Hi
Glad you found us, and I can guarantee you that you are not alone. Many have expressed the same feelings about their experiences with PMDD. Many have lost much in their lives because of its negative effects, effects which aren't addressed by medical professionals or recognized by society in general, so it is no wonder that your friends don't understand what it is you are going through.
I will find out a good resource for you re. L-Tryptophan in Canada and get back to you here in the forum shortly. In the meantime, there are food sources of L-Tryptophan (it is a natural essential amino acid).
I recommend that you start including lots of turkey and legumes in your diet (eat the turkey at night - you may get sleepy). And not processed cold cuts! Real turkey on the bone!
Also, a very good source is warmed milk (if you are not lactose intolerant). Don't boil the milk! Just warm it up - lukewarm - and drink 1 glass about 1 hour before bedtime.
Do this for the entire duration of your PMDD time. It is very important that you get out and do some exercise daily -- this will help get the L-Tryptophan through the brain's natural barier to where it can start doing its good work in restoring serotonin levels (which gets depleted very rapidly when under stress, feeling depressed, anxious etc.)
Make sure your diet is nutritious and healthy, cut out sodas, caffeine and other excessively processed foods from your diet, avoid red meat during the time from ovulation until after menstruation (2 weeks) and eat more poultry (chicken, turkey). Eat salads with lots of lettuce -- lettuce will naturally balance progesterone levels which will counter any excessive estrogen imbalances you may have. Get yourself a good quality multi-vitamin to take daily with meals -- this is extremely important.
These are all very effective measures you can implement right away, at minimal cost. Don't expect a miracle overnight though, give it about 3 weeks to see real results. Start right away and by your next period you should start noticing some differences in how you feel. And continue with these adjustments to life-style even if you're feeling better. It is also extremely important to evaluate your daily life and see where you can de-stress your life. Stress plays a major role in the onset of PMS and PMDD -- it is a factor which is not addressed with enough importance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me, I am glad to assist where I can.
All the best,
Anthea