I am a 35 yr old female. I have had four children and am not going to have any more. My PMS has of course got progressively worse over the last 10 yrs, as is normal for my age. I feel I now have the PPMD symptoms, as I am miserable for 10 days of the month. My GYN only offers anti-deppressants and Birth control pills. She is hesitant to start me on Hormones bc of my age. I do not want the mood pills, because depression is not my problem, pms is. I do not want the pill, bc my insurance does not cover it and my husband has had a vasectomy. I will try them if that is my only course. But, if hormones are what leads to my demise every month...shouldn't my hormones be treated??
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I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, you might want to locate an MD or other healthcare practitioner who has expertise working with bio-identical (natural) hormones. This doc will make sure you receive a complete hormonal assessment. You didn’t mention your symptoms, but I assume from your description that you’re experiencing more of the physical issues as compared to the emotional (mood) ups and downs. In either case, I would also suggest working with an excellent nutritionist who has specialized training in the area of women’s health. Feeding your body and supporting healthy brain chemistry with specific nutrients can make all the difference in how you feel – both physically and emotionally. If you’d like more in depth information, feel free to contact me through http://ClearSky-Inc.com.
August 13, 2008 - 7:54amThis Comment
Hi Loris4andnomore,
I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well. When you say you have PPMD symptoms, have you been diagnosed with the condition or do you feel like it's more PMS. The symptoms for both are identical and over the course of a year, during most menstrual cycles, five or more of the following symptoms must be present:
o depressed mood
o anger or irritability
o difficulty in concentrating
o lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
o moodiness
o increased appetite
o insomnia or hypersomnia
o feeling overwhelmed or out of control
o other physical symptoms
The conditions also include symptoms that disturb social, occupational, or physical functioning and symptoms that are not related to, or exaggerated by, another medical condition. And while sadness or mild depression are not uncommon with PMS. However, with PMDD, significant depression and hopelessness may occur; in extreme cases, women may feel like killing themselves or others. Attributing suicidal or homicidal feelings to “it’s just PMS” is inappropriate.
For mild cases, treatment may include diet modifications such as high carbohydrate meals and reducing salt, caffeine and alcohol, as well as a variety of methods for stress reduction and relaxation such as exercise, counseling and stress/behaviour management strategies.
Would you describe your case as mild, medium or severe? That will help us hone in on answers for you.
August 11, 2008 - 9:02amThis Comment