are more common - the migraine is a clue as Lamotrigine is also an anti epileptic - please have a read here psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-females/
Have a listen to this - this type o presentation is more common ( it doesn’t have to be moderate ) even a milder trait means that antidepressants don’t help ; activating agents can worsen Sx - ua-cam.com/video/hVMObsNmnf4/v-deo.html
@@PsychiatrySimplified my goodness!! Thank you so much for this, it would also explain my M.E! I've had a breakdown this week (I'm ovulating) it's been soooo hard. I need to ask about this medication!
I was just diagnosed with pmdd. It’s something I’ve always had but got worse this past year. On the one hand, I’m happy for the diagnosis. It gave me validation that I’m not going crazy and not a psychopath. I usually just isolate myself for many days and sleep. The amount of fatigue and self loathing I feel is debilitating. When I can’t avoid work or people, it is so hard not to be rude or angry. I don’t even recognize the person I become during the 2 weeks prior to my period. I’ve suffered in silence for far too long. My doctor prescribed tamoxifen and metformin. I hope it works and helps
Million thoughs at once, hard to focus, s**cidal thoughts, dizzy, headaches, bloating, belly pains/stings, constipation, some food craving, extreme fatigue, crying all day on and off - sobbing many times. Then what you're going through in life sticks in the front of your mind making you sink into a depression. I sat in my closet praying so that I wouldn't be around anyone and try to center myself.......
@@PsychiatrySimplified unfortunately, I'm from a background where I cannot get treatment. But it's okay I've been journaling and tracking my moods, talking to my friends.... things like that. But it can get unbelievably dark at times. Do you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear!
Thank you for caring about women and the suffering we go through every month, it means more to me than you know. Every time I go to the GYN he just shrugs it off and being dismissed adds so much pain to my already hopeless situation.
I'm 33 and have been told my whole life that I was experiencing something normal. That I just need to tough it out. I've been doing lifestyle changes for the last 7 years now and even with lifestyle change, for 2 weeks every month I become a completely different person. My normal self is happy, energized, balanced, bubbly and productive. When my pmdd hits I become depressed, hopeless, suicidal, anti social, angry, my whole body is so fatigued I feel like I'm getting sick with the flu. I can barely pull myself out of bed or take care of myself properly. I want to avoid everyone, including my amazing husband. It is absolutely infuriating to me that so many women have been suffering with this for yearssss and we barely have any answers or treatments for this disorder. People who have never experienced this can never understand how incredibly scary and isolating pmdd is. It ruins my life every month. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, it's absolute torture. I hope for future generations there can be more answers and treatments. No one should have to suffer in silence with this disorder.
Thank you for talking about this. I have been asking psychiatrists and obgyns to help me with this for literally twenty years and they didn’t even know what it was. Vitex is a huge lifesaver for me.
I have PMDD and it feels like being stuck in a cycle of severe depression, anxiety and self-hate, knowing that it is temporary but will return every 14 days. It gives me borderline-like symptoms and it looks like a bipolar disorder from the outside. I am not even able to finish my studies or maintain (meaningful) relationships. With autism and ADHD it even makes it worse, and I am even more sensitive to these treatments and side effects. But the worst thing of having PMDD is the feeling of loneliness, caused by your own behaviour (isolation, rages, meltdowns, etc.) followed by no one truly understanding how you feel. It is pure hell. I am so thankful for your video, so I can understand better what is happening and my body and knowing that things can get better. Since, the other 2 weeks of my cycle I feel amazing, confident and energetic. Tried most of the treatments in box 1, 3 and 5, but unfortunately nothing treats the PMDD. They definetely helped me become a more mindful and healthy person, but I don't want to feel like I am surviving through life. I just want to live. Will start with my first SSRI treatment, fluoxetine. You mentioned that fluoxetine has been researched for PMDD in lower doses. Do you recall how much the doses are in these studies? And what are your thoughts on using SSRIs for only 2 weeks in the cycle when PMDD is peaking? I feel doubtful about it, since I don't know if you can feel effect from the meds if you don't take it consistently. Your advice would be so valuable, TIA! Thank you again for raising awareness for PMDD. To all the women/AFABs around here, you are not alone.
There are 4 dosing strategies with SSRIs - covered here. With PMDD it becomes important to address arousal Sx that arise from the amygdala (especially if ADHD and ASD present - females have an emotional arousal model) - Please read this - psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/. But also read Females with ADHD - emotional arousal model may need buffers for the amygdala if SSRIs are too activating or do not work. psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-females/
Try taking some calcium and magnesium also, it may be helpful even if you do not feel 100 percent well. It may help some. I had this disorder too and the right medicine with calcium and magnesium did help some. I must say not totally. Do some research to see if there is any information on negative effects of fluoxetine if taken for long periods of time. Do the same research for any other antidepressant or medication that is taken for long periods of time. Take it easy
Im 49 will be 50 in a few weeks. I've suffered from pmdd for many years, and i struggled for years to explain it to people and just got dismissed like i was exaggerating. it was aweful 😢 thatnk you for the awareness channel.
It sucks bc this isn’t recognized as a condition. Ppl jst think it’s a hormonal woman with PMS. I finally have found a doctor that wants to help me through this & is this concerned as me. Its timing is incredibly predictable. Putting up with this as we speak. I pray for all of the women that suffer with PMDD🫂
I don’t know how much happy I am today to watch this video..at this age of 42 ,I am struggling with this condition and I was blamed for not behaving well,and I wonder what is happening within me!!No body believes us,and thinks as anger issue!!!
I am 43 years old and feel that I have always suffered from this condition PMDD. I have raised four beautiful children and my somehow have managed to have a somewhat understanding husband through all of this lifelong cycling. I felt I was a slave to my cycle and now I have learned so much here and also have a family member recently diagnosed. She is very quiet about her personal life and I wish she had shared with me sooner about her personal struggles. I will be looking into a diagnosis soon but will not be treating with meds or birth control because I have gone down those pathways in my younger years and none of them ever helped, not one bit. In fact I used to suffer worse while taking any birth control, with severe migraines and worsened symptoms much like PMDD. Once I stopped taking birth control the migraines were still happening but not as frequent. It would be nice to live some portion of my life not ruled by this terrible condition. Maybe one day my family will see the woman that is buried deep in the locked box of what is possibly PMDD. I hope it's not too late. Also, would like to know what form of the nutritional supplements because each for of magnesium is not alike... should I try mag citrate or glycinate??? Could you be more specific with each nutritional supplement. Thank you and thank you to all of those brave women sharing their stories because this has to end once and for all. We need relief from suffering and we need it now! God bless you all!
Thank you for sharing. Regarding treatment and supplements this is very individualised. If the PMDD is significant an assessment from a doctor - GP with a hormone specialist or someone who specialises in PMDD would be appropriate. Supplements can also be discussed - the local pharmacist can also help with the specific aspects of supplements. Wish you well.
I have significant relief from antihistamine Allegra. There is evidence that antihistamines work well in managing PMDD. When I took Allegra, I went from PMDD to light PMS. I found out about antihistamines for PMDD from women on Reddit. Many are reporting significant improvements in their PMDD. Best of luck to you. ❤
Oh my goodness I haven't heard that, but have plenty of Bromelin and Quercitin supplements in my cabinet. They are some of the best natural antihistamines readily available. I will try them this time of the month @@WriteMeASong7
I had insane SPM for about 25 years that transformed in PMDD for 5 years after. I learned about nervous system regulation, brain retrainning, polyvagal theory and nutrition and I am now completly free of symptoms. No more suicidal ideation, hopelesness and crazy pain and all. No need to pain meds anymore just applied psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology. THIS CHANGED MY LIFE! ❤
Welp, it took 30+ years for it to be discovered I had Stage 3 endometriosis. You can bet I had PMDD. It is NOT missed because it is associated with PMS. It is missed because women’s pain is ignored. I told and begged male AND female OBGYNs etc and they all gave me the tired list of: Tylenol, heating pad, and exercise. After I was diagnosed by exploratory surgery with endometriosis, you can believe me when I say, that I had a lot of anger to process against people in my life who ignored my suffering. This should not happen. Edited to add: It actually went through my mind to send angry letters to past doctors with my current diagnosis and the line: I TOLD YOU! Why didn’t you believe me?! When I was finally believed I was done having children. So I had a complete hysterectomy (ovaries too). It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
I’m an autistic woman and I’ve dealt with PMDD since I was a teenager. It took me years to figure out what it is. I’ve tried countless antidepressants and anti anxiety meds over the years, with the guidance of a psychiatrist and now a psychiatric nurse. None of them have worked for me, and most amplify my depression or symptoms of my chronic illnesses. Tried many forms of birth control and types of the pill. All horrible for my mental health to the point where I would dissociate. The copper one doesn’t fit right in my uterus because it’s so tilted. I’m on the Mirena now and it’s not the worst and it has seemingly slowed my endo so I put up with it. The PMDD never goes away and the pain with the endo doesn’t help either. It’s a vicious cycle and every month I’m afraid for my own safety with what it does to me mentally. I’m so tired. All of this on top of all of my other physical health probs and disabilities. I wish it would just end.
