Death-Rattle PMS

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

All right. Does anyone else go completely insane the day or two prior to starting? This is a serious question, and I am afraid it doesn't sound like one. The day or two before my period, I feel completely exhausted, lethargic, depressed and irrational, and all of this is accompanied by back pain that makes me waddle and limp, and sometimes I get the pleasure of intense nausea to go along with it. I don't keep track of my cycle, and I probably should. When it's over, I just want to forget it. I feel light and happy within minutes of finally starting - then, I just have wrenching cramps, but I can usually take the greater edge off of those with three to five Aleve. The physical pain of the cramps, provided that I have access to Aleve, is the least of my problems. My doctor suggested that I take Prozac during each cycle for the two weeks prior to my period, but I declined. SSRIs make me feel like I'm on cocaine, and I don't like it. I figure, if I wanted to feel unpleasantly, anxiously, irrationally energetic, I'd just do cocaine. I don't want cocaine, and I don't want an SSRI. I would happily take them if they didn't make me feel like that. Ugh. Thanks for listening. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Comments

[amylynn.livejournal.com]

Hmmm.
I can tell you, on the cramps issue, that if you start dosing yourself up with Aleve a week before you start bleeding, the cramps shouldn't kick your ass nearly as much.
As far as the PMS stuff... well... hm. Not sure what to tell you. I had similar symptoms before I was on the pill, and they seemed to lessen somewhat after a couple of months on it -- but not *that* much, to be honest...
Also, random but related side nore: if antidepressants make you feel that energetic... any doctor ever asked you about bipolar? I don't know you so I have no idea if that's remotely applicable, but... yeah. Just watchin' out. :)
Good luck...
-amy

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

Well, actually, I've been evaluated for it, and it was concluded that I am not bipolar. I've been told that I've got ADD (doesn't everyone?) and that while I at risk for chronic low-grade depression, I don't manifest symptoms for long enough at a stretch to warrant treatment. I really shy away from psychotropics, mostly because of my history with recreational drugs. I *feel* them (much like tampons - I *always* know they're there), and I don't like them (much like tampons). I'm fine most of the time...just those few days before the period starts, I start channeling Van Gogh and Elizabeth Bathory. Heh. :) Thanks for the reply. I'll have to mark me new calendar (see response below) to start my Aleve therapy early next time.

[isolt.livejournal.com]

5-HTP is the precursor to seratonin -- taking some of it might perhaps help your moods? It's not that hard to get, they have it at my local Meijer, and I'd bet you could find it at any vitamin store.

as for the back pain, maybe you would want to see a chiropractor? Mine helped me immensly. Of course, I had back problems more than once a month, but maybe getting your back all straightened out once a month may help, too.

Keeping track of your cycle is *always* a good thing :) I recommend that you start, even if your just make a note of the day you got your period every month.

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

Okay. Noted. I will get some 5-htp on tonight's trip to the co-op.

While I do have a history of back problems, these are period-specific and only get me the day or three prior to start. Once I've gotten through the first twelve or so hours and eaten more than the legal dose of Aleve, it subsides almost immediately.

And you are right, I should be keeping track. Hmm. Better add "wall calendar" to my shopping list.

[smithris.livejournal.com]

kinda sounds like me...i get all of those feelings...i am not myself for at least 3 days prior

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

I hate it. It varies from cycle to cycle for me on how hideous the approach is. This month was one of the worst on record. I'll let everyone know how the 5-htp works out.

Re:

[smithris.livejournal.com]

that would be awesome.
i get sooo moody, and my bf and i fight soo much...but only around the time that my period will be coming. about a week or less before.

[gigglinggorgon.livejournal.com]

I had that problem until I started taking daily viatmin supplaments. Perhaps my body just needs a boost at that time, but if you don't take vitamins, it wouldn't hurt to try it... I find Centrum Complete the best, and the gentelest to my stomach without sacrificing anything.

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

Okay...vitamins *and* 5-htp (sounds like a pool cleaner!). :) My man-person needs to take vitamins, too, so we'll get the multi-cat size. Thank you!

Re:

[gigglinggorgon.livejournal.com]

:) good luck! (and remember, men need a LOW iron suppliment... they have actually found men are poisoning themselves by taking too much iron, since they don't need it for menses!)

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

Righto. Don't want to poison the man with iron. Noted. :)

Re:

[gigglinggorgon.livejournal.com]

LoL

5-htp

[bonniebon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I recomend 5-htp too, I've never tried it myself but it sounds pretty amazing. Its kind of expensive though. A cheaper alternative is St. John's wort (taken every day, even when not having pms) as a former depression sufferer (and a pms sufferer for years) I find St John's wort very helpful. (I avoid taking it in the evening though because I find that it keeps me awake). I haven't completely beaten the pms but I'm working on it. Dong Quai is also a herb I've found helpful.

Re: 5-htp

[zitronenhai.livejournal.com]

*Scribbling on grocery list, 5-htp* Good. I'll try almost anything. The onset of this period was so bad that I thought I had the stomach flu! I actually called in to work. I rarely if ever call in sick...I felt like a heel the next day when Great Aunt Mathilda appeared for her monthly visit. Urrrgh! Thanks for the tip.

Re: 5-htp

[sekhmetsat.livejournal.com]

if you can't find 5-htp, there is always sam-e.

[hiphopdiary.livejournal.com]

I get crazy two weeks before I get my period. I'm the only person who completely welcomes the actual period part. I smoke weed if I have it and I'm feeling especially freaked out. Lame as it seems, ice cream works every time.