![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 202 to 226 of 226. Go back in thread:
Posted by gracie99 on July 26, 2004, at 19:57:40
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Doug Anderson on November 15, 2000, at 23:55:25
A couple of doses of Ritalin over the few days prior to end of cycle was amazingly effective -- just canceled out my pre-menstrual snarling misery.
At any other time of the month, a drug like Ritalin would make me unpleasantly antsy. But at that time of the month, it seemed calming and cheering, the perfect combination.
I felt it is was a fairly safe, low toxicity treatment, given that it was just two doses/month.
It's a pity that more doctors don't know about this treatment PMDD and/or are willing to prescribe it.
(When the doctor who prescribed it for my PMDD moved away, I was never able to find another doctor who would prescribe it for that reason -- they all treated me like a drug abuser, some even became hostile and ordered me out of their offices! Fortunately my PMDD eventually got better over time, and I no longer need to treat it.)
Posted by Heather Hall on July 26, 2004, at 20:39:33
In reply to Ritalin for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by gracie99 on July 26, 2004, at 19:57:40
My doc put me on it with Prozac for awhile. The Prozac didn't have any effect but the Ritalin worked really well. I chose to discontinue it because I kept crashing harder and harder when it wore off. She had me on it continually, 2 doses a day, but at the lowest available potency. I wonder if the occasional would have been better. At the time, I was over the top all the time, it was just worse with my cycles. I am much better now. I did some progesterone, some NeuroModulation Technique. Those got me a little better, now I am going to a homeopath with FABULOUS results. I only had a 2 hour freak out this months, padded by a mildly cranky day on either side.
> A couple of doses of Ritalin over the few days prior to end of cycle was amazingly effective -- just canceled out my pre-menstrual snarling misery.
>
> At any other time of the month, a drug like Ritalin would make me unpleasantly antsy. But at that time of the month, it seemed calming and cheering, the perfect combination.
>
> I felt it is was a fairly safe, low toxicity treatment, given that it was just two doses/month.
>
> It's a pity that more doctors don't know about this treatment PMDD and/or are willing to prescribe it.
>
> (When the doctor who prescribed it for my PMDD moved away, I was never able to find another doctor who would prescribe it for that reason -- they all treated me like a drug abuser, some even became hostile and ordered me out of their offices! Fortunately my PMDD eventually got better over time, and I no longer need to treat it.)
Posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:27:07
In reply to Re: Ritalin for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Heather Hall on July 26, 2004, at 20:39:33
Wow, I just found these posts and appreciate all the knowledge and information that was shared on this thread. I too have been diagnosed PMDD. I'm 40 and peri-menopausal. I can't believe I may have 10 more years of this, but that's life. So, I did Lexapro for 9 months and it cleared up pretty well, except for a couple of times per month, but tolerable. But, it made me sooooo sleepy after upping to 20mg. I am now on Wellbutrin. I'm no longer sleepy, but I'm back to crying, raging, etc. for part of the month. So, my doc said to combine the WB with just 10mg of Lex.
I would love to try something different, never heard of the Ritalin idea til these posts. Also, what is neuro modulation? And, what sort of treatment has your homeopath recommended?
Thank you for your help, both of you. It does feel good to be validated by others that PMDD does exist and does have a biochemical root!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by jakesmom on August 11, 2004, at 20:09:38
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Heather Hall on April 9, 2004, at 8:37:44
I was wondering...has anyone ever heard of taking Lexapro for only the week before your period to treat pmdd? I told my doctor I had mood swings before my period and she recommended I take 5 mg. of Lexapro only the week before to help. From what I am reading here...about Lexapro is that it takes a while to really get working and the side effects go away after 3-4 weeks. So how will taking it only for the week I experience the pmdd help in the long run? Any experience with this anyone? I haven't started it yet...want more information.