PMDD sucks. As a teen I’d have normal PMS, you know, migraines, bloating/period cramps(mild-severe at times), trying to make myself look prettier around period days, some crazy thoughts but literally 2/10 nothing bad(10 being worse), back pain to point I used heating pads,etc. None of that is compared to this s*** show that I’m dealing with now called PMDD. SUICIDAL thoughts are 11/10(10 being worse), bloating, cravings 9.5/10, acne(never had it as a teen literally had a smooth face), etc. I wouldn’t wish PMDD on anyone. I literally told my husband a month ago that “I feel like a mental patient for like two weeks”. I’ve literally apologized to him for things that I’ve said negatively to him. I’m so glad that he’s understanding like with my recent episode a week ago he said “oh you’re ovulation must be coming on.” He knows that I get like this about four days before my period starts. For the most part it goes away during my period days and then comes back for another few days and stops once ovulation hits.
@@PsychiatrySimplified Forgot to add that once in Feb/March 2021 I had it for almost a month straight(through my period too). Currently what I do to treat it is fenugreek seeds. I use them as a tea. Couple years ago I used black cohosh and dong quai(both are hormone stabilizers). Any other suggestions besides meds that you might have?
I am very grateful for the information that you have shared here with the public, someone in my family seems to be suffering from this, and because we were ignorant about this condition, we I think haven’t had the right considerations in place for her. Thank you for the education I just got from you because I won’t be discriminating my sister-in-law thinking she was just looking for attention in a very awkward way. 🙏
I suffered with pmdd for years. One thing that did help a little was taking an antidepressant for pmdd and taking a calcium and magnesium supplement. The vitamin B may also be helpful. If you are taking vitamin D there is research out saying vitamin k2 should be taken with vitamin D . Research vitamin d and vitamin k2, to get the information. For anyone who is having sugar cravings try eating a leafy green salad every day. This may help with the sugar cravings. Try to eat a healthy diet . I had this disease for years and I know it is no joke.
@@hamidaalali6527 I did get better than I was. The medication and the supplements were helpful. I would say about 60 percent . I was still not 100 percent. I did still have some fatigue and some symptoms. I did feel like leaving the house and taking some college classes. Prior to taking the medicine and supplements I stayed home all the time. I was in such distress from this particular disorder, that I had no motivation at all. If the health provider finds a medicine that he or she thinks is helpful give it a try . Do some research to see if there are any negative effects ,if it is taken for long periods of time. The medicine and calcium and magnesium supplements are worth a try. Eat a healthy diet and rest when you need to. If one medication does not help let your health provider know. He or She may be able to find a different one that does help. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
@@hamidaalali6527I started using Allegra to help with my PMDD. There is some evidence showing Allegra and Claritin help with PMDD. It took my PMDD down to light PMS.
For me exercise, meditation, massage and sauna helps with not feeling suicidal. The food cravings are so destructive as I craved exactly what would make me feel even worse : sugar and fried foods.
I was wondering why it’s considered a psychiatric disorder? Because we know it’s an abnormal reaction to hormonal changes (I know that depression and such illnesses are physical too but I wouldn’t put it in the same category). You wouldn't say that a thyroid hormone imbalance is psychological. Plus it has physical effects like fatigue, pain, bloating, migraines, leg cramps, nausea, blood pressure problems… I feel like it stigmatises the disease even more in a “it’s all in your head” and "you could suck it up" way. Most managers wouldn't accept PMDD as an excuse to take a day off. We're I'm from a gynecologist can't even diagnose PMDD, it has to be a psychologist, so it complicates the acces to a diagnosis even more. But even if you do get one it doesn't change much, you do not even get the pill insured and most doctors don't know about PMDD or just tell you that it sucks, but that you can't do anything about it other than going on the pill and suppressing your menses. It made me think I had borderline personality disorder, before knowing it was a fun combination between ADHD and PMDD. We terribly lack education on such disorders and research to find a solution. It's not normal that some women getting suicidal every month is considered part of PMS and womanhood in general.
Often these disorders are labelled as you state based on ‘not understanding or not linking’ the biological aspects to neuropsychiatry. A reflection of the mind body dichotomy. Endocrinologists, gynaecologists , GPS and psychiatrists should all manage PMDD as the presentations can involve any ‘organ’
Thank you for the video Doctor. People suffered for years with this disorder , and could not live a normal life in their 20s , 30s or 40s ,because doctors did not know what it was and there was no treatment available. .It was a mystery disease in the U.S. until the year 2005.
I have managed my PMDD by tracking my cycles and planning my calendar accordingly. Obnoxious family member wants to have dinner? Elderly relative needs elective surgery and I'll be caring for them as they recover? Don't schedule it after day 17 of my cycle. I also avoid any substance that could make my cycles irregular and thus more difficult to manage the PMDD. This was a big problem in 2021 when the covid vaccines came out and it was found that 40% - 70% of women were reporting menstrual cycle disruptions after the shots, sometimes lasting for months after the first 2 shots. 2 years later and some women are still struggling with more frequent periods. If my PMDD lasts for 10 days and my cycles are happening every 18 days, when do I get to feel human and accomplish anything? My PMDD is so bad that my elderly relatives (who suffered from PMDD themselves) and I agreed that it would be better for me to take my chances with covid than to take a substance that could make my PMDD even worse and potentially unmanageable (I cannot use hormonal birth control or antidepressants) As a result of making this personal medical decision to treat a pre-existing illness I lost my career, I cannot travel, I am not welcome in movie theaters, bars, restaurants, or any other crowded area. I also lost access to medical and dental care. But considering that I would have lost my career and hobbies had my PMDD gotten worse and the medical industrial complex isn't willing to even try treating my PMDD, I would say that not getting the shots was worth it. I eventually did get covid and recovered easily. On day 8 of covid my menstural cycle started right on time and it was a normal cycle and has been normal and regular for over a year since having covid. I have vaccinated friends who still have problems with their cycles, 2 years post-vaccination.
Yikes! I'm so glad I didn't get the vaccine. I didn't get the vaccine, because I was fairly sure that I had already had COVID and also I was pregnant and didn't trust that the vaccine was sufficiently safe. I mean, I saw propaganda saying the vaccines were safe for pregnant women, but I was very skeptical. Now I'm even more glad I didn't get the vaccine and mess up my menstrual cycle too. I think we have more freedom in America than in other places, but even here, hospitals are a bit understaffed, because many nurses refused the vaccine and lost their jobs.
As a male provider I have had to learn, in my sincere kind calm demenor, to touch the subject, which is very delicate and almost taboo, historically to touch, however, it is very important and has touched, and been part of my life personally, and that is why I am more directive about it. Bringing it up in only curious com and kind way to be helpful if it could be ruled out that’s great and if it happens to be that at least we know where we are.. the woman could accept the treatments the family if she has one could ease up and rest, but it is not personal to them as well. This is a debilitating disorder. If that’s the word we’re going to use let’s treat it with compassion.
We developed this course for clinicians. Perimeopausal depression to follow. Developed in conjunction with leading researcher Prof Jayashri Kulkarni - www.academy.psychscene.com/courses/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/
As someone who is 42 and has been experiencing this , increasing with age thank you. It's actually hell. I'ma. Social worker and after tm second baby my PMDD has been such a nightmare I could not return o my decade long position. I am now cleaning houses because PMDD has taken over os much my mental health is suffering badly and no solutions.
I have PMDD caused by a sensitivity to hormonal birth control luckily mine has been improving since stopping. I know many other woman have had PMDD due to birth control aswell it is definitely not a well known thing or talked about enough!
I think my Mirena IUD has caused this for me, but no health professionals believe me when I say it's because of my IUD! I don't know what to do because I have endometriosis and its great with that but I need it OUT because I can't live like this. I'm so scared.
@@shaunamckee5177I also had problems with the Mirena IUD. I started bleeding every two weeks instead of every four. My PMS/PMDD grew increasingly worse with each cycle. My period would start and I would feel better for about 3 days, then the tension would build up again. I began running everyday, because I just felt angry. I literally left for a run one time and was talking to myself saying, "Better nobody talk to me. I'm about to bite someone's head off. Why am I so angry?!" Like I was irrationally angry, and I knew it, but I couldn't calm down, except to try to run it out. I'm never using BC again.
I have pmdd i was told of the options to help and i declined thinking i can manage it myself....oh boy was i wrong! Iv ended a 20yr relationship, i lost my job then got it back iv ruined friendship and lost family because of my pmdd, enough is enough im going back to the doctors asking for more of a holistics way of dealing with pmdd
I just found out antihistamines, more specifically Allegra and Claritin have been shown to drastically improve PMDD. I have terrible PMDD. So awful, I’m afraid monthly I’m going to commit … :( It’s debilitating and it’s ruining my life. :( I have felt immediate relief with Allegra. So much so, I was about 95% better. No suicidal thoughts. No self hating. I didn’t cry at all the two days I took Allegra. I still felt very slightly down as we normally would if we had normal PMS. It’s like I went from PMDD to very light PMS. I only took it for two days because I got my period and felt immediately better as I usually do once I bleed. I am going to take Allegra again this upcoming time when everything falls apart about 9 days away from my period. I found out about antihistamines helping w PMDD from women on Reddit. Lots of them are reporting major success.
