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Hi,
I'm 38, single, never been married or had children (yet). I have been struggling with PMS, and more recently, PMDD, for many years. I have physical as well as emotional symptoms. My emotional symptoms are by far the most debilitating part of my cycle. I am very fit, active, and follow the nutritional guidelines within reason. I still enjoy a beer on occasion, as well as sweets once in awhile. I don't want to live a life devoid of the small pleasures. Unfortunately, my week before my period has been a very difficult time for me, as I become so irritable and moody, and withdraw from friends and my boyfriend the week before my period. I even took a day off from work recently, as I was so down and couldn't face work. During the rest of my month, I am outgoing, enjoy relationships, and am very social and upbeat. This week stands out in stark contrast to my usual personality.
I am happy to find this website, but also tired and beaten down by this syndrome. I am frustrated that I feel compelled to hide my struggles from others, as I feel "weak" and somehow deficient for experiencing depression and unable to cope with others during this week. I've gone to a homeopath, and although it has helped me in other areas of my life, my PMS almost feels worse. I just started taking the 5-HTP, in addition to my multi-vitamin and calcium and omega-3's, that I already take. I know that tryptophan is preferred, but the 5-HTP is easier to get and I needed something that was available, that moment...I got "The Mood Cure" from the library, and that book also was very positive about the use of 5-HTP for my symptoms around PMDD. I am also thinking of taking Tyrosine, as it also may help with the moodiness/depression assoicated with PMDD.
So, that's where I stand. Just thought I'd write a bit about myself, as it's helped me to read about others and their struggle. I really feel that PMDD has held me back in so many ways, as I'm always aware that for a week a month, I can't take on responsibility, and can't handle being around others. It is a very debilitating illness, and I wish there was more awareness and acceptance of it. Thanks.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, we are always here with a hearing ear and a willing shoulder should you need it at any time. Continue with the good work you're doing towards effectively treating your symptoms. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and even if you might only glimpse it now and again at the start, it will shine ever brighter the longer you remain on course.
All the best,
Anthea
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Hi Andrea,
Thanks for this website, and for your response to my message. During my premenstrual time of the month, it's very hard to be alone with the way I feel, so finding your website has been such a wonderful help. Just reading the posts helps to know that my feelings are not unique, and others are struggling with the same thing.
Has anyone tried homeopathy for PMDD? I went to a homeopath, as I didn't want to go on Sarafem yet, which my OB/GYN recommended. I liked the homeopath and find that some things are changing positively in my life, since taking the remedy. My PMDD symptoms were in fact, worse after taking the remedy, however. I've gone back to her after that, and found that I may have taken too much of the remedy, which causes an exacerbation of the symptoms...I have to wait another cycle, to see if the homeopathic remedy has had an impact. Has anyone else gone to a homepath and been given a remedy for her PMDD? Thanks,
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Hi,
My homeopath spent an hour or so with me, and we talked about myself. The remedy she prescribed for me was "pulsatilla", and she prescribed it as a remedy for me, not just my PMDD. It does happen to be a remedy for menstrual difficulties, but she prescribed it as it fit my total character and personality. Homeopaths try to find your total character, and prescribe based on that, rather than your symptoms.
I felt immediately better, but more wholistically so. I just felt calmer, more at peace, and less insecure and lacking confidence. It did seem to help me with my character weak points, with my vulnerabilities. I don't know if it's going to help my PMDD yet. I took too much of the remedy initially, which made my first cycle after taking it, worse than it usually is. So, we've taken a smaller remedy amount, to bring it down, and I'm waiting for my next cycle, to see if it helps. I call her every week to check in, and see how everything is going, and I'm to see her for a follow-up in 6 weeks. Thanks.
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