Posted by LynneDa on August 12, 2004, at 9:41:02
In reply to Re: pmdd and Lexapro, posted by jakesmom on August 11, 2004, at 20:09:38
Hi -
I'm no authority, but here is my opinion. You need to take the Lex for several months to see if it even helps your PMDD symptoms. Then, you may be able to back off of it and only take it at certain times of the month. I think you need to establish certain levels in your system, maybe? My doctor told me I could take 5 mg for part of the month then boost up to 20mg during ovulation and the week before my period. I'm now taking Wellbutrin because the 20 mg of Lex made me too sleepy, but the WB doesn't relieve all my PMDD symptoms. I am going to try adding 5mg of Lex back in and see if it helps and then my doctor said I could just use it at certain times of the month. I hope this makes sense and is helpful!It's certainly worth asking your doctor if that would work for you eventually. But, SSRIs have to build up in your system. They don't work as instantaneously as, say, allergy medicine.
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I was wondering...has anyone ever heard of taking Lexapro for only the week before your period to treat pmdd? I told my doctor I had mood swings before my period and she recommended I take 5 mg. of Lexapro only the week before to help. From what I am reading here...about Lexapro is that it takes a while to really get working and the side effects go away after 3-4 weeks. So how will taking it only for the week I experience the pmdd help in the long run? Any experience with this anyone? I haven't started it yet...want more information.
Posted by Mariposa on August 12, 2004, at 10:12:44
In reply to Re: pmdd and Lexapro » jakesmom, posted by LynneDa on August 12, 2004, at 9:41:02
I was Dx - PMDD and depression, Rx - Lexapro. Currently @30mg, have been taking 16 mos. Really helps but if I miss a day I get bad headaches and feel bitchy next day. Not sure how taking 5mg one week out of month will work as you need to take 2+ mos. before it starts to work. Does your doc have other patients doing this?~~~8|8
Posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 9:39:16
In reply to Re: PMDD:So many questions!, posted by shelby on January 29, 2001, at 11:01:32
I believe I am pmdd. Im 33 and have been to doctors who thought maybe depression maybe manic depression. I dont totaly fit in that catagory because It revolves around my cycle. Iam so scared I am newley married and driving my husband away to the point of him just wanting out at times "during those attrociouse weeks". I seem to have 0ne week a month where every day is stable but the rest of the weeks I am so crazy.
I do crazy things like run away for the afternoon swearing never to come back, to thoughts of sucide I make terrable acusations to my husband, have jelouse rage and sever mood swings. All of witch totally close my husband off to me and I end up totally exahuasted from the whole or deal. "thinking what was all that about>" Its like for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks a month Im loving and happy like a sunny spring day then for the rest I am an evil storm of unstability. I am seeking some psciatric advise tommorrow. I really want so bad to have a normal life and live in love and harmony with my husband. I want us to be happy and have a child, however he doesnt want to have a child with me when Im unstable. so I get even more insecure about the outcome of all this. Have tried anti depressants dont really help at all was on hormones they just messed up my cycle. My gyno said in sever cases like mine she has performed hystorectomies with success. But they had children all ready. So I cant have a child if I dont get stable but if I want to be stable I might need to end my periods so either way child birth is not looking bright for me. It makes me even more depressed and crazy during my bad weeks. I think my husband is so to the end of his rope with me and I am really trying to seek help. I dont really know what my question is but any POSITIVE feed back would be so great for me and my husband. Thanks for listening
Posted by LynneDa on December 6, 2004, at 10:08:29
In reply to soo happy to find some info, posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 9:39:16
Hi! Your story is exactly like mine! Mine has been going on for about 5 years; I'm 41 now and had my daughter when I was 33. I have the worthless, sucicidal thoughts, jealous rages that are totally irrational, crying jags, angry about everything and anything to downright depression.
You can get better!!!! Don't give up hope! I know exactly how awful you feel and how not normal it is for you to have these personality changes. It is good that you know it's based on your cycle.
If one anti-depressant doesn't work, try another. Change dosages before giving up on one. Hopefully your psychiatrist will have some ideas.
There are lots of natural, common sense things you can do too, of course: exercise, eat right, take vitamins/supplements, lower your caffeine intake, take herbs (alternative board), massage therapy, acupuncture, etc. Believe me, I've tried them all. But, I haven't really stuck to anything :-(.
