Posted by cupcake on November 2, 2003, at 20:31:33
In reply to Re: afraid... PMDD, posted by courtney Simon on November 2, 2003, at 18:45:05
hi courtney et al...
i have an idea how you're feeling...nobody ever formally diagnosed me with pmdd, but i started noticing the symptoms when i was about 18 years old, in college. it's been a long and difficult road to figuring out exactly WHAT is wrong with me and how to deal with it most effectively :), but you can do it. i started by going to the library--and now there is soooo much information online, as well.
i finally started going regularly to a therapist (in my case, an lcsw (licensed clinical social worker)) to deal with some personal and family issues, but it really got me on the road to dealing with the physical, hormonal, and biochemical components of my problem. a good therapist can help you figure out a plan of action when you are feeling depressed and out of control and help you learn to advocate for yourself with doctors and others. i finally got diagnosed with depression, which also intensifies during the 2 weeks before and during my period. i think that some antidepressants have been approved to help treat pmdd and pms. that might be something for you to look into.
also, it might sound overly simplistic, and even though it's hard to make yourself do when you feel like crap, exercising, eating right, and taking supplements can be a big help. some supplements that have helped me and are often recommended for pmdd and pms are:
calcium/magnesium
evening primrose oil
flaxseed oil and fish oil
vitamin b6 and/or b complex
chasteberry extractdo an internet search on PMDD and treatments also, that could help. good luck--you are definitely not alone!
> Thanks I went there and sent an email. Thank you so much for letting me know I am not alone. It means so much.
>
> Courtney
poster:cupcake
thread:275828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031030/msgs/275903.html