Posted by Cady on January 16, 2009, at 5:49:58
I have bipolar disorder and either PMDD (severe PMS) or PME (premenstrual exacerbation of bipolar disorder). Not sure which, but either would be the result of ovulation followed by other hormone changes in the 2nd half of the cycle.
I have found that birth control pills stop the PMS by stopping ovulation, but cause equally bad mood problems, especially as the blood levels of progestin increase over the course of the month. This is true of all pills. I switched to NuvaRing which is a lower dose than any pill and blood levels are steady throughout the day and month. Much better.
The problem is that all of the above interact with a lot of psych meds, limiting my treatment options for bipolar disorder. If you have heard that NuvaRing does not interact, that's not true. It is metabolized the same way -- full prescribing information confirms this. Another problem I have with taking hormones is the serious health risks (blood clots, stroke, etc.)
Anyway, if there were another alternative, I would try it. I can't take antidepressants because they make me manic (trust me, it doesn't matter which type of AD).
Has anything else worked for anyone on severe PMS?
poster:Cady
thread:874289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874289.html