Excellent idea

Hi Steve,

Yes, I certainly think that speaking privately with your family doctor is an excellent idea. Tell him exactly how you feel and what your thoughts are on the matter, and rope him in as an aide. I'm sure you will not be the first husband to approach him for these reasons. ;) My husband did the same with me, and it worked! (I was very stubborn in the beginning too) :D

As an impartial 3rd party the doc could prove to be really helpful, especially given the fact that your wife is a nurse and is reluctant to take advice from non-medical people. At the very least he could tactfully, without mentioning your private meeting with him, bring the PMS/PMDD to her attention. This might at least get her thinking about things (even if she is reluctant to admit it at first) and bring her that much closer to final self-realization/admission, which should lead to taking the necessary steps to do something positive about it. It would be a beginning, and that is better than nothing. ;)

As a matter of fact, the doc might tell you that worsening PMS, missed periods, lack of libido and a host of other symptoms is very common for women going through peri-menopause, you might confirm this with him just for interests' sake. If she is actually experiencing peri-menopause (only the doc can diagnose this), and it is managed/treated correctly, then the PMS/PMDD symptoms should decrease and become more bearable for her, and more pleasant to deal with, for you.

I wish you all the best,
Anthea