@@clarissamaria1615 Loratadine 10mg which is basically Claritin is what DRASTICALLY improved my PMDD this last cycle c when I started taking one tablet 10 days before my period. Instead of spending more on the name brand, I bought the generic version from Walmart. I took 1 tablet which is 10mg of Loratadine, and it’s improved my PMDD by 99%. I barely felt it. Zero suicidal thoughts. Zero self loathing and hating. Zero rage. Zero anger. I didn’t feel ANY OF IT. My period is due in 2 days, and while I’m feeling very slightly under the weather (could be because I was up all night with my sick toddler) but other than that, I feel about 80% and that’s absolutely fine with me. As for its safety, it’s an over the counter drug many ppl use. I honestly can’t say it’s safe or not because I’m not a doctor. I’m just passing along what has worked for me. :)
@@JessicaTrudellFexofenadine hydrochloride 180mg. I bought the Equate brand from Walmart. I tried this last month with only a few days left in my cycle and it helped me. This month around, I used the Equate brand Loratadine 10mg. I took one tablet daily 10 days before my period. I cannot tell you how much it’s helped. It’s been basically a very mild PMS. No crying. No self hating and loathing No suicidal thoughts (thank you God) No rage No snapping at ppl Did not feel insular Great energy Woke up each morning feeling perfectly leveled and normal Did not feel like I was in that deep dark hole with no way out. I used to tell my husband not to make any social plans during my Luteal phase. Well, we attended a huge family gathering a few days ago which I was DREADING last month because I typically just want to stay away from everyone. Well, we went and it was a BLAST. I normally don’t smile or laugh or even listen to music during that PMDD dark time. This month has been the only month during my Luteal phase I was able to socialize, have fun, and be mentally ok. I knew the antihistamines were working when I took my toddler to the playground last week and I cranked up Guns N Roses on the stereo, and sang while driving lol. I would never do that under my normal PMDD circumstances. I was socializing with all the other parents, and didn’t feel like I wanted to disappear lol. I am 2 days away from my period and while I feel slightly under the weather (could be because I was up all night with my sick toddler), I still feel about 80% better. And that’s a-ok for me. If you try it, please report back and let other ladies know. I feel so bad so many of us suffer with PMDD. It’s truly debilitating :(
I'm prescribed low dose Sertraline for my PMDD. It takes the edge off the condition. It apparently has shown good results in clinical trials specifically for PMDD.
Is it possible to have it at 14? I notice that maybe 1-2 weeks before it I get delusions at least that’s what my mom calls them and I start thinking nobody likes me, I also get suicidal, and thoughts about harming others. My grades always drop during that time too.. how can I bring it up? It’s really affecting my life and I hate it. Sometimes if it gets bad I don’t even want to go out because I’m afraid people will see me.
Onset of severe mood symptoms / psychotic in early menarche indicates a vulnerability to the hormonal fluctuations. So yes it can begin at onset of hormonal changes
I'm currently struggling through this - I feel so incapable of life bc when things finally start feeling better I just crash again with my next cycle, it's never ending... how can I move forward? How can I ever do anything? My life and decisions all revolve around how I feel. This week (luteal) I've been wanting to die so bad for no reason and am just so depressed. I'm on prozac 60mg which probably only slightly takes the edge off of my PMDD symptoms (but it helps with my OCD and anxiety) although I do remember the very first month I took prozac - I had no PMDD whatsoever but that has not happened since then. Valium when I'm in the midst of symptoms is all that has genuinely worked when I'm feeling terrible and agitated. Something worth noting is that majority of women who suffer from this have experienced some kind of trauma in the past (the stuffthatworks PMDD page can show this).
Sorry to hear. Trauma impacts the HPA axis and therefore results in hormonal dysregulation. So trauma can exacerbate symptoms as you said. The symptoms of activation may need a augmentation approach as many with PMDD need this. We have covered treatments in more detail here psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/
@@PsychiatrySimplified I had a brief read of the treatment options you listed. A few years ago I had been prescribed Quetiapine 25mg for sleep but unrelated to PMDD, I never took it as I felt weary reading about the off-label use. Maybe I should reconsider taking it. Is it supposed to be taken everyday or just as needed?
@@mariab9707 either . It depends on the severity and the specific symptoms. You can discuss a range of options with the doctors. If Valium has helped gaba potentiatiors like Lamotrigine are also options to address irritability, mood swings , racing thoughts etc
@@PsychiatrySimplified Okay that's very interesting to know. That makes me wonder, when my OCD used to be particularly severe; taking valium would also help settle my intrusive thoughts, I'm wondering if the same logic would apply there? Would lamotrigine have also helped my OCD since the valium did? Thanks be to God my OCD is manageable now anyway.
I am overweight and i think I have pmdd symptoms because before period or sometimes during period my body parts like one hand or leg hurts and i feel cry too much or sad And when I get my first period I had pain in my lower one side back which was so painful but after sometimes it's stop . Does I have pmdd ???
I never came across anyone other than myself that talks about one leg or hand hurting during a pmdd episode. I get pain in my feet and my lower back. But specifically my left leg and foot gets this strange feeling in it. It only occurs during my luteal phase of my cycle. My legs also feel weak. Once my period starts, it all goes away.
Recently found out I had this after trying meds for close to a yr on meds that didn't. I'm glad for some they do. I recently changed my diet and while sometimes hard as I miss food I also don't look back. Diet has changed my life and I feel more in control now. Never knew about PMDD till 3 months ago and no idea how long I suffered from it.
@znori5805 it's not a specific diet with a name. I focus on high protein foods, wholegrain breads, pasta, brown rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Use alternative flour products including ones made from nuts/coconut where possible. Avoid deep fried foods which are cooked seed based oils. Using sugars such a brown or coconut when I want something sweet in my food. A lot of this is from the anti-inflammatory diet yet not strictly that though it does have a big influence on what I eat Added in tea's that have spearmint and damiana which helped my hormones and gut health a lot
I’ve lived with PMDD since I was 16 years of age. I started my period at age 11 but PMDD hit me at age 16. I’m 45 nearly 46 & I still suffer. I also have bipolar 1 🤦🏼♀️ The two collide and it’s hell on earth! I want a hysterectomy!
My PMDD usually disappears when I start bleeding. It’s freedom! God, it’s hell! I take Prozac and I have a female herbal supplement called Dong Quai. PMDD hardly ever gives me a break. It’s every month & I’m just so tired!
I’ve had pmdd since I was a teenager. I have only been diagnosed since 2021. I can not use birth control as it made my symptoms worse and cause psychosis and abuse. I was allergic to Yazmin so I couldn’t use that. Pmdd has ruined my entire life. Cost me my family, kids, and my marriage. Jobs and friends. Meds are not very effective as I have ibs and don’t absorb foods or meds very well making the effectiveness too unstable. I’m scheduled for a total hysterectomy finally. Just in time as my pmdd has gotten dramatically worse recently.
I hate PMDD 😢 i feel every month my cycle takes me bk 2 weeks, (when I've just taken 2 weeks to get bk on track) Its so hard to live with when you have EUPD! its ruined my life & relationships, i avoid socail situations because it changes me as a person i isolate, thank you for your very informative video.🙏
I'm seeing someone within a week for possible ADHD and I'm pretty sure I have PMDD. I get really angry easy, sad, the smallest thing can upset me, dark thoughts then once I bleed I feel normal again. I want to sleep alot, feel like my IQ drops, and other things that feel out of my control. My husband and I noticed it seems before and during my period. I'm on birth control for my PCOS. I feel like this is getting worse so hopefully I find something to ease the crazy.
I get insomnia, severe anxiety, depression, dizzy and if i have coffee, forget about it...its like fueling those symptoms 10x worse...i just started noticing. It happens right before, during and sometimes after my period.
There is always something someone is dealing with that is worse, but for me, PMDD has been life destroying. Luteal phase terrifies me and my loved ones every month. I have a blood clotting disorder so that limits treatment and fluoxetine didn’t work for me. I want surgery so badly but I don’t feel like anyone realizes how serious it is for me. I honestly fear it may kill me.
DepoProvera was a good one, and I had no real adverse reactions or side effects. Seasonale, Yazmin, and Yaz good as well. Well, YAZ was excellent at treating, and they were good as option for PMDD. Along with Prozac (Sarafem), and Zoloft for PMDD.
