Do you think I have PMS or is this normal?

Question

I get extremely depressed to the point that I think of cutting
I get spazzy and have crying spells.
I get sensitive and hurt easily by simple insults.
I feel hopeless.
I feel like things will never be ok.

Do you think this is PMS or something else? NO SARCASM.

Answer 1

I'm thinking that it's NOT just pms, but PMDD...


I was diagnosed with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) back in 2003, about a year after the birth of my daughter. After my daughter was born, I had a very severe case of PPD (postpartum depression), and I believe that the PMDD stems from the PPD.

During my PPD days, I was on many antidepressants, some antipsychotic meds, as well as antianxiety meds. They did help, up to a point, and then my medication dosage needed to be increased, eventually leading to a medication switch.

When the PMDD came about, it became even a darker time for me. I was suicidal every month, the desperation was horrible. NONE of the meds I was taking helped my case of PMDD, whereas there are many women who are helped by meds such as Prozac or the generic form of it, Serafem. They did not help me in the least bit. I was hospitalized at one point b/c of the PMDD... as well as once with the PPD.

In October of 2006 I began taking Yaz birth control, which has literally saved my life. I no longer take the other meds, except for an occasional Ativan for anxiety.

Here is an article about my personal experience... I warn you, it's quite intense.
http://www.heartbeatthemagazine.com/091806/091806inspirations.htm

If you by chance have PMDD, don't ever listen to anyone who tells you that it's "just bad PMS." It's NOT just "bad" PMS. PMDD is a highly debilitating condition, and it is definitely real.

You may want to look into checking this out, this link will take you to a site in which you can track your symptoms to find out if you do have PMDD...

http://www.yaz-us.com/bodydiaryyaz/logon...

Answer 2

Is this only a few days a month? Then yes, could be PMS. But either way (all the time or once a month), it sounds severe enough that you could see a doctor about it. There are drugs to help. Also, I know it sounds silly to some people, but yoga really, really has helped me control stress. Plus it helps cramps, and give you a place of calmness to escape to when you're down. give it a try. Actually going to a class is much more beneficial than a DVD until you get in the groove.

Answer 3

Do you have this ONLY during the 3 or 4 days before your period? If the answer is yes, see your gynecologist.

If you have them outside of this frame in time, you have depression and anxiety disorders (cutting). You need to see a psychiatrist.

I think a visit to both drs. would be good. Getting on a BCP would help those symptoms related to a goofy estrogen system, and a psychiatrist can make sure it's not something more serious, something life-threatening.

TX Mom
Not a medical expert
Lots of experience

Answer 4

Pretty typical. Try drinking more milk and eating more dairy products just prior to your period (about a week before). Also, Hyland's homeopathic remedies have formulations for PMS that you can try.

Answer 5

If the symptoms are restricted to the 5-10days before you get your period, then yes it could be PMS.
If they are happening other times, and more often than those few days a month, could be depression.

Answer 6

This sounds like severe pms or something more serious like maybe depression. I think you should go talk to your dr about it. Prehaps some hormone treatment could help you out and make you feel better.

Its not nice to feel that way i know, go seek some help.x x

Answer 7

If it happens during your menstrual cycle or a week before your menstrual cycle it is just PMS. However, if you're acting like this all month then you may have something wrong. Maybe bi-polar?

Answer 8

if it happens regularly with your menstrual cycle, it is most likely PMS. Check with a doctor if it ever seems too much to handle, or if it doesn't coincide with the week before or during your period.

Answer 9

Well it depends...do you have these symptoms all month long or just around your period?

If they are just around your period they are most likely pms signs.

If they continue all month then it could be a sign of something more serious.

Answer 10

i'd have to say it depends on what time you have it if it is only around your period then yes it's PMS but if it's not then you might want to get some pills or somthing to help because it could be serious.