Since I have had PPP I have been really struggling with pre menstrual tension that's really severe. Before realising I'm due on I start to get really erratic moods really high then really low, I get suicidal and self harm thoughts and I get extremely paranoid, very anxious and this month extremely vivid nightmares and sleep paralysis.
Does anyone know if there is something I can do to alleviate these symptoms
Hi Meggy88 - I get severe premenstrual symptoms too since having PPP in January. I usually experience them up to 1 week before. I keep track of my cycle so I can see when I am likely to experience a dip in mood. I try to make sure I am busy during this time to distract me from any negative thoughts although hormones tend to have their own agenda.
Hello Meggy88,
I am sorry that you are struggling, as you suggested, with PMT.
I believe you are doing so exceptionally well, because you have had PPP only this year.
The recovery process is so individual and in my case it was important to establish a toolkit to keep balanced. I wonder whether you can talk about your emotions to relevant professionals within your support network? To whom can you talk about your "mood swings"?
In the first year I was just too poorly to look after myself, but I know that GP, health visitor, Psychiatrist, care coordinator were continuously observing my mental health, including my partner, who was my full time carer at the time.
Anyhow, even before and after PPP, I struggled with my menstrual cycle. I believe it is quite good to do some mood tracking. I am using an application on my I phone, which is called "daylio"...yes, some sort of journalising always helps me.
Nowadays I am very alternative-focused with regards to my therapeutic approaches and concentrate on loads of meditation and yoga in many forms, which even includes walking meditation. Exercising or just spending quality time with my son creates some very special moments.
Wishing you all the best. Give yourself time to heal and all in stepping stones.
x
Hello Meggy88
I'm so sorry to read about how you are suffering with severe PMS. Just to add to the good advice here .... Mind has a page about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, described as a severe form of PMS, at mind.org.uk which might be helpful as there are shared experiences and a video clip with links to support. I had suicidal thoughts during my PP episodes and know how frightening they can be.
Also having sleep paralysis must be awful with nightmares too. Perhaps your GP can signpost you to therapy? For now, have you tried listening to restful, calming music before you sleep? I hope you find support soon. Take good care of yourself .... we are all here for you.
Hi Meggy88
Thank you for sharing your experience of PMS which has been bad since PPP... I can totally relate... it can be extremely debilitating and
distressing ... the advice you’ve had above is excellent, I would only add that Vitamin B6 has really helped me, prescribed by my GP, which is a much stronger dose that you can buy over the counter.
As there is a hormonal element to PPP and PMS it could be that your hormones are still out of balance, and may take a while to settle again, Evening Primrose Oil is also helpful for some.
It’s a good idea to track your cycle so that you can anticipate when you will be more vulnerable and to have your family aware so that they support you during that hard time.
Self care is so important, try to get as much rest as you can and reach out to those around you.
We are all here on the forum to listen and chat and help how we can, sending love and good wishes - Jas xx
Thank you everyone I have decided I'm going to book an appointment to discuss it with my GP
Hi Meggy88,
I really empathise with you on this one. It is hard to deal with and debilitating at times. I also suffer in a similar way. I always used to struggle with PMDD before PP. However after PP premenstrual symptoms became exagerrated. Mine is managed mostly with medication. The medication also helps with my bipolar which can be common for some people following PP.
I find if I keep a diary I can try to plan around my cycle so I'm not too stressed at this time.
Hope you get sorted at the GP soon. If you have a consultant it may be worth mentioning to them too
All the best
Teresa x
I gave birth 11 weeks ago and I’ve been really suffering with pmt I didn’t realise it was pmt until I felt so bad 2 weeks ago and ask for antidepressants only to find the next day I started my period and by day three mood had totally lifted and I felt silly I thought it was depression! I have been encouraged to talk about contraception by my cpn but I can only take the progesterone pill due to being over 35 and a migraine sufferer but I’ve heard it can cause depression and I did suffer depression last time I was on it but hadn’t put 2 and 2 together. I’d be interested if anyone comes along with good advice!
I found that being on the pill massively helped my PMS. I've come off it now so it's back and I keep forgetting that's why I'm anxious, insomniac, and stressed until my husband points out the date... I also wonder if my cycle causes digestive issues?! Is that just totally random or does anyone feel the same?
How did you get on with GP Meggy?
Hazello x
I went to the docs and he gave me the mini pill so far I'm ok but not due on yet so I'll have to let you know!
Yes round my period I get very bloated and constipated and I throw up every morning....then sometimes I wake up in the night in agony and have horrendous diarrhea.....the joys of being a woman!
17 Months after PPP
PPP Book
Terrifying episode of PPP. 