I have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, PCOS, ADHD and autism. I noticed I started having pmdd symptoms last month and then I started having them this month. Luckily I will be going in to visit my endocrinologist this week to go over my blood results and I started taking metformin for my PCOS but I noticed that since I started taking metformin some of my hypothyroidism symptoms came back. My boss said something that made me feel rejected and I ended up bawling my eyes out and then I had three more anxiety attacks after that when I went home and of course I'm looking for another job because hours are very low but I'm afraid what if I get like this and my other job in a couple weeks from now? I also see my psychiatrist this week so we would talk about many antidepressants / anxiety meds I can go on and maybe even have an anxiety Med that I can take only when needed and then have another one that I take daily on hand. Of course I will see what my endocrinologist says first to see what my blood test looks like. My hypothyroidism medication was working so well until a couple weeks after I started taking metformin.
Thanks for sharing and hope you can address the issues you are having with your doctors. Metformin is known to reduce TSH levels and also prevents increase in thyroid volume.
@@PsychiatrySimplified I know I have anxiety and depression but back in January I found out that I had thyroid issues will technically in November but wasn't officially diagnosed until I went to an endocrinologist.
I have pmdd. I get nightmares every month at same time, i also wake up screaming at same (relative to period) day every month. I think its when my progesterone drops ? Before ovulation. I looked and alcaholics also get this when stop drinking but i dont drink. I get insomnia and also angry/anxious. I dont take medication, Im clean (from any drugs) and trying to find natural way to cure this but its hard. This month I try going dairy free because I read about (extra hormones in dairy products) but i still eat eggs this month (which is extra hormones too but I dont know how much?) I recently started taking magnesium and realised the proper dose is 2 (150mg) dose a day. Please give me ideas for what to do with this condition. (I also now take vit B complex, vit B 1, vit D and tumeric)
We've covered it in detail here - psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/. please also see the other videos by Prof Kulkarni on this channel. She is the leading authority.
This rings a bell! Ever since I got PMDD I've been having nightmares constantly. No one around me understood why and neither did I. But I might know now
is it possible to have endometriosis and PMDD?.. I have endo and during this couple of years PMS symptoms has become worse.. my everyday schedule becomes a mess... I cannot start normal tasks like cleaning, doing dishes or difficult to concentrate at work.. may have insomnia.. increased or decreased appetite.. or horrible rage from simple things what I normally dont even care.. I often isolate when symptoms gets worse.. have suicidal thoughts or think " I have no future " or " everything end soon " ik it is ridiculous! but once periods are gone all goes back to normal and become myself again..
I always struggle with knowing what came first. I suffer with endometriosis as well as major depressive disorder, ptsd, and severe anxiety. I’m beginning to realize that over the past couple years things get way worse a couple weeks before my period. I have all of the symptoms but everything I’m already diagnosed with could cause this. How does a professional differentiate everything?
In such cases the aim isn't necessarily to split but to integrate and treat.. Splitting leads to one missing the gaps. The conditions have common pathophysiologies. Hormonal dysfunction may underpin PTSD, Anxiety, Endometriosis and MDD each one occurring at different phases. So when something is picked up depends on the initial symptom and the specialist one saw.
I tried norethindrone but it made me feel kind of sick as well as natural estrogen and progesterone.I felt worse. I take an SSRI which helps a lot but its still annoying.
I just came back from seeing my obgyn. I explain my symptoms to my doctor. Her assistant said "oh you'll be fine. It's just normal pms. If your symptoms are bothering you, you can take birth control to level out your hormones. Or you may take anxiety medication" 🤔
What are the hypothesized causes? Is it related to allopregnanolone fluctuations and if so do you think the new med Zuranolone once it is out could work for it?
Covered it in more detail here - gaba receptor sensitivity in hormonal changes. psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/
What about constant hormones everyday my body so nasty as anything inbetween spotting ovulation extreme as anything migraines got extremely worse taken propranolo my blood pressure always high erratic pms syndrome chronic migraines
I'm not comfortable with the risks of treatment so I'm just going to suffer. It's not like my life would be bearable without it anyway, which might have something to do with why I developed it? (Trauma, stress.) I have ADHD too. Sigh.
@@PsychiatrySimplified Birth control and anti-depressants were disastrous for me. I've spent half my life messing around with psychiatric meds and it's a huge regret. Even did some ketamine treatment in a sketchy clinic. I'm not comfortable with anymore experimentation. I tried Ritalin once but it didn't really do anything for me except slow down my rumination and make me physically uncomfortable. I was equally as miserable as I would be without it, so I didn't find it worth the risk. I don't want to get surgery or mess around with hormones either. Plus, my doctor is a little malpractice-y, but then healthcare here is such a disaster that I'm lucky enough to even have one.
So sorry to hear. If ok could you share your symptoms and difficulties and if any treatment you received. Perhaps it may help others and others may share ideas. Understand if its too distrasing to share. Wish you well.
Its due to stress, simple as that. Stress preoccupies the adrenal glands thus preventing the adrenals from creating sex hormones as normal. The endocrine system isn't that complex. Minimise stress and take vitamin b6 and other related vitamins.
Your paragraph made a lot of sense until the last line. HPA axis dysfunction is linked to stress. But CRF ( corticotrophin releasing factor) increases NA in stress - in some individuals this isbveey significant. In this group Vit B6 and vitamins does not address the symptoms. This is a serious condition at the moderate to the severe end and should not be minimised. Everyone is different and this group requires proactive treatment
![The 11 Traits of PMDD [vs Depression] | MedCircle x Dr Ramani](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2rG4DJLG_uA/mqdefault.jpg)
The craziest part of having pmdd is the fact that we get told we are just experiencing "normal" pms like most women and that we just need to calm down. At 36 years of age, after having pmdd since I was a teenager, a psychiatrist finally took me seriously. The fact that he finally validated what I had been telling doctors and my family for years was so relieving. "It is not normal pms, there is nothing normal about being suicidal due to hormonal changes every month. You deserve help with that". Please, if you are a doctor, educate yourself and tell your colleagues about this disorder. It is life ruining and sometimes life-threatening and most doctors are still clueless, telling patients to go home and suck it up.
Sorry to hear ! Thanks for sharing!
At 33 yrs old this PMDD is definitely nothing compared to PMS. Growing up with 3 sisters I would say I was the one that had the worse period symptoms but never severe like PMDD. There’s a complete difference between the 2.
I'll tell you what it is .....hell, complete hell. It's completely destroyed my life. Having ADHD and pmdd, I'm hardly surprised I've become ill with M.E. My daughter is now showing signs and I'm so scared for her. It makes me depressed, suicidal, paranoid and I feel dirty, angry, tearful.....every single month for 2 weeks. 😭
So sorry to hear. There are treatments and things can be better. Wish you and your daughter well.
@@PsychiatrySimplified Prozac has never helped, I'm no longer allowed the pill because of blood clots, and the chemical menopause is no longer an option because the add back gave me severe ocular migraines, other than a full hysterectomy, I'm at a loss 😔
@@kellyofthehead generally the presentation of add in females is one of hyperarousal - emotional arousal model - this often requires mood stabilisers ( e.g Lamotrigine ) - mixed states are more common - the migraine is a clue as Lamotrigine is also an anti epileptic - please have a read here psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-females/
Have a listen to this - this type o presentation is more common ( it doesn’t have to be moderate ) even a milder trait means that antidepressants don’t help ; activating agents can worsen Sx - ua-cam.com/video/hVMObsNmnf4/v-deo.html
@@PsychiatrySimplified my goodness!! Thank you so much for this, it would also explain my M.E! I've had a breakdown this week (I'm ovulating) it's been soooo hard. I need to ask about this medication!
I was just diagnosed with pmdd. It’s something I’ve always had but got worse this past year. On the one hand, I’m happy for the diagnosis. It gave me validation that I’m not going crazy and not a psychopath. I usually just isolate myself for many days and sleep. The amount of fatigue and self loathing I feel is debilitating. When I can’t avoid work or people, it is so hard not to be rude or angry. I don’t even recognize the person I become during the 2 weeks prior to my period. I’ve suffered in silence for far too long. My doctor prescribed tamoxifen and metformin. I hope it works and helps
Wish you well and hope you feel better
I’m going through exactly the same thing plus late periods , can you recommend the Dr you went to I need help no one is taking me serious
Million thoughs at once, hard to focus, s**cidal thoughts, dizzy, headaches, bloating, belly pains/stings, constipation, some food craving, extreme fatigue, crying all day on and off - sobbing many times. Then what you're going through in life sticks in the front of your mind making you sink into a depression. I sat in my closet praying so that I wouldn't be around anyone and try to center myself.......
Sorry to hear. Hope you are receiving or received help.
More research needs to be done! There needs to be something that helps too many women feel this way
Yes agree
I'm a teenager with PMDD and this video has become my everything
Hope you get treatment if you are experiencing distressing symptoms. You can start with your GP
@@PsychiatrySimplified unfortunately, I'm from a background where I cannot get treatment. But it's okay I've been journaling and tracking my moods, talking to my friends.... things like that. But it can get unbelievably dark at times. Do you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear!
Not sure why that isn’t possible. There are some natural treatments - supplements etc I’ve covered in video.
