Is there anything, anything at all, to help emotional PMS symptoms?

Question

Women usually have bad cramps and bloating and physical pain when they have PMS, and they can also be irritable I know. But this is killing me. While I do have the cramps and blah blah, nothing bothers me as much as the emotional pain I have when I'm pmsing. I'm not myself at all, I can be a maniac and go into these crazy-spaz episodes where I can't control anything I say and cause a lot of stress and get myself into trouble. I don't have tourettes, no, and I'm not a drama queen, I'm a very laid back person except at my time of the month. The worst thing is, the entire depression-mode lasts about 11 days, and then it's gone. I hate not being able to enjoy anything because I just can't snap out of this awful mood, which just saddens me more. I'm practically suicidal when I'm going through this. I've had my period for 4-5 years now and this has been happening through the past year. Yes, I've tried explaining this to my parents but they think I'm just insane. (Yes, they said that.)

Is there anything I can take at all? I'm only on amoxicillion for my skin but I've been on that since I was 12. I am desperate for anything.

simi - i'm not mentally sick. it has to be PMS, because it comes right before my period. I have hobbies and a life but I can't enjoy it because I'm in this horrible mood!!

carimi - i dont have a yeast infection. yes i'm 110% sure.

Answer 1

Sorry that you're having such a difficult time. I've heard from friends that PMS can take them out of commission (literally) for several days. It's that disabling, and difficult for people that haven't experienced it to understand. I'm no expert by any means, but I say educate yourself as much as you can via your doctor (have you had a complete physical exam? could you be referred to a specialist?) and good info resources on the web and at the library. It's really important that your doc takes this seriously (both the physical and emotional concerns) and makes efforts to help you in these areas. Insist if you must, but be heard. You've shared some really compelling stuff here...maybe you could print out what you wrote and give your doctor something like this to shed some light on what you're dealing with. Keep a bit of journal if you can next time during the days leading up to, during , and after you have an episode. It'll be helpful info for your doc, and you can get a sense of your cycle's pattern if you keep tracking it.

When that time in your cycle's coming up, really try to structure your commitments around it so that you're not, say, committed to making a huge presentation or tackling a really difficult task when you know that you might not be up to it. Some teachers will give you an extension if there's a medical reason that you need it. When you _are_ feeling your best, try to pack in extra tasks or get extra work out of the way so that you have less to bog you down when you're feeling crummy. Confide in someone you can talk to and trust - support is really important! Lots of people posting on this site are willing to share what's worked for them, which is great. It may take your parents some time to understand what you're going through, but pick a good time to bring it up again with one or both of them. They might fully understand how this is affecting you nor know quite know how to help at this point. If you're at school, it might make sense to get a medical note and have it on file there. It doesn't have to give your private details away, just needs to be there to cover you when you need it.

I was looking up a research article just now which reviews treatments, and it looks as if hormonal therapies (as some other respondents have mentioned) like birth control pills or medications are commonly used. Talking/cognitive therapies sound like they may be helpful too, especially those that promote relaxation. Even though it might seem out of the question when things are at their worst, there's also a case made for aerobic exercise in order to battle symptoms. Give that you've mentioned having a low mood and suicidal thoughts during these times, it seems even more important that you have access to some counselling to support you if/when you need it. Some family doctors or free clinics, school staff may provide this or they can make referrals to other caregivers (therapists, specialist doctors) as needed. There's a link to a scientific paper summary below (one of many) that you can print off and share with your doctor if you feel comfortable. There might be even more recent research available. I really hope that there will be some useful ideas in there (as well as other people's advice re: what worked for them) that will help you. Wishing you well!

Answer 2

I second the person who said birth control bills, I used to take them for exactly what you are describing and also very bad cramps. I stopped for a while but I am going back on them because they make such a difference. Just make sure that the doctor understands that you want something that won't drastically drop in levels of hormone so that you can be less up and down with your moods during your period. And Planned Parenthood like someone else said is a good place but if you explain to your Mom or Dad (whoever you feel might be more receptive) that the emotional ups and downs are really interfering with your daily life and that this happens to lots and lots of women, hopefully they will understand. You could also see your family doctor about this too, though it might be better in the long run to see a gynecologist because they may know more about all the different pill options.

Answer 3

If you are taking an antibiotic and have been taking one for some time you are probably suffering from Candidis which is an over growth of yeast. This is probably what is causing your terrible PMS. One start taking acidophiles you can get this at a health food store. Pau D' Arco tea. A a vitamin b complex very important. If you search the web for candidis you will find all kinds of info. The antibiotic kills this natural flora in your intestines which allows the Candidis to multiply. You may also have terrible yeast infections. Your cycles are greatly effected by this. There are certain hormones that throw this yeast into high production and it's usually around a week before your period sometime into the first few days of your period. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

This is a normal thing and you are in no way insane. You should actually see a doctor. There are meds that can help this. I also find that diet can make a difference. Diet helps everything. Avoid prepackaged foods, cut back on sugar and fried foods. Do some research and show your mom what you find so that maybe she'll take you seriously.

I understand what you're talking about because I was the same way. It feels like a terrible cycle that you can't break free of. You're usually laid back and easy going and then suddenly your ticked off by the smallest things.

Hopefully your mom at least will take you seriously.

Answer 5

I've been taking the pill (birth control) for -severe- PMS mood swings for about 6 years now, and it is the ONLY thing that has ever helped. Anti-depressants only made it worse, but as soon as I found a doctor who would let me try taking this to even out my hormonal shifts (woman doctor, of course), I felt better that same month.

Answer 6

Seems like you can't talk to your parents about this. I don't know where you live but if you are at least 16 years old, you can contact your nearest Planned Parenthood clinic and talk to someone there to see if maybe birthcontrol pills can help level the amount of hormones you are producing.

I don't think your parents are aware that you are asking for help. You should give them the benefit of the doubt and try them again. Then if that doesn't work, you need to get help somewhere.

Answer 7

I have the same problem. My husband and I all but head to divorce court the week before my period. I'm thinking of asking my doctor for some meds that will mellow me out. I know how you fell, people say it's "all in your head", but trust me it's not. It has to be a chemical imbalance or something.

Answer 8

Pls STOP blaming it on PMS.
STOP thinking its PMS.
For pain, u can take medications like pain killers and all
BUT iff u strt taking medications for ur temper and ur mental sickness beleive me it would turn u into a real mentally sick person.
Start taking the responsibilities for ur actions and u would b more responsible.
Try on some hobbies, distract urself. Make a conscious effort to be quieter than usual. This would atleast help u control the display of ur anger and irritation.
Be a sport woman. Be happy for wat u've. Count on ur plusses.

Answer 9

im not sure. i tend not to go outside (yes its that bad). but what r u gonna do lol stay away from people u might hurt. or explain to them the best you can what it going on. if there girls im sure they will understand. men usually try not to think about the subject and thats probally what there thinking it is any way. well good luck

Answer 10

my girlfriend takes valerian root to battle the emotional side you talk about. it seems to help a little.
she seems to have more patience for situations and doesnt fly off the handle nearly as much.
btw...this is just an herb--its natural--and its not a drug.