I'm on 300 mg Wellbutrin SR and 5 mg Lexapro. That seems to work fairly well. I would say I am down to only 2 bad times per month: ovulation and about a week before my period; each lasting about 2 days or so. (I am on the pill and I don't know if it helps or hurts.)
My therapist is 41 and had a hysterectomy. It did work wonders, but obviously it's not an option for you right now.
I would also suggest that your husband go to a counselor either with you or without you so he can understand this crazy stuff we women have to go through! I am newly married as well (2 years, 2nd marriage). My husband doesn't completely get it, thinks that we should be able to control our emotions, etc. But, the counseling and some reading he did helped to legitimize it.
Another piece of advice I can give you. When you are feeling crazy, try another outlet besides your husband, if you can. Call a friend or sister or counselor and just ramble. Or write to us here. I was, and still am, terrible in that I unload all my irrational feelings and fears on him.
When you're feeling bad most of the month, I know it is hard to help yourself get better and do positive things. But, you will get better and as your hormones and chemicals get straightened out with meds, you can take steps to do some of the other self-help things. It's a gradual process, but you will get better!!!
Let us know how you're doing. We care!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I believe I am pmdd. Im 33 and have been to doctors who thought maybe depression maybe manic depression. I dont totaly fit in that catagory because It revolves around my cycle. Iam so scared I am newley married and driving my husband away to the point of him just wanting out at times "during those attrociouse weeks". I seem to have 0ne week a month where every day is stable but the rest of the weeks I am so crazy.
> I do crazy things like run away for the afternoon swearing never to come back, to thoughts of sucide I make terrable acusations to my husband, have jelouse rage and sever mood swings. All of witch totally close my husband off to me and I end up totally exahuasted from the whole or deal. "thinking what was all that about>" Its like for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks a month Im loving and happy like a sunny spring day then for the rest I am an evil storm of unstability. I am seeking some psciatric advise tommorrow. I really want so bad to have a normal life and live in love and harmony with my husband. I want us to be happy and have a child, however he doesnt want to have a child with me when Im unstable. so I get even more insecure about the outcome of all this. Have tried anti depressants dont really help at all was on hormones they just messed up my cycle. My gyno said in sever cases like mine she has performed hystorectomies with success. But they had children all ready. So I cant have a child if I dont get stable but if I want to be stable I might need to end my periods so either way child birth is not looking bright for me. It makes me even more depressed and crazy during my bad weeks. I think my husband is so to the end of his rope with me and I am really trying to seek help. I dont really know what my question is but any POSITIVE feed back would be so great for me and my husband. Thanks for listening
Posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 10:28:16
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by LynneDa on December 6, 2004, at 10:08:29
oh thank you lyne I just burst into tears of relief to hear that i am on a path. It is so good to see that you where so similar and are getting better. THANK YOU!!!!
Posted by dove on December 6, 2004, at 11:06:12
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 10:28:16
I also have PMDD, and when I'm pregnant (I've had six children) I do very--very well mentally and emotionally. What hits me very hard is after the baby is born, and I must be extremely vigilant about getting enough sleep, taking my meds (and I take quite a few), and allowing other people to help.
Also, urgently try to find another outlet for your rage, anguish ect... other than your spouse, it is vital! I've been married 13 years and that was the one item that attempted to take the marriage down in flames.
Still stable on a combo of Effexor, Prozac, Adderall, Klonopin and Remeron.
dove
Posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 13:12:00
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by dove on December 6, 2004, at 11:06:12
well it is good to here everything I want to learn everything and different opptions. In the past I have tried all sorts of b control pills but always had some adverse effect. Plus it is so hard because I really want a baby some day, I believe I will be My self and the happy loving fun person I am when my periouds end. But a hystorectomy would cause depression also for wanting a child. I dont know if I really would call my symptoms rage more like lashings and my life spins out of control to the point of wanting to just run and hide. I am still learning and of course dont know the exact wording for my symptoms other then crazy for part of the month. But I deffinetaly need an outlet because it is driving a wedge between me and my husband and my family.