Thank you for caring about women and the suffering we go through every month, it means more to me than you know. Every time I go to the GYN he just shrugs it off and being dismissed adds so much pain to my already hopeless situation.
I'm 33 and have been told my whole life that I was experiencing something normal. That I just need to tough it out. I've been doing lifestyle changes for the last 7 years now and even with lifestyle change, for 2 weeks every month I become a completely different person. My normal self is happy, energized, balanced, bubbly and productive. When my pmdd hits I become depressed, hopeless, suicidal, anti social, angry, my whole body is so fatigued I feel like I'm getting sick with the flu. I can barely pull myself out of bed or take care of myself properly. I want to avoid everyone, including my amazing husband. It is absolutely infuriating to me that so many women have been suffering with this for yearssss and we barely have any answers or treatments for this disorder. People who have never experienced this can never understand how incredibly scary and isolating pmdd is. It ruins my life every month. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, it's absolute torture. I hope for future generations there can be more answers and treatments. No one should have to suffer in silence with this disorder.
Well said. Why is that? We need better help for women. I am undiagnosed but hit all 10 checks.
Thank you for talking about this. I have been asking psychiatrists and obgyns to help me with this for literally twenty years and they didn’t even know what it was. Vitex is a huge lifesaver for me.
Good to know it helped
I have PMDD and it feels like being stuck in a cycle of severe depression, anxiety and self-hate, knowing that it is temporary but will return every 14 days. It gives me borderline-like symptoms and it looks like a bipolar disorder from the outside. I am not even able to finish my studies or maintain (meaningful) relationships. With autism and ADHD it even makes it worse, and I am even more sensitive to these treatments and side effects. But the worst thing of having PMDD is the feeling of loneliness, caused by your own behaviour (isolation, rages, meltdowns, etc.) followed by no one truly understanding how you feel. It is pure hell. I am so thankful for your video, so I can understand better what is happening and my body and knowing that things can get better. Since, the other 2 weeks of my cycle I feel amazing, confident and energetic.
Tried most of the treatments in box 1, 3 and 5, but unfortunately nothing treats the PMDD. They definetely helped me become a more mindful and healthy person, but I don't want to feel like I am surviving through life. I just want to live. Will start with my first SSRI treatment, fluoxetine.
You mentioned that fluoxetine has been researched for PMDD in lower doses. Do you recall how much the doses are in these studies? And what are your thoughts on using SSRIs for only 2 weeks in the cycle when PMDD is peaking? I feel doubtful about it, since I don't know if you can feel effect from the meds if you don't take it consistently. Your advice would be so valuable, TIA!
Thank you again for raising awareness for PMDD. To all the women/AFABs around here, you are not alone.
There are 4 dosing strategies with SSRIs - covered here. With PMDD it becomes important to address arousal Sx that arise from the amygdala (especially if ADHD and ASD present - females have an emotional arousal model) - Please read this - psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/. But also read Females with ADHD - emotional arousal model may need buffers for the amygdala if SSRIs are too activating or do not work. psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-females/
Try taking some calcium and magnesium also, it may be helpful even if you do not feel 100 percent well. It may help some. I had this disorder too and the right medicine with calcium and magnesium did help some. I must say not totally. Do some research to see if there is any information on negative effects of fluoxetine if taken for long periods of time. Do the same research for any other antidepressant or medication that is taken for long periods of time. Take it easy
I take prozac. Fluxentine it helps but research it. Good Luck to you!
Im 49 will be 50 in a few weeks. I've suffered from pmdd for many years, and i struggled for years to explain it to people and just got dismissed like i was exaggerating. it was aweful 😢 thatnk you for the awareness channel.
As someone who has dismissed someone else with this condition due to ignorance I want to say I’m sorry.
It sucks bc this isn’t recognized as a condition. Ppl jst think it’s a hormonal woman with PMS. I finally have found a doctor that wants to help me through this & is this concerned as me. Its timing is incredibly predictable. Putting up with this as we speak. I pray for all of the women that suffer with PMDD🫂
I don’t know how much happy I am today to watch this video..at this age of 42 ,I am struggling with this condition and I was blamed for not behaving well,and I wonder what is happening within me!!No body believes us,and thinks as anger issue!!!
I am 43 years old and feel that I have always suffered from this condition PMDD. I have raised four beautiful children and my somehow have managed to have a somewhat understanding husband through all of this lifelong cycling. I felt I was a slave to my cycle and now I have learned so much here and also have a family member recently diagnosed. She is very quiet about her personal life and I wish she had shared with me sooner about her personal struggles. I will be looking into a diagnosis soon but will not be treating with meds or birth control because I have gone down those pathways in my younger years and none of them ever helped, not one bit. In fact I used to suffer worse while taking any birth control, with severe migraines and worsened symptoms much like PMDD. Once I stopped taking birth control the migraines were still happening but not as frequent.
It would be nice to live some portion of my life not ruled by this terrible condition. Maybe one day my family will see the woman that is buried deep in the locked box of what is possibly PMDD. I hope it's not too late. Also, would like to know what form of the nutritional supplements because each for of magnesium is not alike... should I try mag citrate or glycinate??? Could you be more specific with each nutritional supplement. Thank you and thank you to all of those brave women sharing their stories because this has to end once and for all. We need relief from suffering and we need it now! God bless you all!
Thank you for sharing. Regarding treatment and supplements this is very individualised. If the PMDD is significant an assessment from a doctor - GP with a hormone specialist or someone who specialises in PMDD would be appropriate. Supplements can also be discussed - the local pharmacist can also help with the specific aspects of supplements. Wish you well.
I have significant relief from antihistamine Allegra.
There is evidence that antihistamines work well in managing PMDD.
When I took Allegra, I went from PMDD to light PMS.
I found out about antihistamines for PMDD from women on Reddit. Many are reporting significant improvements in their PMDD.
Best of luck to you. ❤
Oh my goodness I haven't heard that, but have plenty of Bromelin and Quercitin supplements in my cabinet. They are some of the best natural antihistamines readily available. I will try them this time of the month @@WriteMeASong7
Vitex agnus castus
Vitex agnus castus
I love this one, “Well, you’re gonna have to stop using that as an excuse now… You’re going to have to be better.”
Well... yeah. I have mental illness that give me symptoms like this all the time, and I try to be better and not bring it up as an excuse.
I had insane SPM for about 25 years that transformed in PMDD for 5 years after.
I learned about nervous system regulation, brain retrainning, polyvagal theory and nutrition and I am now completly free of symptoms. No more suicidal ideation, hopelesness and crazy pain and all. No need to pain meds anymore just applied psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology.
THIS CHANGED MY LIFE! ❤
Welp, it took 30+ years for it to be discovered I had Stage 3 endometriosis. You can bet I had PMDD. It is NOT missed because it is associated with PMS. It is missed because women’s pain is ignored. I told and begged male AND female OBGYNs etc and they all gave me the tired list of: Tylenol, heating pad, and exercise. After I was diagnosed by exploratory surgery with endometriosis, you can believe me when I say, that I had a lot of anger to process against people in my life who ignored my suffering. This should not happen.
Edited to add: It actually went through my mind to send angry letters to past doctors with my current diagnosis and the line: I TOLD YOU! Why didn’t you believe me?!
When I was finally believed I was done having children. So I had a complete hysterectomy (ovaries too). It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
Sorry to hear about your experience and also thanks for sharing this. Wish you well
I’m an autistic woman and I’ve dealt with PMDD since I was a teenager. It took me years to figure out what it is. I’ve tried countless antidepressants and anti anxiety meds over the years, with the guidance of a psychiatrist and now a psychiatric nurse. None of them have worked for me, and most amplify my depression or symptoms of my chronic illnesses. Tried many forms of birth control and types of the pill. All horrible for my mental health to the point where I would dissociate. The copper one doesn’t fit right in my uterus because it’s so tilted. I’m on the Mirena now and it’s not the worst and it has seemingly slowed my endo so I put up with it. The PMDD never goes away and the pain with the endo doesn’t help either. It’s a vicious cycle and every month I’m afraid for my own safety with what it does to me mentally. I’m so tired. All of this on top of all of my other physical health probs and disabilities. I wish it would just end.
You're not alone.
Seriously you aren’t alone. I have other issues too. We just gotta keep looking for what helps.
I know it sucks! One day i hope noone has to deal with this! ❤
PMDD sucks. As a teen I’d have normal PMS, you know, migraines, bloating/period cramps(mild-severe at times), trying to make myself look prettier around period days, some crazy thoughts but literally 2/10 nothing bad(10 being worse), back pain to point I used heating pads,etc. None of that is compared to this s*** show that I’m dealing with now called PMDD. SUICIDAL thoughts are 11/10(10 being worse), bloating, cravings 9.5/10, acne(never had it as a teen literally had a smooth face), etc. I wouldn’t wish PMDD on anyone. I literally told my husband a month ago that “I feel like a mental patient for like two weeks”. I’ve literally apologized to him for things that I’ve said negatively to him. I’m so glad that he’s understanding like with my recent episode a week ago he said “oh you’re ovulation must be coming on.” He knows that I get like this about four days before my period starts. For the most part it goes away during my period days and then comes back for another few days and stops once ovulation hits.
