Any Advice on PMDD?

Updated on March 25, 2008
E.R. asks from Philadelphia, PA
15 answers

Just wondering if anyone has any other advice on PMDD besides anti-depressants.

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M.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi E.!
You can try this if you like...this has helped me on many things...it's called EFT (emotional freedom technique), and the website is www.emofree.com. Working with this is fast and easy, maybe a bit unusual, but you know, when you want relief, we'll do whatever it takes!
I am also a grandmother of one, and a mom of two daughters.
Hope this helps!
Margie

1 mom found this helpful

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K.H.

answers from Allentown on

I would consult a nurtritionist. someone schooled in not only the medicine of nutrition but one who is educated in natural and homeopathic wellness. it could be as simple as a blood test to determine something lacking (nutritionally) in your body.
I believe in chemical medicines only as a last resort. Im sure there's much that can be done for you without the use of chemical medications...also EFT deffinately (as reccommended by Mardi... the www.emofree.com website...) thats wonderful and will help you a great deal
we have been using EFT for a few months now and its amazing how well it works on 'everything' that we've tried it on!
good luck to you.
Kimberlie

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K.S.

answers from Harrisburg on

I take YAZ (birth control pill) because while I haven't been diagnosed with PMDD, I'm pretty sure I have it. I was constantly up and down and up and down on my other bc pill, but since I switched to YAZ, I've been on an even keel. I love it. :)

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V.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi E.! I am the mother of two, grandmother of 3, love my jobs, and am happily married too, but take an antidepressant which I am not ashamed of admitting. I am still perimenopause but menopause is right around the corner so that's why I needed an antidepressant which was just increased due to increased depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Sometimes you need that little extra help. It doesn't mean you'll be on it forever, just long enough to make your life more productive. Do you exercise? If not, try walking or yoga. They help me greatly. And learn to say NO. I realize the older I get, the more easily I can say that little word without feeling guilty. I do wish you the best of luck!!

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M.O.

answers from Philadelphia on

Better diet! Cut our dairy and gluten which is in all white flour and wheat products. Eating these types of food makes your body respond as if there is something wrong. These foods inflame and make your gut leaky which weakens your immune system. A weaken immune system causes all sorts of problems in your body. Also adding fish oil or crill oil would be good. These oils have anti inflammatory properties in them which help to deflame the body.

This requires a life change to cut these items out of your diet. Everyone says it's so hard but really it's worth it. It's your life and your body you can take care of it or you can let it run on dirty oil.

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F.H.

answers from Sharon on

Therapy for sure if you find a therapist who belives you can mange your sypomtoms enough to be cured. Aslo try oil of evening primrose. You have to take it with certain vitamins and some health conditions may not be good but do a search on the internet and find out about it. Usually between 3000 and 4000mg is good.

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

i stuggle with mild depression b/c of stress. like you it is on and off..if i walk in the daytime at some point it does help..T.

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L.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I'm sure you know me - my picture is in the encyclopedia under "PMDD Personified."

Prozac is the best thing that ever happened to me and my family. It has been a Godsend. I would have 10 good days and 16 badones like clockwork. Even my sons knew my cycle. It's been over 10 years now and I'm happier than I've ever been.

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D.G.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I do not have any advice, but I am sort of in the same position as you. Three sons and 1 beautiful grandaughter. I also have anxiety, depression, etc. I am so affected by what happens to other people. I babysit my grandaughter and I want to be the best Grammy there is. I also take one prescription and the dose gets adjusted, but I agree ....not a cure all , just helps to cope. Just know you are not alone!
Deb

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M.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi E.,
I just wanted to write and tell you how much I can relate to your description of yourself. Crowds are very anxiety-producing for me as well and so Church is difficult as is grocery shopping, etc. You are not alone. I often feel no one else has this, but I see that you do so thought I'd drop you a note. As for PMDD, I have never been formally diagnosed, but am pretty sure I can relate to that, too. I take Lexapro which has helped me immensely with no side effects that I've noticed. Non-drug things that help me are taking long baths, listening to calming music and Yoga. I took Yoga when I lived in Ohio (where I grew up), but haven't found a place here yet. Have you ever tried Yoga? It's so amazing. I loved the place I went to back in OH because it was a small group and became very calming for me. I am hesitant to try a new place because of the whole crowd thing.
Anyway...I would highly recommend Yoga - even if you buy or rent a DVD and do it in your own home. You don't have to be super flexible or do anything that isn't comfortable for you. The philosophy of Yoga is quite beautiful. Anyway...I'm rambling...many blessings to you. I hope you find a coping mechanism that works for you.

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D.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi E.,
I am not sure about PMDD but I have had great results in my practice helping people deal with fears, phobias and anxiety. I also incorporate Clinical Hypnosis for hormonal changes associated for PMS, to "wo"menopause and beyond. I teach people EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique and then help them get to the bottom of their anxieties, fears, limiting thinking and habits. It is a very powerful self help tool which has "saved many a day" for me and hundreds of thousands of others. My office is in Lambertville, New Jersey and my name is D. Troy, www.troywellness.com. Hope that gives you and others some help with concerns about anxieties, fears, phobias, negative long held patterns etc...
D. Troy

M.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Not sure if you've tried Vitex (can be purchased at GNC), but a friend of mine is using trying it this month after hearing success stories. I had success with Vitex regulating my cycles after too many years on the pill, but I'm hearing others relating to PMDD. If you decide to take it, take it on an empty stomach, start with one/day.

Good luck!

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N.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

I think you should try some therapy. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. You may need to try a few therapists before you find one you like. This is the often-ignored hard work component of healing anxiety/depression issues---the drugs help so much, but we can't discount the emotions and thoughts that surround these disorders. A good therapist can help you develop tools to use in the problem situations so you can cope better.
Good luck.

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have been dealing with PMDD symptoms for about a year, though I have never officially been diagnosed. I will not go on antidepressants because of the side effects (I think they are over prescribed).
I asked my chiropractor about it and he recommended good quality Omega-3 supplements. I have not tried it yet, but am going to get some. He said to take them daily and double up the week before my period and any other times that I know that I will be stressed. The hormones cause a drop in ceratonin and something else (I forget what he said) and the omega-3 will help regulate that.

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F.S.

answers from Lancaster on

I found a neutritional juice that has helped me in lots of ways, I do not have PMDD, but have trouble with discouragement, especially on dreary days. You can find out more about this juice on a web site at www.greathealth-tour.com/efs If you decide to become a member, they have great Doctor support, that goes with your membership. I am a Mother of 5, Grandmother of 10, and wife of a wonderful husband.

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