Posted by Liv on December 6, 2004, at 14:55:11
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by dove on December 6, 2004, at 11:06:12
If you have $3,000 to spend (and for me it was worth every penny) I will highly recommend that you get an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet at HER Place in Arizona. She is an M.D. that has the knowledge and the interest in helping women in our situation. Too many ob/gyn have no interest in our female hormone changes and think everything is in our “head”. I will predict that your estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, insulin and glucose is way out of whack.
I have read Dr. Vliet’s book: “Screaming to Be Heard” It’s very informative and helped me see that there actually is something physically wrong with my body, and THERE IS HELP & TREATMENT. I’m just mad that my ob/gyn was not willing to listen to me and my information. Dr. Vliet has written two other books (which I have not read): “It’s My Ovaries, Stupid!” & “Women, Weight, and Hormones”
Take a look at www.herplace.comIf you can not afford Dr. Vliet (it would be the best money you ever spent! I have submitted my claim with the insurance, but do not know how much of it will be covered), you need to insist that your dr. do at least a few tests. (Before I went to HER Place she had me draw blood for about 40 different things, which was included in her fee) I will suggest that you ask your dr. to check:
On your first day of bleeding (second day if you start your period on a Saturday/Sunday)
Estradiol on day 1
Progesterone day 1
Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
TSH
Free T4
Free T3And 20 days after your first day of your period:
Estradiol on day 20
Progesterone day 20
Post Prandial Glucose and Insulin test . This is when you eat a normal meal (breakfast) and have your blood drawn 2 hours later. You do NOT drink any sugar drinks at the lab.If your dr. know of Dr. Vliet and are willing to follow her recommendations, you are in luck! If not, try to find one that are willing to work with you. Someone that has an interest in PCOS and treatment of Early Menopause (It is all hormone problems). Your Estradiol on day 1 should be 80 or higher & on day 20 your estradiol should be over 200 (mine was 17 and 55, which is too low for ovulation) The problem with most ob/gyn is that they do not know what normal levels of these hormones are. I had my dr. test my Estradiol on day 1 three years ago and it came back at 22. He said it was suppose to be that low, well IT IS NOT. He offered me PremPro, which is NOT the type of hormone I need! I’m now on Estradial, Vagifem, Prometruim (it is important to use these natural forms of hormone and not the once that has been extracted from horse urine) and metformin. And I’m a new person. We are all different individuals, and you need to find someone that will work with you and your hormones and find the right thing for you. Do not let the dr. talk you into take PremPro or Premarin.
Posted by mel32 on December 7, 2004, at 8:32:30
In reply to soo happy to find some info, posted by perkidoom on December 6, 2004, at 9:39:16
> I believe I am pmdd. Im 33 and have been to doctors who thought maybe depression maybe manic depression. I dont totaly fit in that catagory because It revolves around my cycle. Iam so scared I am newley married and driving my husband away to the point of him just wanting out at times "during those attrociouse weeks". I seem to have 0ne week a month where every day is stable but the rest of the weeks I am so crazy.
> I do crazy things like run away for the afternoon swearing never to come back, to thoughts of sucide I make terrable acusations to my husband, have jelouse rage and sever mood swings. All of witch totally close my husband off to me and I end up totally exahuasted from the whole or deal. "thinking what was all that about>" Its like for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks a month Im loving and happy like a sunny spring day then for the rest I am an evil storm of unstability. I am seeking some psciatric advise tommorrow. I really want so bad to have a normal life and live in love and harmony with my husband. I want us to be happy and have a child, however he doesnt want to have a child with me when Im unstable. so I get even more insecure about the outcome of all this. Have tried anti depressants dont really help at all was on hormones they just messed up my cycle. My gyno said in sever cases like mine she has performed hystorectomies with success. But they had children all ready. So I cant have a child if I dont get stable but if I want to be stable I might need to end my periods so either way child birth is not looking bright for me. It makes me even more depressed and crazy during my bad weeks. I think my husband is so to the end of his rope with me and I am really trying to seek help. I dont really know what my question is but any POSITIVE feed back would be so great for me and my husband. Thanks for listening
Dear Shelby,
I have been where you are, except that I had a son 6 years ago, and my pmdd got worse. I tried many anti-depressants, to no avail. I also tried birth control, and became suicidally depressed.