Yes I've heard this pattern before. Thanks for sharing. Treatment?
@@PsychiatrySimplified Forgot to add that once in Feb/March 2021 I had it for almost a month straight(through my period too). Currently what I do to treat it is fenugreek seeds. I use them as a tea. Couple years ago I used black cohosh and dong quai(both are hormone stabilizers). Any other suggestions besides meds that you might have?
Besides the ones mentioned in the video - it’s the meds for more severe forms
I am very grateful for the information that you have shared here with the public, someone in my family seems to be suffering from this, and because we were ignorant about this condition, we I think haven’t had the right considerations in place for her. Thank you for the education I just got from you because I won’t be discriminating my sister-in-law thinking she was just looking for attention in a very awkward way. 🙏
Thank you for your feedback 🙏🏼
I suffered with pmdd for years. One thing that did help a little was taking an antidepressant for pmdd and taking a calcium and magnesium supplement. The vitamin B may also be helpful. If you are taking vitamin D there is research out saying vitamin k2 should be taken with vitamin D . Research vitamin d and vitamin k2, to get the information. For anyone who is having sugar cravings try eating a leafy green salad every day. This may help with the sugar cravings. Try to eat a healthy diet . I had this disease for years and I know it is no joke.
Thanks for sharing.
Did you get better with all these changes? And how much would you say it changed things?
@@hamidaalali6527 I did get better than I was. The medication and the supplements were helpful. I would say about 60 percent . I was still not 100 percent. I did still have some fatigue and some symptoms. I did feel like leaving the house and taking some college classes. Prior to taking the medicine and supplements I stayed home all the time. I was in such distress from this particular disorder, that I had no motivation at all. If the health provider finds a medicine that he or she thinks is helpful give it a try . Do some research to see if there are any negative effects ,if it is taken for long periods of time. The medicine and calcium and magnesium supplements are worth a try. Eat a healthy diet and rest when you need to. If one medication does not help let your health provider know. He or She may be able to find a different one that does help. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
@@hamidaalali6527I started using Allegra to help with my PMDD.
There is some evidence showing Allegra and Claritin help with PMDD.
It took my PMDD down to light PMS.
For me exercise, meditation, massage and sauna helps with not feeling suicidal. The food cravings are so destructive as I craved exactly what would make me feel even worse : sugar and fried foods.
Thank you for creating this channel Dr Rege 🙂
I was wondering why it’s considered a psychiatric disorder?
Because we know it’s an abnormal reaction to hormonal changes (I know that depression and such illnesses are physical too but I wouldn’t put it in the same category). You wouldn't say that a thyroid hormone imbalance is psychological.
Plus it has physical effects like fatigue, pain, bloating, migraines, leg cramps, nausea, blood pressure problems…
I feel like it stigmatises the disease even more in a “it’s all in your head” and "you could suck it up" way. Most managers wouldn't accept PMDD as an excuse to take a day off.
We're I'm from a gynecologist can't even diagnose PMDD, it has to be a psychologist, so it complicates the acces to a diagnosis even more. But even if you do get one it doesn't change much, you do not even get the pill insured and most doctors don't know about PMDD or just tell you that it sucks, but that you can't do anything about it other than going on the pill and suppressing your menses.
It made me think I had borderline personality disorder, before knowing it was a fun combination between ADHD and PMDD. We terribly lack education on such disorders and research to find a solution.
It's not normal that some women getting suicidal every month is considered part of PMS and womanhood in general.
Often these disorders are labelled as you state based on ‘not understanding or not linking’ the biological aspects to neuropsychiatry. A reflection of the mind body dichotomy. Endocrinologists, gynaecologists , GPS and psychiatrists should all manage PMDD as the presentations can involve any ‘organ’
Thank you for the video Doctor. People suffered for years with this disorder , and could not live a normal life in their 20s , 30s or 40s ,because doctors did not know what it was and there was no treatment available. .It was a mystery disease in the U.S. until the year 2005.
I have managed my PMDD by tracking my cycles and planning my calendar accordingly. Obnoxious family member wants to have dinner? Elderly relative needs elective surgery and I'll be caring for them as they recover? Don't schedule it after day 17 of my cycle.
I also avoid any substance that could make my cycles irregular and thus more difficult to manage the PMDD. This was a big problem in 2021 when the covid vaccines came out and it was found that 40% - 70% of women were reporting menstrual cycle disruptions after the shots, sometimes lasting for months after the first 2 shots. 2 years later and some women are still struggling with more frequent periods. If my PMDD lasts for 10 days and my cycles are happening every 18 days, when do I get to feel human and accomplish anything?
My PMDD is so bad that my elderly relatives (who suffered from PMDD themselves) and I agreed that it would be better for me to take my chances with covid than to take a substance that could make my PMDD even worse and potentially unmanageable (I cannot use hormonal birth control or antidepressants)
As a result of making this personal medical decision to treat a pre-existing illness I lost my career, I cannot travel, I am not welcome in movie theaters, bars, restaurants, or any other crowded area. I also lost access to medical and dental care. But considering that I would have lost my career and hobbies had my PMDD gotten worse and the medical industrial complex isn't willing to even try treating my PMDD, I would say that not getting the shots was worth it. I eventually did get covid and recovered easily. On day 8 of covid my menstural cycle started right on time and it was a normal cycle and has been normal and regular for over a year since having covid. I have vaccinated friends who still have problems with their cycles, 2 years post-vaccination.
Yikes! I'm so glad I didn't get the vaccine. I didn't get the vaccine, because I was fairly sure that I had already had COVID and also I was pregnant and didn't trust that the vaccine was sufficiently safe. I mean, I saw propaganda saying the vaccines were safe for pregnant women, but I was very skeptical. Now I'm even more glad I didn't get the vaccine and mess up my menstrual cycle too. I think we have more freedom in America than in other places, but even here, hospitals are a bit understaffed, because many nurses refused the vaccine and lost their jobs.
As a male provider I have had to learn, in my sincere kind calm demenor, to touch the subject, which is very delicate and almost taboo, historically to touch, however, it is very important and has touched, and been part of my life personally, and that is why I am more directive about it. Bringing it up in only curious com and kind way to be helpful if it could be ruled out that’s great and if it happens to be that at least we know where we are.. the woman could accept the treatments the family if she has one could ease up and rest, but it is not personal to them as well.
This is a debilitating disorder. If that’s the word we’re going to use let’s treat it with compassion.
We developed this course for clinicians. Perimeopausal depression to follow. Developed in conjunction with leading researcher Prof Jayashri Kulkarni - www.academy.psychscene.com/courses/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/
As someone who is 42 and has been experiencing this , increasing with age thank you. It's actually hell. I'ma. Social worker and after tm second baby my PMDD has been such a nightmare I could not return o my decade long position. I am now cleaning houses because PMDD has taken over os much my mental health is suffering badly and no solutions.
I have PMDD caused by a sensitivity to hormonal birth control luckily mine has been improving since stopping. I know many other woman have had PMDD due to birth control aswell it is definitely not a well known thing or talked about enough!
I think my Mirena IUD has caused this for me, but no health professionals believe me when I say it's because of my IUD! I don't know what to do because I have endometriosis and its great with that but I need it OUT because I can't live like this. I'm so scared.
I have PMDD and I tried ssri but they don’t help enough so now I’m taking birth control to fix it lol
@@shaunamckee5177Mirena made me super suicidal. I hope you find something that works for you ❤️
@@shaunamckee5177I also had problems with the Mirena IUD. I started bleeding every two weeks instead of every four. My PMS/PMDD grew increasingly worse with each cycle. My period would start and I would feel better for about 3 days, then the tension would build up again. I began running everyday, because I just felt angry. I literally left for a run one time and was talking to myself saying, "Better nobody talk to me. I'm about to bite someone's head off. Why am I so angry?!" Like I was irrationally angry, and I knew it, but I couldn't calm down, except to try to run it out. I'm never using BC again.
Try Vitex agnus castus or sea kelp. Make sure your vitamin D is optimal
I have pmdd i was told of the options to help and i declined thinking i can manage it myself....oh boy was i wrong! Iv ended a 20yr relationship, i lost my job then got it back iv ruined friendship and lost family because of my pmdd, enough is enough im going back to the doctors asking for more of a holistics way of dealing with pmdd
Hope things get better for you. I’m sorry to hear
I just found out antihistamines, more specifically Allegra and Claritin have been shown to drastically improve PMDD.
I have terrible PMDD. So awful, I’m afraid monthly I’m going to commit … :(
It’s debilitating and it’s ruining my life. :(
I have felt immediate relief with Allegra. So much so, I was about 95% better. No suicidal thoughts. No self hating. I didn’t cry at all the two days I took Allegra.
I still felt very slightly down as we normally would if we had normal PMS. It’s like I went from PMDD to very light PMS.
