PMT and depression - anti depressants/other remedies.

[hazeyjane]

Does anyone have bouts of extreme depression in the 2 weeks leading up to their periods?

I am 43, and since having ds at 41, have been suffering from awful pmt, and then headaches during and just after my period, which means that I am feeling shot to pieces for a large part of the month.

My gp originally diagnosed me with pnd, and I have been on citalopram for the last year and a half. I stopped taking them a few months ago, because I was feeling as though I was coping with stuff, and on a day to day level I am, but in the pre menstrual period, i am feeling awful.

If I have to i will go back on the anti depressants (which definitely helped with pmt), but I just wondered if anyone had any other treatments that worked for them.

I've posted this in general health as well.

Thankyou

[kerstina]

I will be watching this with interest as I have the same problem. I am taking a very low dose of seroxat to help me cope with the horrible pmt symptoms which include feeling very edgy, thoughts racing and feeling like I have to do everything quick and paranoia. I know it is a physical thing rather than a mental thing as i know exactly what time of the month I will feel like it.
I don't like taking the seroxat it gives me a dry mouth. I am going to ask if there is something I can take just on the days I need it. If anyone can suggest anything else I would be very interested too. I really understand how you feel OP it can be quite debilitating.

[Corygal]

Yup, me too. I never bother remembering or writing my cycle down because the first sign is always a cruel attack of anxiety or depression.

Drives me nuts. The GP suggested oil of evening primrose but it takes ages to work (like months).

The pill works too apparently.

[hazeyjane]

Thankyou, good to know I am not the only one.

I don't like taking the pill, as I have had bad reactions to it in the past. Evening Primrose did nothing for me, and I took it for ages. I have started taking Vit b6 and agnus castus, but I am not placing too much hope in it, as I haven't really had a huge success with stuff like this in the past.

It is hard to explain to people just how awful it is, as i think people believe that pms/pmt is just 'getting a bit cranky'.

I've made an appointment with gp, to talk about it, but really hoped I wouldn't have to go back on anti depressants.

[boredtotears]

I get very tearful / emotional when I ovulate, then again just before a period also teamed up with a migraine - I do sympathise with everyone here and will keep an eye on this thread as well as see my gp. DH just tells everyone that it's pmt and just ignore me! Nice!

[Faybells]

I have the same problem. Homeopathy has really helped me but I have to be strict in taking the remedies. Find a good homeopath and give it a shot. Last month my period came as a surprise!! Honestly!! Good luck. X x

[hazeyjane]

Spoke to gp yesterday, she thinks it might be best to go back on anti depressants, but also wants to do a thyroid test.

A friend recommended an acupuncturist, which I am going to look into.

Tbh, I think I will probably have to go back on the anti-ds (I know I sound defeatist!)