I am much better now, and here is what I prescribe. Eliminate caffeine, above all, this was really contributing to my mood swings. Drastically reduce your sugar intake. Drink 2 quarts of water a day. Exercise 5 times a week. Eat healthy, high fiber, etc...Most important, keep a calendar on the fridge with your period marked, and highlight the 12-14 day period before your next menstruation so that everyone(you and your husband) knows when the crazy train is scheduled to arrive! I believe that pmdd is a serious physiological problem, but I also believe in mind over body. So if you know what you are up against and when, it is much easier to rationalize things and calm yourself down. When i feel irrational feelings coming up at my bad time, i can say uh oh, my period is coming, and I know that my tendency is to totally overreact and it diffuses it a little. Then sometimes, i just go and cry and scream into a pillow. It is very important that your husband understands that this is a serious hormonal imbalance, and that you did not ask to be this way, but that you are willing to make the changes necessary to help your body get better. Also, Estroven PMS formula available at health food stores is AWESOME! It really does calm you down in less than 20 minutes. Check it out and good luck! Post a message to me if you want to exchange emails or if you have any questions. Melody
Posted by dove on December 7, 2004, at 8:59:53
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by mel32 on December 7, 2004, at 8:32:30
I am happy to see all the responses, the new posters (Welcome!), and the variety of advice. I've had a lot of labs done also, including a thorough Thyroid work-up and glucose tolerance. Due to my pregnancies (and genetics) my thyroid is hyper, hypo, and sometimes working within the range of "normal". I haven't had the money to get everything rechecked within the last 6 months--since I had the last baby--but would highly recommend that everyone who is dealing with these issues get it done. And realize that different Doc's interpret results differently; whereas, an endocrinologist might see problems a GP might tell you everything looks fine.
There are a few natural remedies that really do help and are worth looking into. And marking the calendar can really help everyone in the family, yourself, and your doc's, when they need exact info. I kept one calendar just for my moods and cycles for over five years. Sometimes I merely marked a plus or a minus sign for whether the day was overall positive or negative, other times I wrote major physical, emotional and mental symptoms I was experiencing. I was able to predict the time of the month when I should start struggling, as well as marking when I actually did. It helped enormously, giving me a real view of what was happening, and revealing what meds were beneficial or detrimental. This is how I discovered that low dose Prozac was actually very effective for many of my PMDD symptoms.
Hope you find some relief!
dove
Posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 9:17:44
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by dove on December 7, 2004, at 8:59:53
I agree with Dove - all this information is really wonderful, thanks to all who've posted!
So, those of you who had all the different hormone and chemical levels tested, what did your doctor do with that information? Did he/she prescribe different meds than just anti-depressants to correct the imbalances? I'm especially interested in a thyroid that goes up & down, as I think mine does. Also, with a glucose imbalance, is that just correctable through diet, similar to a diabetic?
Thanks for all the great info!
~ Lynne
Posted by banga on December 7, 2004, at 9:28:12
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 9:17:44
Lynne,
Glucose imbalance can indeed be helped by diet...the principal is basically the same--reduce anything that raises blood sugar levels quickly. This means sugars, simple carbohydrates (white flour products, some other things like potatoes, juices, caffeine, to name a few). I used to follow a diet siilar to the Atkins diet or Zone diet--not for weight loss, but because it takes into account blood sugar fluctuations.
I sympathise with everyone here--I dont have this conditions as bad as many of you, the 1-2 days before my period are extremely rocky however. good luck.
Posted by jujube on December 7, 2004, at 10:05:16
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 9:17:44
I, too, suffer greatly each month with PMDD. I find that as I get older, the symptoms seem to get worse. In August, I was put on Depo Provera by the gyno that I had been referred to by my gp. Up to that point, I thought that nothing could be as bad as my monthly PMS suffering. Boy, was I wrong! After the Depo shot, I went through what I can only call three months of sheer hell. I threw up every morning for 1.5 months to 2 months, I had severe mood swings and the worst depression and anxiety I have ever experienced. The shot has now worn off, and I will never have another one. Now I am in the process of trying to balance my hormones naturally.