I only took it for two days because I got my period and felt immediately better as I usually do once I bleed.
I am going to take Allegra again this upcoming time when everything falls apart about 9 days away from my period.
I found out about antihistamines helping w PMDD from women on Reddit.
Lots of them are reporting major success.
Is it safe?
Which Allegra?
@@clarissamaria1615 Loratadine 10mg which is basically Claritin is what DRASTICALLY improved my PMDD this last cycle c when I started taking one tablet 10 days before my period.
Instead of spending more on the name brand, I bought the generic version from Walmart.
I took 1 tablet which is 10mg of Loratadine, and it’s improved my PMDD by 99%. I barely felt it.
Zero suicidal thoughts. Zero self loathing and hating. Zero rage. Zero anger.
I didn’t feel ANY OF IT.
My period is due in 2 days, and while I’m feeling very slightly under the weather (could be because I was up all night with my sick toddler) but other than that, I feel about 80% and that’s absolutely fine with me.
As for its safety, it’s an over the counter drug many ppl use. I honestly can’t say it’s safe or not because I’m not a doctor.
I’m just passing along what has worked for me. :)
@@JessicaTrudellFexofenadine hydrochloride 180mg. I bought the Equate brand from Walmart.
I tried this last month with only a few days left in my cycle and it helped me.
This month around, I used the Equate brand Loratadine 10mg. I took one tablet daily 10 days before my period.
I cannot tell you how much it’s helped.
It’s been basically a very mild PMS.
No crying.
No self hating and loathing
No suicidal thoughts (thank you God)
No rage
No snapping at ppl
Did not feel insular
Great energy
Woke up each morning feeling perfectly leveled and normal
Did not feel like I was in that deep dark hole with no way out.
I used to tell my husband not to make any social plans during my Luteal phase.
Well, we attended a huge family gathering a few days ago which I was DREADING last month because I typically just want to stay away from everyone.
Well, we went and it was a BLAST.
I normally don’t smile or laugh or even listen to music during that PMDD dark time.
This month has been the only month during my Luteal phase I was able to socialize, have fun, and be mentally ok.
I knew the antihistamines were working when I took my toddler to the playground last week and I cranked up Guns N Roses on the stereo, and sang while driving lol. I would never do that under my normal PMDD circumstances.
I was socializing with all the other parents, and didn’t feel like I wanted to disappear lol.
I am 2 days away from my period and while I feel slightly under the weather (could be because I was up all night with my sick toddler), I still feel about 80% better. And that’s a-ok for me.
If you try it, please report back and let other ladies know. I feel so bad so many of us suffer with PMDD. It’s truly debilitating :(
Boutta pop an Allegra!!
I'm prescribed low dose Sertraline for my PMDD. It takes the edge off the condition. It apparently has shown good results in clinical trials specifically for PMDD.
@@mirandabrunskill7755 yes it has evidence for PMDD
Dr Paula Briggs is a leading PMDD practitioner in the UK. She is former Chair of the British Menopause Society.
Is it possible to have it at 14? I notice that maybe 1-2 weeks before it I get delusions at least that’s what my mom calls them and I start thinking nobody likes me, I also get suicidal, and thoughts about harming others. My grades always drop during that time too.. how can I bring it up? It’s really affecting my life and I hate it. Sometimes if it gets bad I don’t even want to go out because I’m afraid people will see me.
Onset of severe mood symptoms / psychotic in early menarche indicates a vulnerability to the hormonal fluctuations. So yes it can begin at onset of hormonal changes
I'm currently struggling through this - I feel so incapable of life bc when things finally start feeling better I just crash again with my next cycle, it's never ending... how can I move forward? How can I ever do anything? My life and decisions all revolve around how I feel. This week (luteal) I've been wanting to die so bad for no reason and am just so depressed.
I'm on prozac 60mg which probably only slightly takes the edge off of my PMDD symptoms (but it helps with my OCD and anxiety) although I do remember the very first month I took prozac - I had no PMDD whatsoever but that has not happened since then.
Valium when I'm in the midst of symptoms is all that has genuinely worked when I'm feeling terrible and agitated.
Something worth noting is that majority of women who suffer from this have experienced some kind of trauma in the past (the stuffthatworks PMDD page can show this).
Sorry to hear. Trauma impacts the HPA axis and therefore results in hormonal dysregulation. So trauma can exacerbate symptoms as you said. The symptoms of activation may need a augmentation approach as many with PMDD need this. We have covered treatments in more detail here psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/
@@PsychiatrySimplified I had a brief read of the treatment options you listed. A few years ago I had been prescribed Quetiapine 25mg for sleep but unrelated to PMDD, I never took it as I felt weary reading about the off-label use. Maybe I should reconsider taking it. Is it supposed to be taken everyday or just as needed?
@@mariab9707 either . It depends on the severity and the specific symptoms. You can discuss a range of options with the doctors. If Valium has helped gaba potentiatiors like Lamotrigine are also options to address irritability, mood swings , racing thoughts etc
@@PsychiatrySimplified Okay that's very interesting to know. That makes me wonder, when my OCD used to be particularly severe; taking valium would also help settle my intrusive thoughts, I'm wondering if the same logic would apply there? Would lamotrigine have also helped my OCD since the valium did? Thanks be to God my OCD is manageable now anyway.
@@mariab9707 lamotriogine is one of the evidence based treatments for OCD when initial steps fail.
I am overweight and i think I have pmdd symptoms because before period or sometimes during period my body parts like one hand or leg hurts and i feel cry too much or sad
And when I get my first period I had pain in my lower one side back which was so painful but after sometimes it's stop .
Does I have pmdd ???
I never came across anyone other than myself that talks about one leg or hand hurting during a pmdd episode. I get pain in my feet and my lower back. But specifically my left leg and foot gets this strange feeling in it. It only occurs during my luteal phase of my cycle. My legs also feel weak. Once my period starts, it all goes away.
Recently found out I had this after trying meds for close to a yr on meds that didn't. I'm glad for some they do. I recently changed my diet and while sometimes hard as I miss food I also don't look back. Diet has changed my life and I feel more in control now. Never knew about PMDD till 3 months ago and no idea how long I suffered from it.
Thanks for sharing!
What diet do you follow? Meat or no meat?
What was your diet
@znori5805 it's not a specific diet with a name. I focus on high protein foods, wholegrain breads, pasta, brown rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Use alternative flour products including ones made from nuts/coconut where possible. Avoid deep fried foods which are cooked seed based oils. Using sugars such a brown or coconut when I want something sweet in my food. A lot of this is from the anti-inflammatory diet yet not strictly that though it does have a big influence on what I eat
Added in tea's that have spearmint and damiana which helped my hormones and gut health a lot
I’ve lived with PMDD since I was 16 years of age. I started my period at age 11 but PMDD hit me at age 16. I’m 45 nearly 46 & I still suffer. I also have bipolar 1 🤦🏼♀️ The two collide and it’s hell on earth! I want a hysterectomy!
My mother had PMDD but my two sisters don’t. They experience PMS. They’re so lucky!
My PMDD usually disappears when I start bleeding. It’s freedom! God, it’s hell! I take Prozac and I have a female herbal supplement called Dong Quai. PMDD hardly ever gives me a break. It’s every month & I’m just so tired!
Sorry to hear!
Have you had any further specialist input?
Really appreciate you Sunil. You provide a great deal of useful information ❤
Thank you for your feedback🙏🏼. Appreciate it
Thank you for making this video.
Glad you found it useful 👍🏼
I’ve had pmdd since I was a teenager. I have only been diagnosed since 2021. I can not use birth control as it made my symptoms worse and cause psychosis and abuse. I was allergic to Yazmin so I couldn’t use that. Pmdd has ruined my entire life. Cost me my family, kids, and my marriage. Jobs and friends. Meds are not very effective as I have ibs and don’t absorb foods or meds very well making the effectiveness too unstable. I’m scheduled for a total hysterectomy finally. Just in time as my pmdd has gotten dramatically worse recently.
Thanks for sharing! Hope surgery relieves the symptoms. Wish you well.
I know it might be months from now, but please give an update on how this procedure effects you.
I will absolutely be sure to share
Did you have it yet?
I hate PMDD 😢 i feel every month my cycle takes me bk 2 weeks, (when I've just taken 2 weeks to get bk on track) Its so hard to live with when you have EUPD! its ruined my life & relationships, i avoid socail situations because it changes me as a person i isolate, thank you for your very informative video.🙏
Thank you for your feedback. Have you had treatment?
the pill gave me my life back.
Which one are you taking ?
Just about to start one again after 9 years. I CANT wait to be me again.
I'm seeing someone within a week for possible ADHD and I'm pretty sure I have PMDD. I get really angry easy, sad, the smallest thing can upset me, dark thoughts then once I bleed I feel normal again. I want to sleep alot, feel like my IQ drops, and other things that feel out of my control. My husband and I noticed it seems before and during my period. I'm on birth control for my PCOS. I feel like this is getting worse so hopefully I find something to ease the crazy.
