Written by Melinda
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Mother Nature brought my gift…
I don’t recall ever having a “normal” period since its inception in Jr High School. It always involved heavy bleeding, cramps, irritability, mood swings… I felt at times like my emotions were in a cage, and I was unable to express them. It made me wonder, “Does every woman feel like this?”
One reason is because I suffer from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Google Health lists these symptoms of PMDD and states that 5 of these must be present for a diagnosis:
- Disinterest in daily activities and relationships
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feeling of sadness or hopelessness, possible suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of tension or anxiety
- Feeling out of control
- Food cravings or binge eating
- Mood swings marked by periods of teariness
- Panic attack
- Persistent irritability or anger that affects other people
- Trouble concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches and joint or muscle pain
- Sleep disturbances
Without fail, 7 to 10 days before the day I start my period, these symptoms begin to show up. I also tend to have nightmares and a very POOR self esteem and concerns of Tim leaving me rise. And he knows when I ask, “Do you love me? Do you think I’m pretty?” that I need some extra special affirmations from him. He reminds me in his southern draw “Hun, ya know this happens every month. It’s time for your period.” But he hugs me close anyway and we both ride out the storm until the day the blood flow finally starts!
This month, something has changed. I recently was put on a medication for depression which is among the SSRI category (selective seratonin-reuptake inhibitors). My therapist was the one who explained that often times, PMDD is present in people whose seratonin levels are low. And during that ten day window prior to the cycle, it takes drastic dips and it causes the symptoms listed above (which are emotionally taxing). The purpose of the SSRI is to raise the seratonin levels, and even it out during hormone times. I’m happy to report: IT WORKED!
Last week the only symptoms that notified me of Mother Nature and her gift was the bloating/full feeling in my abdomen accompanied by constipation. I was also very tired but much to my surprise, Saturday I started my period. Later that day, I asked Tim, “Have I acted like I normally do when its that time of month?” He said, “No. Not at all. I didn’t even know it was time for your period.” I have been very happy with the results so far of this medication.
My gynecologist never talked to me about this possible solution. Actually, I had grown so concerned and tired of dealing with this every month that I just KNEW I had some type of chemical imbalance. I sought the help of a psychiatrist who, in the only visit I’ve had, was able to pinpoint the problem. It was he who provided my solution. He also said that the Mirena made my matters much worse! While some women have fabulous results, those like myself don’t do so well.
So if you have problems with PMDD and your doctor has not given you information, ask him or her about a decreased seratonin level and how that might affect you. Perhaps an SSRI might be of help in your situation. One thing for sure… I have hope now that I can live from month to month like a “normal” woman.