The first thing I am going to try is Vitex (Chasteberry), which is supposed to be a very good natural supplement for PMDD. In my research on Vitex (Chasteberry), I found the following: Recent findings confirm that Chaste Tree helps restore a normal estrogen-to-progesterone balance. It can not only ease, but with time, actually cure premenstrual syndrome, which has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, especially if symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. European herbalists also used it historically to treat fibroid tumors and other female complaints. As the baby-boom generation passes into menopause, this herb will be rediscovered by women looking for a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy.
In addition, I just came across an article in a women's magazine I read about a woman who suffered greatly each month, and had seen one endocrinologist after another. The last one she saw recommended calcium, and told her the calcium would cure her PMS. The article went on to say that a finding recently reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that low calcium intake is the underlying factor wreaking havoc with many women's monthly hormonal cycles, leading to irritability, depression, tension, cramps, cravings and more. It further stated that calcium is essential for the synthesis, release and secretion of hormones that regulate muscles and nerve tissues. The mineral is so key, in fact, that after taking 1,200 mg of calcium daily for just three months, the women in the study reported a 50% reduction in their PMS symptoms. It is recommended that women include 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium in their diet combined with vitamin D since D enhances calcium's absorption and efficiency. So, if you are going to supplement with calcium, make sure to choose a formula that includes vitamin D.
Tamara
> I agree with Dove - all this information is really wonderful, thanks to all who've posted!
>
> So, those of you who had all the different hormone and chemical levels tested, what did your doctor do with that information? Did he/she prescribe different meds than just anti-depressants to correct the imbalances? I'm especially interested in a thyroid that goes up & down, as I think mine does. Also, with a glucose imbalance, is that just correctable through diet, similar to a diabetic?
>
> Thanks for all the great info!
>
> ~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 10:15:28
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info » LynneDa, posted by jujube on December 7, 2004, at 10:05:16
Tamara - This is wonderful stuff, thank you!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mariposa on December 9, 2004, at 12:00:43
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 10:15:28
I just wanted to add my kudos... LynneDa, jujube, Mel32, Liv, Banga - ALL GREAT INFO and recommendations!!!! Dr. Vliet is OUTSTANDING, and all the things mentioned - calcium!! etc. are well worth the second look as possiblilities.
Am 49, no children or pregnancies, suffer PMDD which has worsened with age. Married 15 years and husband still has problems w/me even though I beleive he kind of understands. Keeping calendar VERY important for showing HIM the *cycle of violence*. Finding another outlet for RAGE is very important!!!
Currently on 30mg Lexapro - a lifesaver in my opinion. Has *cured* my insomnia, have not had problems w/weight gain. After 9 mos. or so was able to enjoy sex again.
I just hope there are others who will give Lex a chance to work (it does take a WHILE, but results for me were worth the wait) and not give up too easily without investigationg ALL of the options and possibilities out there!!!
Best of Luck to us all!~~~8|8
Posted by perkidoom on December 10, 2004, at 20:23:16
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by LynneDa on December 7, 2004, at 9:17:44
I just had some blood work done I will find out and also take what I have learned hear to my doctor. I am so thrilled thatI can get the scoop hear rather then just shoting in the dark. THANK YOU FOR SHARING, this really helps people learn about this.
Posted by perkidoom on December 10, 2004, at 20:27:43
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by perkidoom on December 10, 2004, at 20:23:16
wow it is pretty scary having to try all these different hormone and meds. Hummm but its worth it to me and my husband and family if somthing really will work.