I get insomnia, severe anxiety, depression, dizzy and if i have coffee, forget about it...its like fueling those symptoms 10x worse...i just started noticing. It happens right before, during and sometimes after my period.
It is worth seeing a doctor to consider and treat as it is treatable but needs a thorough evaluation
There is always something someone is dealing with that is worse, but for me, PMDD has been life destroying.
Luteal phase terrifies me and my loved ones every month. I have a blood clotting disorder so that limits treatment and fluoxetine didn’t work for me. I want surgery so badly but I don’t feel like anyone realizes how serious it is for me. I honestly fear it may kill me.
Sorry to hear! hope you can get help. Wish you well. It is treatable.
i completely relate. you are not alone.
DepoProvera was a good one, and I had no real adverse reactions or side effects. Seasonale, Yazmin, and Yaz good as well. Well, YAZ was excellent at treating, and they were good as option for PMDD. Along with Prozac (Sarafem), and Zoloft for PMDD.
Thanks for sharing. That really helps. 🙏🏼
I have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, PCOS, ADHD and autism. I noticed I started having pmdd symptoms last month and then I started having them this month. Luckily I will be going in to visit my endocrinologist this week to go over my blood results and I started taking metformin for my PCOS but I noticed that since I started taking metformin some of my hypothyroidism symptoms came back. My boss said something that made me feel rejected and I ended up bawling my eyes out and then I had three more anxiety attacks after that when I went home and of course I'm looking for another job because hours are very low but I'm afraid what if I get like this and my other job in a couple weeks from now? I also see my psychiatrist this week so we would talk about many antidepressants / anxiety meds I can go on and maybe even have an anxiety Med that I can take only when needed and then have another one that I take daily on hand. Of course I will see what my endocrinologist says first to see what my blood test looks like. My hypothyroidism medication was working so well until a couple weeks after I started taking metformin.
Thanks for sharing and hope you can address the issues you are having with your doctors. Metformin is known to reduce TSH levels and also prevents increase in thyroid volume.
@@PsychiatrySimplified I know I have anxiety and depression but back in January I found out that I had thyroid issues will technically in November but wasn't officially diagnosed until I went to an endocrinologist.
Pmdd is an absolute monster and gets worse worh age. Its actual hell. I wish people were mrpe eductsed. No eays solutions either
I have pmdd. I get nightmares every month at same time, i also wake up screaming at same (relative to period) day every month. I think its when my progesterone drops ? Before ovulation. I looked and alcaholics also get this when stop drinking but i dont drink. I get insomnia and also angry/anxious. I dont take medication, Im clean (from any drugs) and trying to find natural way to cure this but its hard. This month I try going dairy free because I read about (extra hormones in dairy products) but i still eat eggs this month (which is extra hormones too but I dont know how much?) I recently started taking magnesium and realised the proper dose is 2 (150mg) dose a day. Please give me ideas for what to do with this condition. (I also now take vit B complex, vit B 1, vit D and tumeric)
We've covered it in detail here - psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/. please also see the other videos by Prof Kulkarni on this channel. She is the leading authority.
This rings a bell! Ever since I got PMDD I've been having nightmares constantly. No one around me understood why and neither did I. But I might know now
@@hamidaalali6527try Ruqya and/or Claritin
Try Vitex agnus castus or sea kelp. Make sure your vitamin D is optimal
My PMDD has effected so many of my relationships. i basically disappear the week before my period and if i cannot i am just insufferable.
I’ve heard this before as well
is it possible to have endometriosis and PMDD?..
I have endo and during this couple of years PMS symptoms has become worse.. my everyday schedule becomes a mess... I cannot start normal tasks like cleaning, doing dishes or difficult to concentrate at work.. may have insomnia.. increased or decreased appetite.. or horrible rage from simple things what I normally dont even care.. I often isolate when symptoms gets worse.. have suicidal thoughts or think " I have no future " or " everything end soon " ik it is ridiculous!
but once periods are gone all goes back to normal and become myself again..
I always struggle with knowing what came first. I suffer with endometriosis as well as major depressive disorder, ptsd, and severe anxiety. I’m beginning to realize that over the past couple years things get way worse a couple weeks before my period. I have all of the symptoms but everything I’m already diagnosed with could cause this. How does a professional differentiate everything?
In such cases the aim isn't necessarily to split but to integrate and treat.. Splitting leads to one missing the gaps. The conditions have common pathophysiologies. Hormonal dysfunction may underpin PTSD, Anxiety, Endometriosis and MDD each one occurring at different phases. So when something is picked up depends on the initial symptom and the specialist one saw.
Its dreadful..we can't function ..destroys our relationships !!@
They need to redefine this to premenstrual Demonic disorder as it's more accurate.
Demonic is the better term. I certainly feel like it when it’s that time
Haha perfect definition. I literally feel like I am taken over by a demand once a month 😂 all jokes aside, this thing is horrific. I hate it so much
No I hate that 😂
I tried norethindrone but it made me feel kind of sick as well as natural estrogen and progesterone.I felt worse. I take an SSRI which helps a lot but its still annoying.
I am feeling up by listening to my husband telling me “ it’s in my head!and you should control it!!! I am feeling helpless 😢
I just came back from seeing my obgyn. I explain my symptoms to my doctor. Her assistant said "oh you'll be fine. It's just normal pms. If your symptoms are bothering you, you can take birth control to level out your hormones. Or you may take anxiety medication" 🤔
I feel like i have pmdd , 2 weeks after my period it gets really difficult...but instead i was diagnosed with bipolar i feel like i was misdiagnosed
Worth discussing it with the doctor. Both may coexist with hormonal fluctuations worsening the mood fluctuations
and suddenly my life makes sense...
I think Ehler's Danlos Syndrome and Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome makes this 1000x worse...
What are the hypothesized causes? Is it related to allopregnanolone fluctuations and if so do you think the new med Zuranolone once it is out could work for it?
Covered it in more detail here - gaba receptor sensitivity in hormonal changes. psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/diagnosis-and-management-of-premenstrual-syndrome-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder/
What is SA?
I have a reasonable adjustment im place with my employer regarding my Pmdd condition.
I feel trapped in a mind I have no control over for 1-2 weeks out of the month
What about constant hormones everyday my body so nasty as anything inbetween spotting ovulation extreme as anything migraines got extremely worse taken propranolo my blood pressure always high erratic pms syndrome chronic migraines
PMDD has made me become a psych student bc it has ruined parts of my life
why does the progesterone only pill not work?
I'm not comfortable with the risks of treatment so I'm just going to suffer. It's not like my life would be bearable without it anyway, which might have something to do with why I developed it? (Trauma, stress.) I have ADHD too. Sigh.
Which treatment? And is the ADHD treated?
@@PsychiatrySimplified Birth control and anti-depressants were disastrous for me. I've spent half my life messing around with psychiatric meds and it's a huge regret. Even did some ketamine treatment in a sketchy clinic. I'm not comfortable with anymore experimentation. I tried Ritalin once but it didn't really do anything for me except slow down my rumination and make me physically uncomfortable. I was equally as miserable as I would be without it, so I didn't find it worth the risk. I don't want to get surgery or mess around with hormones either. Plus, my doctor is a little malpractice-y, but then healthcare here is such a disaster that I'm lucky enough to even have one.
Sorry to hear. Wish you well
Have had this and have been tracking it since my teenage years. It dosen't make it easier and Having ADHD on top of it.. isn't helpful.
Common comorbidity. Sorry to hear! Hope you are able to get treatment for it
How about hormonal uid ? Wud it help with pmdd? Ty
It was horrible, I had this and adenomyosis…Lexapro and progesterone saved me
Thank you for sharing!
There is no help for this that’s the funniest part
There are treatments for this - Hooe you can discuss this with your GP or psychiatrist
Bright light therapy is NOT recommended if you have Bipolar.
True
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I have pmdd. Horrific.
So sorry to hear. If ok could you share your symptoms and difficulties and if any treatment you received. Perhaps it may help others and others may share ideas. Understand if its too distrasing to share. Wish you well.
Conroy Meadow
Just discussed it with my OB first thing she does is prescribe BC 🙄
BC?
@@PsychiatrySimplifiedBirth Control I suppose.
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Its due to stress, simple as that. Stress preoccupies the adrenal glands thus preventing the adrenals from creating sex hormones as normal. The endocrine system isn't that complex. Minimise stress and take vitamin b6 and other related vitamins.
Your paragraph made a lot of sense until the last line. HPA axis dysfunction is linked to stress. But CRF ( corticotrophin releasing factor) increases NA in stress - in some individuals this isbveey significant. In this group Vit B6 and vitamins does not address the symptoms. This is a serious condition at the moderate to the severe end and should not be minimised. Everyone is different and this group requires proactive treatment
I believe that because I'm under more stress this week and it was bad. I didn't experience pmdd so much last time.
I literally have zero stress in my life. And I want to die. Def not stress related for me. It's hormonal.
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