PMDD 🙄🙄🙄

[Overxomer]

Hey does anyone else suffer from PMDD Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder on top of their anxiety ? If so can you share insight how you deal with both . I seen research state it doesn’t start until the age of 26 and great for me I have anxiety already and I’m 26 !!

[SeekingStability]

I'm not diagnosed but I think I do.

Do you ever know in your head that your feelings are irrational, but it doesn't do much to help because they feel so real?

[Hidden]

Hello, I have pmdd. I find that stress exacerbates it. I believe its genetic, may be caused by trauma, and that I'm over sensitive to my hormones. How do you manage your anxiety

[Overxomer in reply to Hidden]

I am struggling to manage my anxiety but i am finding distractions like playing bingo or couponing .

[Hidden in reply to Overxomer]

That's good, I find distractions help too.

[SatinFoster]

girl yea I do! I’ve had it since I got my period!

[sophiebrodie]

Welcome to the club!

I have no idea where you heard that "26" rule. I've had it since 11, when I started my periods. Super fun gyn appointment at 13. I also have OCD since around 5 years, and social anxiety since around 10 that worsen with my period. Add that to my period being around 10 days long, and it's a whole pile of yay! /sarcasm.

When I say that it worsens, I basically relapse. I'm normally functioning when I'm not on it, but I can't manage my symptoms during the week before my period, and the first few days during. Let's just say, the only time I SH due to OCD is during that period.

Treat the anxiety like you normally would during the non-PMDD times. But, you'll most likely have to treat the PMDD differently.

Here are the treatments I've tried, with my results:

1. Birth control. Specifically, Yaz without the sugar pills. It stopped my actual period, but I spotted every day for around four months. If you don't want that, don't take it. Also, you'll need to take a pill every morning, so if you aren't already taking meds, it might not be the best.

2. Depo shots. Basically, they shoot estrogen into your body. It only lasts for three months, and you'll need to go to the OB/GYN to redo it. It worked okay for the PMDD, but it's iffy for each person, and each period of time. Also, the place that you are injected (arm or thigh) hurts A LOT for a few days afterwards.

3. Nexaplon implant. They stick a toothpick/matchstick (their words) into your arm and it lasts for three years. This is what I currently have. As I got the procedure done less than a week ago, I haven't seen any improvement. It is rather painful (imo) from the numbing shot, and it causes a major bruise (around the size of my palm). Also, you can't let anything touch it or lift anything over 5 pounds. I'll try to come up and update after a few months to let you know how it is, but I currently have no results.

I've also heard (not tried) that taking SSRIs only during the PMDD times.

As always, talk to your doctor/therapist about this.

Good luck!