Posted by shell1966 on March 16, 2006, at 8:05:31
In reply to Metformin cure for PMDD?, posted by Liv on December 29, 2003, at 16:00:56
Hi Everyone,
Im so new to all of this, and would just like to say what an amazing site and to think that I thought I was the only person in the whole world suffering like this, its good to know I am not alone, not that I would wish this up on anyone. What a nice bunch of friendly people you all are, I have been reading this site for a while now but have only just plucked up the courage to post a message well this is my second one today, but thanks to all of you with encouraging info on this awful pmddd, just one thing i would like to ask if you dont mind what sort of vitamins are normally taken and what are the doses?
thankyou shell
Posted by Talula on March 10, 2007, at 20:50:25
In reply to Re: Doug, posted by KarenB on November 24, 2000, at 11:13:05
Hello all,
I am new to this forum, and have been reading through many of the threads here on PMDD. After a few years of noticing a pattern to my mood changes, researching, and trying to scrape up enough courage to seek treatment, I am (finally) very motivated to find an answer to my problem. I suspect it may be PMDD (and in fact, have been tracking my symptoms), but I'm also wondering about depression and/or anxiety. I am new to my area, and have yet to establish a relationship with a physician, so, I am hedging around, trying to figure out WHO to go to. I don't want to go to just ANY phsyician or psychiatrist. I want to go to someone who is well-informed regarding PMDD and mood disorders.In this post I was reading, posted by KarenB in response to Doug, Karen suggests locating a "mood disorder specialist." My question is, how would a person go about finding someone who is a mood disorder specialist? Very few docs seem to be advertised as such.
And, not to further complicate this post, but does anyone have any experience with psychopharmacologists or neuropsychopharmacologists? From all the reading I've been doing, it seems that it may also be advantageous to find a doctor who has a deep understanding of the "chemistry" of the brain (e.g. the role of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, etc). Anyway...any advice on any of these topics would be deeply appreciated.
> Doug,
>
> It is good of you to hang in there with her - I think. If she refuses to seek help, however, it is time to make decisions for yourself that are right and healthy. If she is abusive AND refuses to seek help, well, I hope you would know what to do. First, though, ask her to get help when she is not in an irrational, proud, "I'm perfectly fine" state of mind. I am assuming you are not married (?)
>
> I would strongly suggest that she seek a consultation with a mood disorder specialist like Dr. Steven Dobovsky here in Denver, to find out just what is really going on with her. I am not talking about just any psychiatrist. It may be a mood disorder and not only PMS or PMDD (PMS from hell). She may find that a mood stabilizer may just change her life. If she is bipolar, Prozac will not.
>
> I can't tell you how many years I thought I just had REALLY BAD PMS, only to find that my mood swings were not corresponding with my cycle or menses - they were just considerably WORSE from ovulation straight through my period. I have tried every natural herb you can imagine, every tea. Exercise, diet restrictions, you name it. Over the years my cycles of insanity simply got closer together, until it was one fast and scary roller coaster ride.
>
> Since I have been on Tegretol (almost two months) I have gone through a complete cycle without becoming Mrs. Hyde or contemplating suicide. This could be kind of a miracle but I'll give it some more time before I make a judgment. I too have gotten my hopes up more times than I can count, only to be dissappointed. That's not what I am expecting this time, though. I think this time, it may just be for real. I am always hopeful.
>
> Too bad that the docs can't fulfill my request for some kind of permanent euphoric hypomania. Oh well...
>
> Hi back to you, Anna and Janice!
>
> Karen
Posted by NN on May 10, 2007, at 1:15:30
In reply to Re: soo happy to find some info, posted by Liv on December 6, 2004, at 14:55:11
Actually on days 1-5 your estradiol should be less than 80 and more than 25. More than 80 pg/ml suggests premature follicle stimulation probably occurred before menstruation. High estradiol in the early follicular phase suppresses FSH so a "normal" level of FSH in that instance would be misleading.
I'm positive that Dr. Vliet would agree.
Posted by nathan6801 on November 27, 2008, at 19:53:46
In reply to PMS vs. PMDD vs. Bipolar, posted by Dan on February 16, 2001, at 15:11:13
it is not pmdd that occours one to two weeks before period. it is bipolar paxil alone is not very effective but if taken with an antianxity works better. also if a paxil dose is missed at all you are back to square one, it takes weeks to work and should not be missed. depakote is a much more effective bipolar treatment its fast and effective, and dude never ever call it a episode to her if you, well just dont. they dont like that but you have to understand its not her fault when having a episode they seem to attack the ones that take care of them and love them the most good luck learn to be paitent
This is the end of the thread.
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